Where's home?: Collingswood, NJ

What are you concentrating in?: Linguistics

I chose my concentration(s) because: An interest in human-centric research and a personal fascination with language systems

On campus, I'm also: A member of Brown Mock Trial, a Meiklejohn, and a student researcher

My favorite place to study is... The Bear’s Lair, and my favorite place to relax is...:  my room

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: ANTH 0500, CLPS 0300, EEPS 0050

I like to advise about: Classes, student life, but mostly DUGS!!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Living with my best friend!

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Stay flexible and give yourself room to explore 

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Go for a jog, work on a craft

Where's home?: Miami, FL

What are you concentrating in?: IAPA–Policy & Governance

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am passionate about how public policies impact community development, specifically in the areas of education and the arts.

On campus, I'm also: Co-founder and President of Blind@Brown, Brown's association for blind students.

My favorite place to study is...The John Hay Library; and my favorite place to relax is...: The hill on Ruth J. Simmons Quad.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Modern Hebrew with the legendary Professor Ruti Adler Ben-Yehuda; ECON 1000 Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems with Professor John Friedman; and MUSC 1905A Music and Cultural Policy with Professor Marc Perlman.

I like to advise about: all things DUGs! As the DUG-DUG, I am here to support and advise DUG Leaders to make the most of the resources available to them through the College and through their department. My job is to help advance academic, co-curricular, and pre-professional interests of all Brown undergraduate students across the College. In the spring, I work to produce the Theories in Action event showcasing Honors theses, capstones, and projects across the Brown community.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Freshman Year Spring Weekend

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: to take advantage of Shopping Period and Open Curriculum! Take classes because you are interested and passionate about the subject matter.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: sleeping and taking walks on the Quiet Green (maybe not at the same time).

Where's home?: Rochester, NY

What are you concentrating in?: Human Evolution (IC) & Biology

I chose my concentration(s) because: I started as a biology concentrator, then realized that my interests were not truly fulfilled by my concentration, so I built my own around my interest in an interdisciplinary approach to evolutionary studies.

 On campus, I'm also: on the varsity sailing team, a meik, and involved in astronomy.

My favorite place to study is...the SciLi Basement; and my favorite place to relax is...: the Ladd Observatory

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Biol 940: Rhode Island Flora and Anth 1720: The Human Skeleton

I like to advise about: independent concentrations, managing life as a student-athlete, interdisciplinary experiences in STEM.

A formative college experience for me is/was: starting my job at the Ladd Observatory

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: take classes in fields you've never heard of and don't stress about grades

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: going for a walk in the dark listening to bagpipes, solving logic puzzles

Where's home?: Houston, TX

What are you concentrating in?: Empathy in Practice

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am deeply interested in how our perceptions of other people and society influence our life experiences and how we can manipulate those perceptions to help (or harm) others.

 On campus, I'm also: A ceramicist, sex-ed educator, and lighting designer.

My favorite place to study is... the third floor of the Rock; and my favorite place to relax is...: on the floor of my room.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Egypt in the Amarna Era, Suffering and Compassion, Devils, Demons, and Do-Gooders.

I like to advise about: How to pursue passions that don't neatly align with a 4-year plan or are complicated to tackle. I also, am happy to discuss what it means to be pre-med while using the open curriculum to the fullest extent possible.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Taking an elective with a friend and being able to share that deep, shared interest with someone I cared about a lot.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: If there is any part of you that wants to take the path-less-traveled, do it. Brown is fundamentally structured to support that type of growth and learning and you may not get another opportunity for a number of years. 

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Turning off the lights in my room, lying down, and listening to classical music for an hour.

Where's home?: Lawrenceville, NJ

What are you concentrating in?: Human-Computer Interaction

I chose my concentration(s) because: it blends my interests in psychology, computer science, design, ethics, and sociology. It's a very interdisciplinary field that aligns with my interest in designing technology that improves and harmonizes with the human experience.

On campus, I'm also: Wellness Peer Educator, Meiklejohn Peer Advisor, CSA Creative Chair, Design for America studio member

My favorite place to study is... the Rock; and my favorite place to relax is...: the Quiet Green

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: GNSS 0120: Intro to Gender and Sexuality, CSCI 2300: Human-Computer Interaction Seminar, VISA 0150: Digital 2D Foundation, CSCI 0150: Intro to Object-Oriented Programming and CS

I like to advise about: Exploring and discovering new academic interests and the IC proposal process

A formative college experience for me is/was: Realizing that my desired area of study lacked a dedicated concentration at Brown led me to propose an independent concentration. Not only did it push me to be more introspective about my educational goals, but also I gained so many valuable insights into the diverse academic opportunities Brown has to offer through the process.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Fully embrace the Open Curriculum and delve into a wide range of subjects. Don't hesitate to explore areas that pique your interest, even if you ultimately discover they're not your passion. Avoid the regret of leaving Brown without having tried that intriguing class or pursued a specific concentration.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Taking a walk while listening to some tunes

Where's home? Chicago

What are you concentrating in?: Philosophy

I chose my concentration(s) because:  Philosophy chose me! I hadn't really "vibed" with any other subject until I discovered philosophy my Sophomore Fall. Part of the interest is being able to organize and evaluate the thoughts and behaviors of society and myself.

