Spelling Out the Next Chapter: Hanif Brown settles into new life in Canada at 黑料老司机
![](/media/stu/site-content/news/2018/jan/HANIF-2-300x275.jpg)
Hanif Brown has found becoming a national spelling bee champion and moving to Canada to study have their similarities: both take dedication and commitment to pursuing your goals in the face of change.
鈥淓ach season of spelling, there was change regarding what needed to be done to grow and win,鈥 he said.
鈥淎t 黑料老司机, I remind myself of the children who would come to spelling training for the first time in a different atmosphere, with a new workload and approach. The growth they made over time, not just as better spellers, but as well-rounded individuals inspires me.鈥
Brown, a first-year student from Kingston, Jamaica, began competing in spelling bees when he was nine years old. He won his first competition鈥攈eld at Airy Castle Primary School鈥攁nd discovered a passion for spelling to which he dedicated himself until he became the best.
He won the Gleaners National Spelling Bee in 2011 and later represented his country at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, USA. 颅
鈥淲hen I won the National Spelling Bee finals of Jamaica I immediately ran off stage and was hugged by my coach, parents, and supporters,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t was a moment of pure joy and relief after many months of preparation.鈥
At the Scripps, Brown finished 27th out of 275 competitors after being eliminated in the semifinals.
鈥淎n environment that facilitated growth seemed like the next best step for me鈥
When Brown came to St. Thomas it was the first time he left Jamaica for a destination other than the Scripps. When he arrived on campus, he was surprised to see how welcoming and friendly everyone was.
鈥淎t first I was surprised, but then I learned it was the norm,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e absolutely loved my experience here thus far.鈥
The small class sizes, unique opportunities, and campus community lived up to Brown鈥檚 expectations. He wanted to go somewhere where he would grow and he has found that at St. Thomas.
鈥淎 liberal arts university gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of courses, and the community engagement, study abroad opportunities, and internships in an environment that facilitated growth seemed like the next best step for me,鈥 he said.
In just a few months, Brown鈥檚 made friends from all over the world and has enjoyed learning about different cultures while sharing his own.
He鈥檚 even warming up to the Canadian winter.
鈥淎s cold as it might be, I do enjoy the snow because it makes everything more interesting during outdoor adventures,鈥 he said.
With Economics as his intended major, Brown is open to exploring a number of future endeavors鈥攂ecoming an entrepreneur, an investor, working for an established business, or possibly contributing to a new innovative project.
Hanif was recently featured in Sports Illustrated鈥攃heck out the story.