Copy
Introducing Buoy to Brown University
View this email in your browser

Thinking about Thanksgiving break like...


#13DaysAway

Ever Lost A Loved One?

If you haven't had to deal with the loss of a family member or friend -- it's not easy. Ask California native Raquel Blanchard ('20) what it's like and she'll be honest about a season in her life that challenged her mind, body, and spirit.⁣ ⁣

“In my sophomore year of college I lost three friends to car accidents, one friend to suicide, and one uncle to unknown reasons on Christmas Day, and I was deeply affected by a mass shooting. Shortly after, I suffered from a torn ligament in my shoulder and then three concussions that forced me to retire from softball earlier than expected. All of this happened within one year, but my faith and family carried me pretty much through it all. My favorite quote is a bible verse that reads ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ It is a simple reminder that God has your back, so there’s no reason to worry, feel anxious, or overwhelmed. I definitely suffered from depression and sometimes still do. I still get sad, I still miss my loved ones, and I still think about when they were here and what they will be missing, but I don't think that will ever go away. "⁣

Though Raquel's pain from a season riddled with both physical and mental setbacks may be hard to truly summarize, what's dope about Raquel is her commitment to allowing that pain to fuel a purpose to help others.

“I think the healing process that I am at right now is also what allows me to help others who are going through things. After recovering mentally and physically from all of this pain, I realized that I have gone through more than what most people will go through in a lifetime. Because of this, I can help others. The pain I experienced was a blessing in disguise and truly made me realize that I can help others get through tough times and hardships."

Congrats Raquel. Keep Going!

When you get that...


quick text back from your crush.

Ever Been Homeless? 

Before San Francisco native Jenny Lee ('21) could even speak there was a point when her refugee parents nearly faced homelessness. Ask the first-generation college student about her path and she won't be shy about sharing the lessons she's learned from her parents along the way.⁣

“My parents are refugees from Vietnam who weren’t able to obtain an education. They met in CA and ever since finding refuge in the US, they have not stopped working. Despite oppressive comments from the people surrounding them and long laborious days at work, they maintain a positive attitude and always find laughter in the silly things that happen. They continue to keep their heads up, extend kindness, and ‘just keep swimming’ for my brother and I to pursue our interests and have better lives. We were almost homeless at one point when I was a little baby, and we also faced language barriers and family health issues. Nonetheless, my parents taught me to embrace the failures and find joy in all the little things I do have. ”⁣

What’s most amazing about Jenny is her selflessness to pour out into others and use the privileges she has to make a real impact.

“Going to college has been a huge privilege and I am now determined to share this privilege with other disadvantaged communities who have many more barriers to higher education. Volunteering with PAL (Partnership for Adult Learning) has been extremely rewarding; not only are the connections I made everlasting but sharing our privilege has become an important part of our mission. I hope to continue sharing these privileges and developing meaningful connections with others. The joy of these interactions and seeing others transcend barriers motivates me to continue giving back, extending kindness and helping out in whatever way I can. ”

Congrats Jenny. Keep going!

 bu·oy | ˈbo͞oē,boi/ | Verb. to cause to become cheerful or more confident; to inspire
Sign Up for Buoy at Brown →
Copyright © *2016* *Buoy Inspirations LLC, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
100 Moreland Ave Se Atlanta, GA 30316

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Buoy Inspirations · 100 Moreland Ave Se Apt D · Atlanta, Georgia 30316 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp