ALUMNI PROFILE: From BFS to BFFs

For Eve Bromberg and Noa Buchalter, both members of the Class of 2015, Brooklyn Friends School was more than an education; it was the foundation of a lifelong friendship. Rooted in Quaker values, BFS offered the pair a space for self-discovery, personal growth, and the beginnings of a bond that continues to shape their lives. Despite living apart, they remain in touch daily, supporting each other through life’s joys and challenges. Both credit the school with broadening their perspectives, deepening their curiosity, and guiding them into lives of purpose—together and individually.

Eve recalls how the Quaker tradition of weekly Meeting for Worship helped her cultivate a rare sense of presence and openness, “That for seven years of my life, I sat in silence with my classmates and teachers—it was such an unbelievable thing. We saw the adults around us as human beings, sharing experiences. It taught me to listen, to be present, and to reflect.” This experience of communal reflection set a foundation for Eve’s life. Now, as she pursues her MFA in Dramaturgy at Columbia, Eve carries those values into her work.

For Noa, Meeting for Worship was one of the most transformative aspects of her BFS experience, shaping both her personal and professional life. Today, as Associate Director of Student Services at Year Up United, she shares the BFS values of empathy and reflection with her own students. “Quaker meeting was the most empowering experience as a young person,” she explains. “In my career now as a social worker, the idea of students being able to learn to sit with their own thoughts and listen to other people share deeply personal things is teaching us something that school alone never could.” Noa emphasizes how the practices she learned at BFS help her teach students the importance of understanding themselves and others.

Eve and Noa’s friendship, which began in Middle School, has remained a source of strength and humor. They bonded over their shared love of fashion and self-expression—a distinctive aspect of their school days. “We both used to wear heels every day and accessorized like mad,” Eve recollects. “We were two young women who loved expressing ourselves and were never discouraged from doing so. It was something that felt natural and was celebrated by everyone around us.” Noa adds, “The freedom to express ourselves, whether through style or ideas, made us feel seen and valued. It was a safe space where we could explore who we were and be celebrated for it.”

Reflecting on their BFS days, both women express gratitude for the school’s community and values. As Eve puts it, “BFS taught me to embrace risks and think critically about my place in the world.” Noa agrees, highlighting how the BFS emphasis on social justice and intellectual curiosity has shaped her outlook. “I always tell my students, ‘Never stop being curious.’ That’s something BFS taught me, and I carry it forward.”

This year, as they look forward to their 10th BFS reunion on May 16-17, 2025, Eve and Noa feel grateful for the community that shaped their lives. For them, BFS provided more than an education; it built the foundation for a lifelong friendship and a deep commitment to living purposefully. Their experiences underscore the lasting impact of BFS’s values, reminding us all of the power of community, compassion, and curiosity.

Do you have a story to tell about your time at BFS? Email us!