It's hard not to smile if you can recall the time when colorful arm casts that included dozens of signatures from your peers were considered "cool". For many, those childhood memories have made a lasting impact in more ways than one. Just ask Marietta, GA Native Ty Scott(’22) and he'll be honest about a defining moment in his life that dates back to the 1st grade!

“In first grade, I broke my elbow swinging across the monkey bars, resulting in my left-handedness, but more importantly a moment of vulnerability(I could barely even use that entire arm). One thing that struck me through that experience was everyone’s willingness to help, whether it was carrying my lunch, writing the typical ‘get well soon card,’ or (unsuccessfully) helping me re-learn how to write with my right hand.”

What's impressive about Ty is his resolve to continue to share that kindness and support in his community at Brown and beyond!

“From then on I remembered that kindness and wanted to carry it forward to others in their moments of vulnerability when they fail a test or even go through a traumatic experience. Being a minority I’ve struggled due to my race, my sexual orientation, etc. I’ve been belittled on many occasions. But from that experience breaking my arm at such a young age, it feels as though little can stop me because I know someone is always there to support me, just as I am for them.”

Congrats Ty! Keep Going.

Millbrae, CA native Abbie Hui (’21) may not be a natural when it comes to getting people to overcome their fears of donating blood , but her experience hosting blood drives continues to motivate her to make an impact.

“From my childhood experiences of being surrounded by relatives in the medical profession, being hospitalized over the holidays myself, and even taking care of and translating for my mom when she was hospitalized, I knew that I wanted to help others. In high school, I founded a Red Cross club to host blood drives for those in need. I was in awe when I learned that one pint of blood could possibly heal three people. Though it was often difficult to find donors I found that through educating others on how blood transfusions help patients regain strength that even those who were at first afraid of needles or blood eventually donated!"

What's impressive about Abbie isn't merely her leadership to start a club that hosted three blood drives, but also her commitment to keep going and eventually oversee blood drives at 10 other schools! 

“I was fortunate to work with like-minded and motivated teammates, who believe in the direct impact of being able to save lives with our blood. We trust in the mission, support each other to make the blood drives possible, and are absolutely appreciative of the donors’
life-saving gift. I am also humbled by the selfless choice that each donor makes to donate blood, and their trust in the team to save lives together. I hope to later work in medicine/ healthcare to heal others with a focus on the doctor-patient relationship and continue giving back to my community.”

Congrats Abbie! Keep Going.