The past few months that I have spent at Brown University have been the best of my life. I know that is a bold statement, but it is so very true.
I have found friendships that inspire me and a newfound freedom of expression that is celebrated by those around me. On top of this, I have never felt more intelligent in my life. Each class would leave me wondering what would come next, and giddy about what I had just learned. I would dive into office hours with a page of questions, and I would leave with double. Brown’s flexible curriculum left me taking classes that I adored: Biotechnology in Medicine, The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience, the Anthropology of Culture and Health, and Flat Earth to Quantum Uncertainty: On the Nature and Meaning of Scientific Explanation. The material was difficult, but I found myself choosing to watch documentaries involving the efficacy of CRISPRi, rather than logging onto Netflix to watch Lost. The knowledge was a tidal wave, but by finals, I could surf.
I began my semester overwhelmed with opportunities. Everywhere I looked there was someone to meet and something to explore, so I shopped 21 classes and explored 13 clubs. I bounced from Japanese drumming classes to cheerleading tryouts, and no, I have never touched a pom-pom or my toes in my life. I beatboxed through acapella tryouts, stumbled through dance teams and laughed through comedy troops. After a number of hectic weeks, I settled into a few exciting clubs. In fact, this January I will hop on a plane to Honduras with Brown Global Brigades to provide primary healthcare to underserved populations.
I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the support and generosity of MVYouth. Thanks to their kindness, Brown University has provided an incredible beginning.