Brookelyn Davis

Written By: Ian Silvester

“At UAFS I’ve found people who cheer me on, make me laugh, and are always there when I need them,” said Brookelyn Davis, a sophomore biology student and cross-country runner, at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

Whether she’s in class or just crossing the green, socializing with her Gamma Phi Beta sorority sisters or at a campus event, in the gym or training for her next race, Brookelyn says there’s always someone on campus to wave or share a smile.

“What makes UAFS different is the sense of community here,” she beamed. “Organizations genuinely show up and support each other, and everyone wants you to get involved and find your place. It makes the campus feel like an actual community rather than just somewhere you go to class.”

As a first-generation student, finding community and support were paramount for Brookelyn. At UAFS, she says someone is always in her corner.

“Professors genuinely want to help you succeed … and people like Dr. Dave Stevens and Lynette Thrower have made a huge difference in my experience at UAFS,” she said. “Doors are always open when I need them.”

And in a major as academically rigorous as biology, Brookelyn has found that smaller class sizes have helped her succeed in her studies.

“There are so many resources and people here who have helped me when I’ve struggled, and I’ve learned that you never have to figure everything out on your own,” Brookelyn said.

The tight knit community has even taught her about herself.

“UAFS has taught me to be myself and realize that other people’s opinions don’t define me,” she said. “Treating everyone with kindness and grace goes a long way. Everyone makes mistakes. I’ve learned that giving people grace is just as important as giving grace to yourself.”

Brookelyn is proud to say that UAFS is the place that turned a new town into home and gave her the opportunity to become more than she thought she could be.

• Tags:
• Biology
• Cross-country
• Athletics
• First-Generation Student