This week, we interviewed Georgeara Castadeña (she/they), a sophomore concentrating in Religious Studies. Read our conversation below:

How’s your sophomore year going?
Oof. It’s going. I think my sophomore year has been a lot of ups and downs, mainly downs, but I’m very proud of myself for being here and for getting through what I’ve been getting through. A lot of the times it’s easier said than done. I’m still learning to take my own advice.

How was your first year at Brown?
There was a lot of culture shock, a lot of adjusting. I remember just wanting to go home but after a while, finding mariachi and other things, I thought wow okay maybe Brown can be a home. My first year was full of a lot of growth. It was a very hard time but I managed to get through it.

Something you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
I wish I could tell her it’s going to be okay. I really need her to hear the words. I didn’t think it was going to get better but I managed to get through it and here I am. There’s a lot waiting for you.

How has your perception of Brown changed over time?
I never imagined Brown to be a perfect place, but especially with the Granoff article coming out, hearing the struggles of the UFLi community and other marginalized communities, I’ve come to realize Brown really is something. Brown has given me a lot of opportunities but there’s still so much Brown could do for us. I’m disappointed but not surprised. 

Where have you found community on campus?
I started doing Mariachi my first semester. I think it was the first club that actually made me feel at home. I think the first practice we sang Cielito Lindo and I almost started crying. It made me think, okay Brown can have parts of home.