On campus, I'm also: The Editor-in-Chief for Brown University Interviews as well as a content writer for the Buoy newsletter.

My favorite place to study is... and my favorite place to relax is...:The CRC office is a lovely, peaceful place to study! In terms of relaxing, nothing beats the comfiness of my apartment.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Introduction to Continental Philosophy has been quite a compelling experience for me so far (I'm taking it now).

I like to advise about: The stresses of classroom performance and course selection! I like thinking about bigger-picture questions about one's educational trajectory.

A formative college experience for me is/was:  I think getting involved with Dungeons and Dragons here on campus opened my personality up.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Think about what you want from your college life! Figure that out, and you might not find a lot of your current stresses stressful anymore.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are:  Talking with friends! The joy I get from having a fun, down-to-earth chat about life and feelings puts into perspective the troubles of academic responsibilities.

Where's home?: Chicago, IL

What are you concentrating in?: Archaeology and the Ancient World; Egyptology and Assyriology

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always been fascinated by the study of the past and figuring out what objects, texts, or words meant for people living then and how those meanings influence our lives today. Because of this fascination, I studied Latin in middle and high school, and then read the Epic of Gilgamesh which brought me to my more Near Eastern-focused interests today.

On campus, I'm also: A Meiklejohn Peer Advisor, a Community Coordinator in First Year Experience, a DUG leader for E+A and the DigDUG, and UCS Academic Affairs Chair. I also research with various Archaeology faculty.

My favorite place to study is... The John Hay Library, and my favorite place to relax is...: and outside on the greens.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: "Lost Languages: The Decipherment and Study of Ancient Writing Systems," "Borderlands: Art and Culture Between Rome and Iran," and "Cities, Colonies and Global Networks in the Western Mediterranean."

I like to advise about: My official role is as an Independent Studies Co-Coordinator and so I love talking about (G)(L)ISPs/AIs, but I am excited to advise with general course selection/concentration progression -- particularly for humanities concentrations -- or with navigating Brown's academic ecosystem more generally.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Going to random talks on campus! Brown invites tons of amazingly intelligent, passionate, and dedicated people from both inside and outside the university to give talks, and going to those (related or unrelated to my main interests) has been incredibly rewarding.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Get sleep and try to follow healthy habits. It can be very easy to run yourself ragged in the name of FOMO, but prioritize your wellbeing before anything else, including school.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: I really like taking myself out for a nice dinner once in a while and enjoying some good food while having some time to myself.

Where's home?: Seoul, South Korea

What are you concentrating in?: Computer Science

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always had a passion for technology and the potential for good it can bring!

On campus, I'm also: an International Mentoring Program (IMP) Mentor, an editor for Brown Motion Pictures, and an avid basketball player.

My favorite place to study is... the Watson Institute!; and my favorite place to relax is...: love chilling on the Quiet Green on sunny & breezy days.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Choose Your Own Adventure, Dreaming in the Ancient World

I like to advise about: any questions related to Leavetaking or being an international student at Brown!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Finding balance, especially with saying "Yes" and "No" to different opportunities. College is an exciting place with lots to discover and so many people to meet. Understanding how so many doors can be opened by saying "yes" while also taking time for self-care by declining other opportunities is a delicate balance that I'm still working on, and found important.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Know you're here for a reason even if it may not always feel that way, and that everything will happen with time.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Journaling, exercising, and talking to loved ones.

Where's home?: Istanbul, Turkey

What are you concentrating in?: Environmental Engineering

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've known that I wanted to be an engineer ever since my freshman year but it took me sometime to figure out what kind... Upon taking some of the introductory environmental engineering courses in my sophomore year, I found myself very interested in water quality related projects. Additionally, I'm very interested in sustainable infrastructure design.

On campus, I'm also: Vice President of the Cultural Association of Turkey, TA (Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering), Scientists for Sustainable World - Mechanical Team Member

My favorite place to study is... the Nelson Center, Barus & Holley; and my favorite place to relax is...: Anywhere outside

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Beyond Narnia: The Literature of C.S. Lewis

I like to advise about: Leavetaking & Engineering

A formative college experience for me is/was: Coming back to Brown as a sophomore after taking a year off due to the pandemic.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Try not to forget who you are and your interests that do not relate to your academics... The adjustment period sometimes is a different to what you might have imagined before coming to Brown, and that's okay. The first years of college are supposed to be filled with a variety of experiences - good and bad - that make you wiser and shape you into a more adult version of yourself. Know that even when things get a bit tough there are a multitude of resources that are available to you to help you navigate your life at Brown.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: For me what always works is to take a deep breath and go outside for a short walk and a breath of fresh air. When I get very overwhelmed or tired, I often find that pushing myself to focus when I know that my mind is been overworked or I have something else on my mind is not beneficial. Instead, I like to pause, take sometime - even if it is just 15 minutes - to collect myself, refresh and restart.

