"Angels" help Vivian Ortiz '10 arrive and thrive at Brown.
"I grew up in Colombia. My dad did so as well, but he later moved to the United States for better-paying work. When I was about 12 years old, he sent for me, my mom, and my brothers. We were dependent on him and his income, so when he left us, we had nowhere to go. For a few days we were homeless. Then my mom and I both got jobs and we moved to a very small house. It was very difficult. With school, track practice, work, and homework, there was little free time to relax.
"Ever since I was a little girl, my mom emphasized that education was essential. But, because she didn't know the system in America, she didn't understand that I wasn't getting the right education at my high school. It had the typical urban environment with high pregnancy rates, disciplinary problems, and a high dropout rate. Most of the school counselors advised students to get jobs or to go to technical schools. Even though I kept my grades high, they still discouraged me from applying to college. However, I was lucky that I found Nellie Chapman, an assistant principal who became my mentor and advised me on what I needed to do to get into college, including taking courses at a nearby college and spending summers doing research. She was like an angel in my life.
"Through a special program, I spent a summer on Brown's campus and fell in love with this school. I applied early, and prayed I would receive a scholarship. I was so relieved and thankful when the financial aid letter finally arrived. Brown had been my first choice, and knowing that I didn't have to worry about how to pay for this education was a gift from God.
"Even so, my first year was difficult; the transition to college was a quantum leap. But everyone here kept me focused and enthusiastic. They said if I thought about the goal I wanted to accomplish, the hardships wouldn't be so bad. My Organic Chemistry class was the turning point. Professor Zimmt was so enthusiastic and had so much energy, that I really enjoyed the material. It drove my path toward a more focused science area-biochemistry.
"My goal is to become a doctor and a role model for young individuals who have or are facing similar adversities; I can see myself doing rotations in the hospital, having my own practice, and participating in basic scientific research projects relating to cancer. I can also see myself having a family, and striving to offer them what I didn't have. If I keep working hard, I know I will be able to obtain it.
"I have been helping Professor Rose-Petruck from the Department of Chemistry with research for more than a year now. We're trying to find a different way to diagnose cancer, taking advantage of gold nanoparticles and their absorption properties. I applied for and received a summer UTRA last year to work on the 'Conjugation of Gold Nanoparticles to Antibodies for X-Ray Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.' It was a challenge, and required a lot of strength and persistence. Not only were the results very promising, but the process itself was a great experience for me.
"My mom is very happy that I am here at Brown. She loves the campus, the green and the trees. She doesn't know the ranking system, but she knows that Brown is one of the best colleges in the United States. She is so proud of me. I feel proud, too, because I'm learning about myself while I'm seeking knowledge. I am grateful that my financial aid award has enabled me to be in an environment where I can excel in my academics, my research, and my volunteer work.
"Thank you to all the generous donors-and the entire Brown community-for helping make so many dreams come true."
