Where’s Home? Istanbul, Turkey 

What are you concentrating in? Computer Science - Econ

I chose my concentration(s) because: I'm pursuing computer science and economics because they offer a powerful combination. Computer science equips me with technical skills for data analysis and software development, while economics provides insights into resource allocation and decision-making. Together, these fields allow me to explore the intersection of technology and the economy, opening doors to areas like fintech and data analytics. My aim is to use this knowledge to drive positive change, whether through entrepreneurship, policy analysis, or research.

On campus, I'm also: Member of Women in Business, Brown Entrepreneurship Program, Academic Coach

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is Nelson Center, My favorite place to relax is Quiet GreenThe best classes I have taken at Brown are: ENGN 0090

I like to advise about: As an academic coach, my role is to help students excel academically. I offer guidance in study strategies, time management, and organization, tailored to each student's needs. My goal is to foster a love for learning, promote critical thinking, and empower students to become independent, successful learners.A formative college experience for me was/is: One of the defining moments of my college experience occurred when I became a part of a diverse student organization. This involvement exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, viewpoints, and leadership roles, fostering personal and social growth and fostering enduring friendships. Furthermore, this engagement imparted essential teamwork and communication abilities, skills I've successfully applied in both my academic and professional endeavors, ultimately enriching my entire college journey.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: For first-year and sophomore students, I recommend placing a strong emphasis on self-discovery and exploration. During your initial college years, make it a priority to sample a wide range of courses, participate in various clubs, and engage in extracurricular activities. Embrace the opportunity to step beyond your comfort zone, as this is an ideal period to uncover your interests and strengths. Seek out mentors and advice from professors, advisors, and experienced peers to make well-informed decisions about your academic and career pathways. Lastly, always strive for a healthy equilibrium between your academic commitments and personal well-being to ensure a gratifying and successful college journey. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: To chill out and relax, I like to work out and hang out in nature. Working up a sweat helps me blow off steam, and being surrounded by nature's beauty calms my mind and takes the edge off stress. It's my way of keeping both my body and soul in check.

Where’s Home? Philadelphia Suburbs

What are you concentrating in? Business Economics and Public Health

I chose my concentration(s) because: Improving and analyzing our complex healthcare system is essential to maximizing well-being, and I belie;ve that economics is fundamental to understand as it impacts many spaces within our society 

On campus, I'm also: a part of Connect for Health, Collegiate Consulting Group, and the University Chorus in addition to being an Econ undergrad TA

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … the Sheridan Center in the SciLi...Fox Point Park

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: “Pathology to Power”, “Epidemiology”, and “International Trade”

I like to advise about: prioritizing self-care and schedule organization

A formative college experience for me was/is: still continuing to connect with classmates and learning immensely, not just through my courses, but more importantly from others

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: explore a wide range of courses and extracurriculars as soon as possible and test out a variety of study spots until you find where/what works best for you! 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: crocheting, exercise, and trying coffee shops around Providence

Where’s Home? Singapore

What are you concentrating in? Sociology & Computer Science

I chose my concentration(s) because: Sociology has always been part of my story! As the professor of my introductory course said, "Some fields study why people make certain choices. Sociology studies why people have no choices left to make". That has always stuck with me!

On the other hand, I came into Brown with no CS experience. The inclusivity of the CS department really drew me to the discipline, and now I absolutely love working on projects with my peers and professors.

On campus, I'm also: A dancer with Fusion Dance Company, a CS TA, and a Meiklejohn

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is any of the lounges on campus and my favorite place to relax is anywhere with my friends!

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: CSCI0111 (Intro-CS), ANTH0066J (So You Want to Change the World), and any SOC class!

I like to advise about: Anything that you need! I really like to tailor my advice to my advisees, so I'm happy chatting about whatever might concern or interest you. In the past, I have advised on how to balance busy schedules of academics and extracurriculars, CS course/career planning, DEI, and accessing accommodations.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Taking my first small seminar class! Coming from a high school where speaking up was not encouraged, it was eye-opening to be given the space to make myself heard. Even today, I am amazed every time I speak up and am listened to, and make a point of making space for others in return.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Do yourself proud! You owe your life to no one else, so do things at Brown that make you proud and happy – whether that be spending time on academics, hanging out with friends, or going wild on the extracurriculars.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Having a cup of hot chocolate with my housemates, dancing with Fusion dance company, and occasionally indulging in a guilty pleasure YA book!

Where’s Home? Seattle, WA

What are you concentrating in? Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Modern Culture and Media

I chose my concentration(s) because: I find it intriguing how the beautiful simplicity of chemical reactions amass into complex biosynthetic pathways. At the same time, it is fascinating to me how popular media shapes the way we socially construct and perceive "human nature"/living, outside of the biochemical principles that govern life. So, why not have the best of both worlds with these two concentrations?

