First-Gens – UFLi Digital Archive

Meet Carla Yuridia Balvaneda (she/hers), a sophomore from Southern California. Carla plans to concentrate in International and Public Affairs, and potentially Education Studies as well. She is also the Community Outreach Chair for First-Gens@Brown. Read the full interview below:

How are you?
I’m alive. I’ve actually been doing pretty well I think. I almost don’t recognize myself with how well I’m doing. I’m putting support systems in place and taking care of myself in ways that I didn’t prioritize in other semesters. I really enjoy my classes this semester also.

Why did you decide to get involved with First-Gens@Brown?
I think coming in as a first-year, move-in day was probably the worst day. I remember during orientation week there was an event for U-FLi students. I almost cried because I remember hearing things that resonate with me. Coming here and not knowing a single soul was kind of alienating, along with the introduction to academia. Being involved with First-Gens@Brown was a way to be involved with the U-FLi Center and a group that works together to empower students. I think it was helpful for me to find that community and help foster that community I was looking for.

Any advice for first years?
Go to CAPS. I think it’s okay to not know, whether that’s what I want to concentrate in or feeling lost. I’ve realized that that’s not something only I was experiencing. Also definitely take advantage of resources, like being able to communicate with alumni, talking to deans, going to office hours. It’s definitely something I wasn’t comfortable with my first year because I didn’t have experience with it and was learning how to navigate it. I wish I had taken more risks in those areas. In terms of balancing family expectations and my expectations, I’ve realized that what really matters is what I want to do and that I enjoy doing what I want to do.

Who are you outside of Brown?
I feel like that’s something that lately I’ve been trying to figure out. In realizing that I’m going home, or things outside of school, I think it’s hard sometimes. Being on campus and living here, it feels like Brown is everything but I remind myself I’m only 19 years old. Being here is only a small part of who I’m going to be and who I want to be.

I also like literary fiction. I like hot cheetos with cheese, with lemon, or Valentina.

Meet Lynna and Valerie – the new co-presidents of First-Gens@Brown! We met with them last Sunday to discuss their experiences with the group & any advice they might have for students who are struggling to adjust to life at Brown.

Valerie Castro (’20)

Why did you decide to run for eboard positions?
“I was really interested in continuing to be involved with the group, in having a main position. Last year, it was nice to talk to Amy, talk to Ashley, so I wanted to continue being involved and I thought one way to do that was to know what’s going on behind the scenes.”

Lynna Ngo (’21)

Why did you decide to run for eboard positions?
“I think coming as a first year on campus, there can be a lot of challenges. Not only readjusting to Brown, learning how the college system works without having parents to guide you, and I think going to FG@B provided a community and direction, not only for myself, but for other students who are learning how to navigate Brown, and I thought it was a great community space.”

What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining but hasn’t gotten involved yet?
V: If you’re curious, you can either talk to one of us or you can show up to meetings at any point during the semester, whether you’ve been here for a week or you’re a senior, you’re completely welcome to come a meeting to see what we’re all about.

L: If you are looking to make new friends and build a community space, come join – we welcome people no matter how involved you want to be with the FLi or First-Gens@Brown community. Come check it out to see how it is, learn about the resources, and connect with friends.

Advice for first-years struggling to adjust to life at Brown?
V: Based on my personal experiences, I’ve found that joining clubs and not being by myself all the time was really helpful. When I struggle, I tend to isolate myself. Once I started having the confidence to go to clubs by myself and meet a bunch of new people, go to different events, it was a place to find other people that were struggling like to me and it’s easier to overcome them when you have support.

L: Take advantage of campus resources, whether it means going to tutoring, going to CAPS, talking to Dean Elie about financial support — don’t be afraid to ask for help, because Brown has the resources, you just have to go and utilize them.

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Carla Yuridia Balvaneda (’22)

First-Gens@Brown Co-Presidents: Valerie Castro ’20 and Lynna Ngo ’21

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