They accept my flaws and understand that I'm not perfect. I trust these people and I know they've got me covered if I ever need anything. Also, Brownstone makes it easy to maintain a strong social network composed of wonderful people with diverse backgrounds and widely varying interests. It's impossible to avoid contact with people who are very different from oneself, and this contact is one of the most valuable things about my Duke experience. Although I am not an official member of Brownstone, the more time I spend in this edifice, with these people, the more I feel like part of the dorm.
Brownstone is about relationships.
It is bringing people from all walks of life together and putting them in an environment that nurtures interaction and rewards connectivity. It is one of those rare ventures where an institution exists to bring people together and help them form friendships for life. As such, it is one of the great treasures of our university, one with which I feel especially honored to be associated. But it's more than that. A place where I can watch sporting events on a big tv and see people in the commons room at any time of day or night.