Note: I'm going to spare you the rarely gory and mostly awesome details of the actual program and just tell you about the aftermath (although I don't mind talking it out with you if you're interested!! I'm just too lazy to type it all out hehe).
Catalyst instilled in me a sense of empowerment and confidence I previously lacked. It taught me how to "take my space" and validate myself (and others, of course!). It reminded me that I was chosen to matriculate at Brown for a reason--that I have just as much potential as anyone else here (even though it may feel very on the contrary sometimes). This concept of "taking my space" was entirely foreign to me pre-Catalyst, and honestly, I would be feeling so much more crappier about college life if I wasn't fortunate enough to learn about this gem of life beforehand. I seriously cannot even express how empowering Catalyst is though. Like, it's just so amazing. UGH
I am so incredibly blessed to have been a part of Catalyst. I am lucky to have been taught about vectors, partial derivatives, dot coordinates, contour maps, and a bunch of other academic things. I am super lucky to have had the dedicated coordinators and leaders that I did--they made Catalyst so freaking special. Above all, I am so so so so so so freaking lucky to have made a great friend out of every. single. one. of the other nineteen kids in the cohort.
(struggling together aka bonding aka hiking at Mount Monadnock)
(Goodbye hugs for Russyan, the coolest dude ever)
(First group pic as official Brown Freshman!!!!)
To my Catalyst Phamily,
You guys are such a giant part of my life here at Brown, and I honestly would be so lonely and sad if it weren't for you all. Each of you are so special. That sounds so cheesy, but I seriously mean it. I see so much freaking potential in each and every single one of you, and I cannot wait to see how you all grow and get closer to your dreams in the next four years. I love y'all so much, and you each have a little piece of real estate in my heart for seriously ever.
As a thank you to you all, I made a video. It's pretty long haha. Sadly though, it still doesn't do any of our experiences justice, but I tried. I hope y'all enjoy it!
Again, thank you for the amazing times, and here's to many many more :-)