Get to Know Us

 

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

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Sargon de Jesus '07 (now M.Sc. '08)

Hometown:
Arlington, Virginia

Concentration(s):
Geological Sciences, Comparative Literature/Translation

Activities:
Former business manager for the Brown Madrigal Singers (the only classical a cappella group on campus), co-founder of Lip Service (the one-and-only Brown University Whistling Choir), 7 full-length theatrical productions, Contra Dance Society, the Brown Chorus, TA for GE22 and twice for FR40, Bruin Club tour guide

Why Brown?
It's really hard to say. Sometimes it's the gut feelings that are most important. When I visited, it just 'clicked.' And with each additional day at Brown, the better it clicks. I am constantly impressed by my classmates' intellect, curiosity, and talent - all while taking things in stride and being warm and easygoing. The atmosphere here is collaborative and not competitive. And professors always seem to have their door open (literally, too!). When it comes to academics or your social life, Brown is a place where you are completely independent while still being warmly inter-dependent. It may be a paradox, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Favorite memory of Brown:
It's hard to pick just one, but I would have to say the midnight organ concert in December, when all the a cappella groups sing (or whistle!) fun holiday music from the balcony to the packed hall below. I have done it every year and it's always a blast, regardless if you're the ones making the music or not.

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

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Kate Goldstein '08

Hometown:
Providence!

Concentration(s):
Environmental Engineering

Activities:
Brown Outdoors Club, Habitat for Humanity, Engineers without Borders, Rhode Island Wind Alliance, Providence Public School Math and Science Outreach, Catalyst Magazine Illustrator, emPOWER, Space Club, Research (currently in Biofuels, Wind, and Sustainability)

Why Brown?
The freedom to find and then pursue exactly what it is you love. The ability to be surrounded by the fullest, brightest, and warmest people. Those who have gotten into Brown not because of their competitiveness but because of their passion; a passion that seeps out of the classroom walls and permeates into the life of the entire campus.

Favorite memory of Brown:
At least one of top ones is Tuesday nights at Ladd Observatory, going back in time both stepping into the building and then again, looking through a majestic 120 year old telescope. Feeling warm on cold nights, knowing I knew everyone there even though I couldn't see them.

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

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Shawn Kitchner  '07

Hometown:
Stratford, WI

Concentration(s):
Mechanical Engineering 

Activities:
Varsity Wrestling (Captain 2 of 4 years), member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), Tutor/Mentor at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, helped organize and run the Dave Zucconi 5K, IM Softball and Football, member of the church choir at manning chapel (guitar and vocals), Teaching assistant for two engineering classes, member of Tau Beta Pi (the National Engineering Honors Society), member of Sigma Xi

Why Brown?
Brown was the only place I felt that I could pursue both my academic and athletic goals.  With 37 varsity sports, Brown has a longstanding, rich athletic tradition.  Also, nearly 20% of the students are student/athletes which creates a very understanding environment to mature athletically and academically.  Also, the fact that Brown is relatively small creates a sense of community and belonging.

Favorite memory of Brown:
My  favorite Brown memory is of the close friendships I've made throughout the years.  My fellow wrestlers will never be forgotten.

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

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Jensen Law '09

Hometown:
Northridge, CA

Concentration(s):
Biomedical Engineering

Activities:
Research, Community Health Advocacy Program, Colleges Against Cancer, PLME Senate, Breeze Against Wheeze, Co-Captain of the Brown Ballroom Dance Team, Lion Dance

Why Brown?
Brown's open curriculum allows me to pursue my passion while still giving me the flexibility to explore and take a diverse set of classes unrelated to my concentration. With no core curriculum, people take classes because they are truly interested and enthusiastic about the subject matter. This, combined with the optional s/nc grade option provides for a more stimulating, less cutthroat atmosphere. In addition, the Program in Liberal Medical Education lets me join activities and take classes for the sake of fun and learning rather than just to satisfy pre-med requirements or to enhance an application.

Favorite memory of Brown:
I will never forget waking up at 5am to grab some breakfast at Louis' Diner on Brook St. before a Ballroom Dance competition. Being up and about before sunrise was only bearable because I was with my closest friends. After enduring long competitions and late-night practices and even taking some classes together, the members of the Brown Ballroom Dance team had grown to become a very tight-knit community, and I now consider them to be like my second family. Whether dancing the night away or laying on a beach in San Diego during spring break, we always find time to have fun in the midst of endless papers and midterms.

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

Anya (Anna) Rasulova '08

Hometown:
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Concentration(s):
International Relations and Economics

Activities:
Head Coordinator of CityGirls and CityBrothers program

Why Brown?
I was very attracted to the open curriculum. Even though I knew what I wanted to study prior to coming to Brown, the absence of freshmen requirements allowed me to explore new areas. Location and size of the school were other important factors.
Favorite memory of Brown: I was a passenger in a severe car accident during my sophomore year. That event showed me the true sense of Brown community. Professors and Deans visited me the next morning. I received cards from people I have never even met. My closest friends camped out, but even people from my classes visited me regularly. Even though it was a challenging time of my life, it opened my eyes to the kindness of people I was surrounded with at Brown. Support and unconditional love of everyone around me sped my healing.

Sargon
Kate
Shawn
Jensen
Anya
Asa

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Asa Wynn-Grant '09

Hometown:
Norfolk, VA

Concentration:
Computer Science

Activities:
Volunteer EMT, Teacher Assistant (various computer science classes), Intramural Basketball Low Division Eastern Conference Championship Team Captain GO CHANGOS!

Why Brown? 
Brown just sort of felt right.  Even from my first visit as a high school senior, I've always felt comfortable here. 

Everyone here, from the students to the faculty to the administration, seems, for lack of a better word, happy.  And I've found that it's pretty tough to get down when you're surrounded by happy people doing what they love to do. 

Best Memory: 
My favorite memory from college actually happened abroad; I was studying in Tokyo and living with two elderly Japanese women and their son.  On my birthday, they took me to Osaka and Castle Himeji.  I just remember being in awe looking out over Japan from those ancient perches.