After my third semester at Brown, I have really come into my own. I decided on my major at the end of my second semester, landing on a degree in environmental science and studies. This fall, I took Diversity of Life, Humans, Nature, and the Environment: Addressing Environmental Change in the 21st Century, Eating and the Politics of Wellness, and Local Food Systems and Urban Agriculture. I have found a passion for engaged scholarship classes where I can work with the broader Providence community. Two of these classes allowed me to create my own projects with community partners to apply what I have learned in class. I collaborated with a local community garden to create workshops on teaching community members about herbalism and worked with New Shoreham Waste Water Management to reduce the amount of grease ending up in wastewater systems. I am still an active member of the Brown Climbing Club and have found rock climbing to be a source of wonderful community and a way to destress with my strenuous workload.The friends I have met at school have become like family to me, and we spent many weekends of the semester exploring New England with trips to New Hampshire to hike the White Mountains, swimming at Walden Pond and visiting the Vineyard! I continue to be very fond of Brown’s open curriculum, as I do have many requirements to fulfill for my major, however, I can still take class in any discipline where I have room. I have taken courses in urban studies, religious studies and science, technology, and society (STS). Additionally, I am currently in the process of applying to study abroad in Copenhagen to study the production and consumption of sustainable food. I am so thankful and filled with gratitude for MVYouth’s continued support and I’m looking forward to my fourth semester this spring!

I recently completed my first semester at Brown University and could not be happier with my choice. I found my adjustment to Providence very smooth, coming from the ruralness of the Vineyard. I love to explore each part of the city and become acquainted with my home for the next four years. I explored multiple academic disciplines this semester, including environmental science, dance studies, and religious studies. The academic freedom Brown fosters made me realize I want to pursue a major in environmental studies, as I thoroughly enjoyed my class that connected sustainable agriculture and global hunger. I had a unique opportunity in my Introduction to Critical Dance Studies, where I was the only student. There, I had the opportunity to engage deeply with each of my readings and have exceptional one-on-one discussions with my professor. Considering I had immense authority over my learning, I thoroughly enjoyed my reading and writing assignments. Outside of academics, I’ve been an active member of the Women’s Health Advocacy Group and Brown’s chapter of Sunrise, a national environmental justice group. Next semester, I’m hoping to venture more into the broader Providence community to engage in volunteering opportunities. I’ve realized the importance of time management and finding ways to de-stress and rest my mind from the strenuous workload. I’ve joined the Brown Outing Club and Brown Rock Climbing Club and found that exercise in college has been a great way to do this. I remain immensely grateful for MVYouth’s generosity and support. It has provided me with amazing and unique experiences at a school I am already falling in love with.