Amidst the hustle and bustle of classes, work, and social activities it's easy to forget to check in with parents or your key supporters. Ask Allamuchy, NJ native Savannah Doelfel('22) and she'll be honest about the lesson that being "too busy" taught her.

"I absolutely love being busy and having a set of tasks that I need to accomplish. With each new project I finish or activity I participate in, I feel productive and accomplished. However, with so much on my plate, it can be easy to get overwhelmed if I don’t take enough time for myself. I found this out during high school when I was constantly running around to different classes, clubs, sports...you name it. I realized that while I was participating in many meaningful activities, I wasn’t able to give my full focus to all of them since I was constantly thinking about what I had to do next."

If you've never been overwhelmed from a stacked schedule consider yourself lucky. What's wise of Savannah is her commitment to regularly examine the "why" for the things she dedicates her time to.

"My solution came from making more time to enjoy the company of my family and building stronger relationships with my friends. By making sure I was not sacrificing valuable moments with those I love, I was able to enjoy the moment and discover why I really do the things I do. Nothing in this world is greater than those you care about, and I find that by surrounding myself with those who care about me, I'm able to find purpose in all I do. This has inspired me to be that source of support for others and a listening ear for those who may need it."

Congrats Savannah. Keep Going!

Queens, NY native Drashti Brahmbhatt('19) may not be sending her dad IG stories but her path as a first-generation college student has motivated her to share her knowledge with the young and the old.

"No one in my family attended school in the US, let alone attained a college degree. My sister and I had little generational knowledge of the American higher education system to rely on. We navigated standardized tests and college applications solely through things like online blogs, tutorials, and you name it! We attended public schools in New York and Florida, which introduced us to a whole set of critical questions on our educational system. As a first-generation college student, I have experienced first-hand the challenges in access to higher education. Thus, my experience as a first-gen student has instilled in me a dedication to pass on my acquired knowledge to serve as a resource to others and especially to those who are pioneers in their families."

What's impressive about Drashti is not only her hustle and determination to find her way through uncharted paths in academia but also her passion and persistence in serving!

“Ever since high school, I have been tutoring peers and in college, I had the opportunity to help a young student in academic confidence through the Brown Refugee and Youth Tutoring Enrichment Program. All four years at Brown, I have also been serving as a technology tutor at Hamilton House which is an adult learning exchange center for older adults who wish to learn how to navigate the changing technological scene around them.”

Congrats Drashti. Keep Going!