Where's home?: Queens, NY

What are you concentrating in?: Neuroscience

I chose my concentration(s) because: I think the brain is really interesting, especially understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying higher-order functions.

On campus, I'm also: a Health Careers Peer Advisor, WiSE President, and Brain Bee Head Coordinator!

My favorite place to study is... and my favorite place to relax is...: the Rock... the Main Green

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: True Stories and Health Inequality in Historical Perspective

I like to advise about: balancing coursework and extracurriculars!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Fighting for my life to get an override code for a capped class

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Take advantage of the Open Curriculum and don't overwhelm yourself each semester :)

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: taking breaks when you feel the need to— don't push yourself to work when you're already burning out.

here's home?: Sumter, SC

What are you concentrating in?: Business Economics and International and Public Affairs

I chose my concentration(s) because: I’m interested in markets and current events

On campus, I'm also: President of the Lambda Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, inc.

My favorite place to study is... New Watson, and my favorite place to relax is...:  my room.

The best class(es) I have taken at Brown are: Global Black Radicalism

I like to advise about: Classes

A formative college experience for me is/was: Summer semester freshman year

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: explore everything

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Working out

Where's home?: Oviedo, FL

What are you concentrating in?: Computer Science and Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I was interested in the intersection between tech and the markets, so this was a great balance between those two interests.

On campus, I'm also: Treasurer of Coffee Club, SRIF Analyst, and Tamid analyst

My favorite place to study is... The Rock; and my favorite place to relax is...:  the garden by the Nightingale-Brown House

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: CS15, ENGN 0900, and Biology of Hearing

I like to advise about: Classes, Professional Goals.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Taking a mandatory S/NC class because I realized I could learn just as well without having the pressure of grades pushing me to complete assignments. As long as I was interested in the topic and willing to do the work, it made learning a whole lot easier.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Feel free to explore classes and explore different career opportunities, but do it with a purpose. Don't just take a random class because your friend told you about. Pick classes that interest you and make sure you keep in mind that you will have to make a decision in the future. Explore early with a purpose.

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: I go for a walk by the river downtown. I call up my best friend from high school.

Where's home?: Collingswood, NJ

What are you concentrating in?: Linguistics

I chose my concentration(s) because: An interest in human-centric research and a personal fascination with language systems

On campus, I'm also: A member of Brown Mock Trial, a Meiklejohn, and a student researcher

My favorite place to study is... The Bear’s Lair, and my favorite place to relax is...:  my room

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: ANTH 0500, CLPS 0300, EEPS 0050

I like to advise about: Classes, student life, but mostly DUGS!!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Living with my best friend!

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Stay flexible and give yourself room to explore 

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Go for a jog, work on a craft

Where's home?: Miami, FL

What are you concentrating in?: IAPA–Policy & Governance

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am passionate about how public policies impact community development, specifically in the areas of education and the arts.

On campus, I'm also: Co-founder and President of Blind@Brown, Brown's association for blind students.

My favorite place to study is...The John Hay Library; and my favorite place to relax is...: The hill on Ruth J. Simmons Quad.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Modern Hebrew with the legendary Professor Ruti Adler Ben-Yehuda; ECON 1000 Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems with Professor John Friedman; and MUSC 1905A Music and Cultural Policy with Professor Marc Perlman.

I like to advise about: all things DUGs! As the DUG-DUG, I am here to support and advise DUG Leaders to make the most of the resources available to them through the College and through their department. My job is to help advance academic, co-curricular, and pre-professional interests of all Brown undergraduate students across the College. In the spring, I work to produce the Theories in Action event showcasing Honors theses, capstones, and projects across the Brown community.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Freshman Year Spring Weekend

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: to take advantage of Shopping Period and Open Curriculum! Take classes because you are interested and passionate about the subject matter.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: sleeping and taking walks on the Quiet Green (maybe not at the same time).

Where's Home?: New Jersey

Concentration: Education Studies

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am very interested in how we learn information, both inside and outside of schools. Studying education allows me to explore how various institutions and structures affect how we learn and how we teach.

On campus, I'm also: Co-President of Challah for Hunger, a Meiklejohn, and a teacher for BEAM (Brown Elementary Afterschool Mentoring).

My favorite place to study... ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is the Education Department building and my favorite place to relax is Brown RISD Hillel.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: EDUC 1665: "Reimagining Humanities Education: Curriculum Development for Secondary Schools" and NEUR 0010: "The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience."

I like to advise about: Deciding what you ACTUALLY want to study, work/life balance, and reaching out to professors

A formative college experience for me was/is: Working as a summer research assistant in the education department. Not only did I enjoy the work but I learned more about the department and had more time to explore Providence.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Explore new places and groups on campus! Visiting identity centers, joining clubs, and attending performances are all amazing ways to learn about others and yourself. Plus, you might find a new passion on the way!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going on walks with friends, reading for fun, watching shows that make me laugh, and getting a good night sleep.