Meet the Staff: Chris Brown
Born in Lancaster, New Hampshire, Brewster’s Summer Programs Coordinator and Thai Scholar Program Director Chris Brown originally moved to Brewster with her family when her father accepted a math teaching position. A “faculty brat,” alumna, and now staff member, Chris headed to Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., for her BA in Psychology. She worked as a preschool teacher before joining Brewster as an employee. We sat down at her busiest time of year to learn more about the person whose office is in the same building she used to live in as a teen (Estabrook)!
Q. When did you move to Wolfeboro?
A. My family moved to Brewster the summer before my sophomore year, when my father accepted a math teaching position here. I remember living in Chamberlin House and having a group of friends come over for Saturday movie nights. As mostly boarding students, I think they enjoyed having a bit of “family time.”
Q. What were the best and worst parts of being a faculty kid?
A. As an older faculty kid, I was called upon by other faculty families to babysit quite often! There are many faculty children who literally grow up on campus, which is a blessing, as they have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The best and the worst parts of being a faculty kid can sometimes be the same. Teachers here are so giving of their time, and I often had to wait in line for math help from my dad!
Q. Where did you and your family live on campus?
A. Sargent 3, Chamberlin, Estabrook, and Mason.
Q. What do you wish people knew about Summer Programs and the Thai program that they may not know already?
A. I don't think that people realize how many different groups and events happen on campus during the summer months. There are some days that we have a craft fair on DeWolf field, or lakeside wedding, as well as Thai Scholars and other student academic or day programs at the same time, and usually a hosted sports camp as well. It is such a busy place. My favorite part is the laughter when people are having a great time in whatever program or activity they are here to do.
Q. Everyone knows the Thai Scholars are near and dear to your heart. Have you picked up Thai words as you've held this role? What are your favorites?
A. I can count in Thai—I learned numbers so I could play cards with Thai Scholars and understand. I know a few random words, mostly about food; how to say sorry and excuse me; but I was especially proud when I learned how to say “nice to meet you” in Thai. “Yin dee tee dai roo jak khun ka!”
Q. Neo Nusom, our First PG this year, mentioned in his Ivy Address speech that you helped him get hearing aids that really changed the way he was able to learn and understand. You must have been bursting! How did that make you feel?
A. Luckily, Korravit "Neo" Nusom, like many Thai Scholars in past years who have graduated as the PG with the highest GPA, practiced the pacing of his speech with me beforehand, so I was prepared (otherwise, I may have had to wipe away a few tears). I guess it shows what one act of kindness can do for someone else. Really, all I did was make a few phone calls to arrange for insurance to cover audiology, and make him an appointment. It was Neo’s self-advocacy in coming to me last summer to express that he couldn't hear everything said in classes that was what ultimately helped him. Yet, even before his hearing aids, Neo led his peers in class discussion, and encouraged others. He is a true leader, and I couldn't be more proud of him.
Q. Have you become a fan of Thai food? What dishes do you like?
A. Thai food has many unique flavors, and my favorite above all others is a soup called Tom Kha Gai. It is a chicken soup with coconut milk, lemongrass and galangal. Eating that is the culinary version of curling up in a warm blanket and watching a sunset.
Q. You also work with folks who rent our beautiful facilities for events, including weddings. I'm sure you've had your fair share of difficult clients...there are always some in the high-stakes wedding planning business! But can you tell us about some touching moments you've experienced in your role with brides and grooms? Also, what do brides and grooms ask about the most or like the most about Brewster?
A. We just hosted a wedding the first weekend in June, and the mother of the bride contacted me to tell me that despite the rain at the beginning, it cleared, and everyone had a great time. This spring, I have done several tours with brides, grooms, their families, wedding planners, and caterers—some will potentially book their event with us, and some are coming to take another look to determine the layout of their event. Overwhelmingly, they love the view!
Q. When you are not working, what is your favorite way to relax and spend your time?
A. This time of year, I mostly read emails, but in the off season (not summer), I love to curl up with a good book.
Q. Best summertime treat or thing to do in Wolfeboro in the summer?
A. I think most of our summer staff would say, “to determine which ice cream is the best in town.” For me, I like just taking a walk downtown, and doing a little people watching.
Q. If you could go anywhere and do anything for a summer vacation, where would you go?
A. This is kind of an unfair question, since when I was hired to work in summer programs, I was told my vacation time could be anytime other than summer!
Q. Sorry! I didn’t think that through. Okay, we’ll wish you a happy WINTER vacation someplace cozy with a lot of great books!
Editor’s Note: If you are interested in renting Brewster’s many event spaces, visit this webpage to get the scoop and contact Chris. There is a discount for folks who are part of the Brewster family.