On campus, I'm also: PLME meik, Bruno Leader with OWC, Teaching Assistant

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … New Watson alcove; flower garden behind MCM building

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: PLME0400 Medical Illustration, CHEM1230 Chemical Biology, AFRI0300 Performing Ethnography

I like to advise about: Time management (both class scheduling and work-like balance), deciding between similar concentrations, study skills in STEM fields, communicating with professors

A formative college experience for me was/is: When my first-ever attempt at pranking a friend backfired, and I somehow ended up signing a contract to serve 3 years as their on-call silverfish exterminator

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Stay connected with both friends as well as advisors. I struggled during my transition to college, living away from home for the first time right during COVID lockdown. I wish I broke out of my shell sooner and started finding people I clicked with, as these people will be your biggest advocates and help you navigate the highs and lows of university life (both the academic side and the social side). It's a sign of courage and strength to want support and ask for help!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Inventing new Frankenstein recipes with whatever ingredients are in my fridge, playing Dance Central, scouting out hole-in-the-wall boba shops with friends, suspense/horror movie nights

Hello! My name is Lara and I’m from the beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey. I’m currently double-concentrating in economics on the business track and statistics. Outside of being an academic coach, I’m a part of the Entrepreneurship Program (EP), Greek life, and serve as a TRUE peer advisor. I enjoy reading books, watching movies and anime, and playing the harmonica! My favorite spots in Providence are the public library downtown and Small Point Cafe, and my favorite class at Brown thus far has been ENGN 1010: The Entrepreneurial Process. A closing piece of advice is to be open to new experiences, be it joining an event you never thought to attend or shopping for any class that you're interested in!

Where’s Home? Philadelphia, PA

What are you concentrating in? I am currently a medical student but, in undergrad I concentrated in Public Health and Urban Studies 

I chose my concentration(s) because: I wanted to get an interdisciplinary education and learn more about the various upstream factors that influence health.

On campus, I'm also: Involved with Sex Ed by Brown Med

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … the Hay and the beach.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: City Politics and Healthcare in the US.

I like to advise about: finding balance/maintaining wellness and study strategies for STEM courses.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Becoming a TA for one of my favorite classes.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: To take the time to explore their interests outside of academics and take advantage of all of the great opportunities Brown has to offer.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going for walks and setting boundaries around how I spend my time.

Where’s Home? West Orange, New Jersey

What are you concentrating in? International and Public Affairs (Development Track) and *maybe* French and Francophone Studies

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose IAPA because I am looking for an interdisciplinary field of study that will equip me with the global knowledge necessary for travel and meaningful intercultural connection! I am thinking about pursuing French in order to facilitate my travels abroad. 

On campus, I'm also: A Meiklejohn Leader, UNIV 0123 Teaching Assistant, Identity Coordinator for Project LETS  club, Peer Mental Health Advocate 

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is the Hay. My favorite place to relax on campus is the Quiet Green. 

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: AMST 0170D: Musical Youth Cultures, URBN 0210: The City: An Introduction to Urban Studies, HIST 0552A: A Textile History of Atlantic Slavery,  ANTH0800: Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology  

I like to advise about: Mental health resources and strategies, course recommendations, time management, talking to professors, organizing course schedule, getting involved in clubs and activities, leveraging resources at Brown, navigating Brown as a black, queer, and neurodivergent student. 

A formative college experience for me was/is: Organizing a protest to end legacy admissions at Brown with the Students for Educational Equity club! 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Attend office hours for at least one of your professors each semester (you don't need a specific question--you can go just to introduce yourself!); take advantage of upperclassmen connections (the Meiklejohn and MAPS programs are great places to start); get involved in clubs and organizations on campus; explore Providence outside of College Hill (maybe get involved in the Swearer Center to facilitate this exploration!); take First Year and Sophomore Seminars; take courses outside of your intended concentration; remain open to new social connections; acknowledge and respect your own needs and capacities (example: seek support from SAS or CAPS if/when needed); explore all aspects of your identity at Brown (Identity Centers are great places to start!); enjoy all aspects of your undergraduate experience (it goes by fast!). 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going on walks around Providence/College Hill while listening to music, grabbing a meal with a friend, looking at pictures of my dog, making a schedule, seeking advice from family and friends.

Where’s Home? New Orleans 

What are you concentrating in? Graduated in spring 2023 with an S.c.B. with honors in Health & Human Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience 

I chose my concentration(s) because: I loved the interdisciplinary aspect of the HHB concentration since it provided me with the hard science background I need to do well in medical school, while my thematic track in Social Context of Health and Disease gave me perspective on public health and allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of contributing factors to human health outside of biomedical factors

On campus, I'm also: a medical student, karate team co-captain, and researcher.

My favorite place to study is ... and my favorite place to relax is … New Watson and 85 Waterman Greenhouse

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: PLME800 Wilderness, Disasters, and Global Health, BIOL1120 Biomaterials, NEUR1650 Experimental Neurobiology 

I like to advise about: the medical field, managing a heavy workload, time management, studying strategies, succeeding in STEM courses, etc. 

A formative college experience for me was/is: volunteering with Connect for Health Rhode Island. 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: to take full advantage of the open curriculum and flexibility at Brown! Earlier on in your undergraduate journey, try to meet new people and explore new fields/classes you've never thought about before. Your undergraduate career at Brown is the most unique time to get this exposure, so keep an open mind when starting out and pursue something you feel genuinely passionate about. 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: swimming and spending time with friends and family!