Beth Worthy
7/31/2023
We are excited to announce the Summer Semester winner of our $500 academic scholarship, Jason Tristan Brown, a student at Brown University. Learn more about his proudest achievements and academic and career goals.
Jason Tristan Brown: Nature and nurture work together to properly socialize the human being; and I have discovered my inherent nature to “nurture my fellow human beings”. I am Jason Brown, a Brown University graduate from Kansas City, and a newly admitted student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). My interest in school adjustment counseling stems from my mentorship experience with the Ron Brown Scholars program, my leadership role in the Brown-RISD Screenwriting Collective Club, and my experience interning in Film and Television.
In screenwriting, the primary objective of the writer is to develop the optimum script for inefficient production. And my role as co-president of the Brown Screenwriting Collective E-Board was to guide screenwriters in their process of crafting the best script possible. This is no different from a guidance counselor supporting a student in revising their personal script for the trajectory of their life and education.
Using methods found in books of storytelling and screenwriting theory, I was able to administer a curriculum that supported the needs of all members of the Brown Screenwriting Collective and offer sessions for one-on-one feedback. Armed with my Film and Television internship experience at WarnerBros. Television and The Walt Disney Company., I assisted students by presenting action steps that included networking tips, career website tutorials, and panel discussions.
Building off this development of my counseling skills, I was able to transition into a volunteer mentorship role with “Guided Pathway Support'' (GPS) at the Ron Brown Scholars Program. As a Ron Brown Scholars Program Alumni, I was able to work closely with exceptional African American high school students to build up their college applications and engage in phone calls to assist with effective self-care.
During my Senior year of undergrad, I connected remotely with Elijah, a California-based high school student. He wants to become an architect that tells with his buildings; much like the “jenga blocks” building in Manhattan that reminds people to account for all the neglected blocks in their lives as they strive for success; or the Eiffel Tower in Paris that points towards all the stars one can wish upon. Over the course of an entire semester, I engaged in weekly check-ins of advisory with Elijah. We discussed how his senior year was going, socially and academically, and postulated small attainable action steps that would propagate change.
For example, Elijah had the “architect-tendency” to be “patient” with his inspiration in all aspects of his life. This “patience” turned into unhealthy procrastination that left him with impending deadlines and undue stress. To remedy this mindset, I recognized a way into Elijah’s heart and mind through his love of Japanese anime. I sent anime memes of encouragement every week to hold Elijah accountable to complete his assignments and to motivate him to see the value of focus. Much like GMR Transcription, I had to learn to “speak his language” in order to get the right message across.
Naturally, counseling through mentorship has become an impulsive condition for me. With the curriculum at HGSE, I will be able to enhance my impact as a counselor with tried and true methods of guidance. Not to mention, the research that I will be able to conduct at HGSE will allow me to add to the field of study. The GMR Transcription scholarship will be an imperative asset for funding my education, and catalyzing my dreams to “nurture my fellow human beings”.
Interested in applying to our scholarship? Learn more about our requirements and apply today.
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