I always felt a nagging insecurity that the people in the Providence community feel disconnected from Brown University. That Brown students are viewed as privileged, pretentious, condescending, unrelatable, and selfish, making patronizing efforts to connect with the larger community.
It took riding the bus and asking dozens of people what they thought of Brown University to reaffirm my love for this school, and feel assured that even if I personally might feel a disconnect from the city of Providence, Brown is doing everything in its power to benefit and engage those surrounding it.
A large number of individuals I spoke to had not only positive things to say – but deep, meaningful ways that Brown University had affected, impacted, and improved their lives. I walked up the hill mid-morning feeling a gratitude and pride deeper than I have ever felt towards my school.
Love you Brown. Happy 250th Birthday.
