Page 28 - DAIS - DAISPORA ISSUE03

DAIS CONNECTIONS New York to work in Healthcare VC. I am now doing my Master's at the University
Bridging Futures
We initiated this program to connect the
graduating class of 2024 with DAIS alumni,
aiming to provide real-world guidance as they
prepare for the next stage of their lives. One alum
shared a heartfelt message, full of excitement and
nostalgia, highlighting the profound impact their
educational journey had on them. Their
enthusiasm for the students’ upcoming
experiences and reflections on how Brown
shaped their life underscores the value of a
supportive network and reinforces our belief that
these connections will offer invaluable advice and
encouragement.
Dear Abhinav,
Firstly, congratulations on being done with the IB, and on being accepted to Brown! I
always feel so excited and nostalgic to hear of DAIS students going to Brown. I can
truly say that my years at Brown were the best 4 years of my life, and I can promise
you that you are at the start of the most exciting time of your life!
I know we haven't met, but a little bit about me - I was in the DAIS class of 2015, went
to Brown from 2015-2019, where I concentrated in English and Biology. After Brown, I
worked in Management Consulting in Boston for a couple of years, then moved to
of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
There are so many things that I can say about Brown, but I wanted to share a few
thoughts with you as you prepare to go:
There is a tremendous amount of support that you can (and should!) use while at
Brown. From your academic advisor, to your student advisor (also called a
"Meiklejohn"), you should never hesitate to reach out to anyone around you for
help + support - it's always there! Go to Office Hours to meet professors, go to
Teaching Assistants (TAs) for help - there are so many resources around!
Brown's most unique facet is its "open curriculum." Most colleges have several
class requirements, Brown only requires you to take two "writing" classes. Use
this freedom to take classes in any and all departments just for the joy of
learning. Some of my favourite classes at Brown had nothing to do with any of
my majors (e.g., - I learnt Hieroglyphs in an Ancient Egypt class!)
Providence is bigger than you think - and there is so much to do! Spend some
time exploring the city -- some restaurant recommendations include Tallulah's,
Aleppo, Cafe Den Den
Know that it can take time to find your core group of friends. Being at college in
the first few weeks is scary. Everyone is away from home - there may be people
who seem like they have friends on day 1, there will be people who find their best
friends in their junior year of college. Give yourself the time, space, and grace to
realize that moving across the world to go to college is a BIG change, and you
can be excited and miss home at the same time! Your friends from home will
always be there (virtually or in-person when you are able to meet). My best
friends today are a combination of those I had in DAIS, but also friends that I
made at Brown.
I was just at Brown in May for my 5 year reunion, and it feels like home even after
all this time. I am so excited for you - and I hope that you have a great 4 years at
Brown. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions / thoughts / or just
to tell me how you are liking Brown!
Nitya Sudarshan
Class of 2015