Brandeis University Admissions

By Lizbeth S. ’25

(she/they/them)

As a first-generation POSSE Scholar, my journey to Brandeis has been one of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope.

I have developed a heightened awareness of the unique challenges that BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Non-Binary, and femme-of-center individuals face through my intersecting experiences as a Mexican, Salvadoran, and queer person. At Brandeis, I have found like-minded individuals who share my passions and aspirations.

My academic pursuits reflect my desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. I am double majoring in business and psychology with a minor in CAST (Creativity, the Arts, Social Transformation), and I hope to use my skills and knowledge to support creative people who identify as BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Non-Binary, and femme-of-center.

I am passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable world. I pursue this vision on campus in my service as a pride representative in the Gender and Sexuality Center, serving as president of Basement Records, and participating in the Samuels Scholars Program.

As a first-generation, low-income student, I am here to honor my family and people who look like me, porque sí se puede! I hope to continue using my education and experiences to create positive change in the world, one day at a time.

So, here is one day of my life trying to do that.

Wednesday

6:30 a.m.

As soon as the blaring sound of my alarm pierces through the stillness of my Charles River apartment, I immediately look around to snooze it. I reluctantly step onto the frigid tiles, feeling the biting cold creeping up my feet. I quickly make my bed, and with a sigh of getting the task done, I head to the bathroom for a warm shower, hoping it will energize me for the day ahead.

Starting my morning right with some yummy food!

7:30 a.m.

After finishing my morning routine, I sit with my roommate to enjoy some delicious breakfast at the table in our apartment. On today's menu is an egg omelet with vegan cheese, turkey bacon, and veggies inside with Tapatío hot sauce drizzled on top. Last but not least, my homemade agua de fresa, which is a water and strawberry-based drink.

8 a.m.

I arrive at my morning Intro to Psychology class taught by Professor Hannah Clark with 10 minutes to spare – plenty of time to grab my usual seat. I also catch up with my friend Patrick.

10 a.m.

After class, I wait until 10 a.m. to meet with Naomi Brown-Jones, director of the Upward Bound Program. Upward Bound is a beacon of hope for high school students from low-income families and those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. I resonate deeply with this mission and vision, and I am collaborating with Naomi on how to get POSSE Scholars, Student Support Services Program (SSSP) students, and other folks involved. I strongly recommend reaching out to her for guidance and support, especially if you want to make a difference in the lives of Black and Brown high school students.

Here I am with the lovely Naomi.

11:15 a.m.

It’s time for my next class, so Naomi and I wrap up our meeting and I make my way up the Rabb steps where my Sociology class about culture consumption is hosted. Near the end of class, I order a sandwich through the Starship app to pick up from Upper Usdan after class.

12:30 p.m.

I grab a quick bite from Upper Usdan and find my mentee Madyson from the Student Support Services Program. It’s their first year attending Brandeis, and we meet biweekly to chat about academics, extracurriculars, and anything else on their mind. I enjoy meeting up with my mentee because I have watched them grow on campus since the fall semester, and I am incredibly proud of them.

1:30 p.m.

At this point in a busy day, I enjoy taking a break in the Spiritual Life Lounge located in Usdan. The room is aesthetically pleasing, with inviting blue couches perfect for unwinding and letting go of the day's stresses. Usually, I am greeted by Karl LaClair, the Christian chaplain, or other students using the space. But today, I had it all to myself, and I used the quiet time to read some interesting articles and feel peaceful. It was a refreshing break that helped me feel better and ready to continue with the rest of my day.

Tanner and I hosting drop-in hours at the GSC.

3 p.m.

I walk from the Spiritual Life Lounge to the Gender and Sexuality Center. As a Pride Representative, I host weekly drop-in hours every Wednesday, alongside my good friend Tanner, for anyone seeking guidance or community. You should definitely visit us if you want to play a card game of Taboo or have a 1:1 session about topics related to gender identity and sexuality.

5 p.m.

I say goodbye to Tanner to go do some work on an Action Plan for Basement Records, a club on campus that connects creative students with music industry professionals, and with great resources on campus, like the Sound and Image Media Studios. I am president of Basement Records (Additionally, I want to shout out our executive board members for their fantastic work!), and this project brings together my work for the club and my Action Plan in the Samuels Scholars Program.

The Basement Records crew!

The Action Plan is a spring semester project for all Samuels Scholars to build off the knowledge learned in the fall semester to create a plan to support and grow important community resources.

5:40 p.m.

Following my work for the Action Plan, I pack my laptop and head to my Business Fundamentals class taught by Professor John Lee, where I take notes for the upcoming midterm. Once the clock hits 6:50 pm, I quickly rush to the weekly meetings Basement Records has at 7:00 pm.

7 p.m.

Pictured with Mark Delleo and Artists barelyanygood, and Fids. Go check out their music on Spotify!

I arrive at the SIMS Studio Classroom in Farber Library, where the rest of the Basement Records e-board is with SIMS Director Mark Dellelo. We are preparing for a session where students get hands-on experience with audiovisual equipment. I highly recommend our club to all multimedia creatives who want to secure internships, get hands-on experience, and gain an advantage in a competitive field. Join us every Wednesday at SIMS from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.!

8:30 p.m.

I finally reach the end of my longest day of the week, and I am ready to catch the Bran Van and head back to my apartment for some delicious dinner. After dinner, I call my loving parents, and we exchange stories of our day. We wish each other a good night's rest, and I am filled with a profound sense of comfort and reassurance, knowing that I have their unwavering love and support to bolster me through whatever tomorrow may hold.