Say Yes Student Spotlight | Brian Huynh
Meet Brian, Henninger High School graduate and Say Yes scholarship recipient.
- Where did you go to school and when did you graduate?
I’ve attended schools in the Syracuse City School District all throughout my life! I went to Franklin Elementary School, Grant Middle School, and Henninger High School, graduating as a part of the class of 2022.
- What college are you going to/what is your major/minor?
I am currently a junior at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, expecting to graduate in the spring of 2026! I originally came to Brown thinking that I wanted to major in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track but now, I am majoring in applied mathematics and economics, with a concentration in mathematical finance.
- What do you like the most about college?
I love the independence and opportunities that come with college! Without going to college, I don’t think I would be able to meet the people that I know today or travel to the places that I have gone to! Regarding Brown specifically, I love the open curriculum! At most colleges and universities, all students have to take introductory courses in math, science, literature, history, and a foreign language regardless of your major. But at Brown, we don’t have that. Students can choose to take classes in whatever they want without any limitations! The people I’ve met are all genuinely interested and curious in the classes they take! It’s an environment that encourages curiosity and learning over grades.
- What are your goals/plans after college?
Right now, I think that I want to work full-time in finance in a major city after graduating, but I’m open to graduate school later down the road! My end goal is to work a job that allows me to continue learning after college, travel the world and meet new people. Far later in life, I am considering working in philanthropy.
- How did you learn about Say Yes to Education Syracuse?
I knew about Say Yes to Education Syracuse (Say Yes) while I was a Syracuse City School District student growing up! It was an opportunity that I was always encouraged to take advantage of by teachers, but it was the Upward Bound staff at Le Moyne College that truly taught me about the benefits of Say Yes.
- What does Say Yes mean to you?
Say Yes has been an important part of my college experience so far! It has opened doors for me that no one else in my family has accessed before. I am grateful for Say Yes and all that it does for our community. To me, Say Yes means redefining limits and pushing students to strive for excellence.
- What advice would you give to high school students considering seeking a college degree through Say Yes Syracuse?
To students considering higher education with the help of a Say Yes scholarship, I strongly encourage you to go for the opportunity. An investment in education is an investment in yourself. You will find yourself in new, uncomfortable situations, but they will help you develop and grow as a person. More importantly, besides learning in the classroom, college will help you learn about yourself as a person.
- Anything else about experience with Say Yes that you would like to add?
Thank you to Say Yes for all that you have done, not just for me, but for the rest of our community over the years! I am also truly grateful for the platform you have given me to share my story with others.