|
Reflecting on your Smith College experience, please describe a course that has captured your attention or a professor you feel has gone above and beyond to make this unique learning experience engaging?
I am a first-year at Smith, and so far, I love every one of my classes. I am especially fascinated by my Feminist Indigenous Science class. We are discussing how to reframe the way we think about and engage with science, who contributes to the body of scientific knowledge, and whose contributions are respected and seen as valid. I am taking a dance class and I leave it feeling invigorated and joyful, and I am looking forward to taking a contact improvisation dance class. I am majoring in education, so I am extremely excited to take classes on pedagogy, school systems, and education policy.
How have you been spending your time outside the classroom?
I am a musician and I have formed a band with a few of my friends through the Smith Musicians Collective club. I play guitar and sing, and it is such a joyful experience to be in a room of non-judgemental musicians who are there to simply have fun. I work at the Neilson Library Compass Cafe, making drinks and taking orders. I dance in my spare time as well as making art with my friends. I am on my House Council as a "Birthday Fairy," which means that I organize the celebrations of the house members' birthdays and make sure everyone's birthday is special.
Are there special opportunities that you've been a part of while at Smith? Are there any new opportunities that you are looking forward to joining?
I am looking forward to studying abroad. As a part of the education department, I may get to go to Finland to study their education system. I am also looking forward to taking part in research. My advisor is conducting research on the role of respect in the classroom and its impact on education, and I may get to participate in that.
Is there anything you'd like to share about your post-college plans?
I would love to go to graduate school, but I am currently uncertain of my plans. I would like to be a teacher and design curriculum.
What is your favorite place to spend time on or off campus?
I love Paradise Pond and Mill River. Each time I go for a walk, I am blown away by how gorgeous and serene it is. I am from California and we do not get fall, or really any seasons, and I am overwhelmingly excited to see the leaves change and fall. I love to hang out in my room, at Hillyer Hall/ Smith College Art Museum, at the library in the reading room, and outside on the lawn next to Paradise Pond.
What does tradition mean to you? Is there a special Smith tradition that you've participated in or are looking forward to and why?
Big Sib/Little Sib week is a tradition in Gillett House, and last week we got little gifts from our big sibs and had a reveal party where we met and talked. It was so fun and I am looking forward to being a big sib next year. Mountain Day was relaxing and came as a well-needed day of rest. I am excited for Julia Child day and all the buttery pastries and foods.
We know our staff members are integral to the Smith experience. Is there a staff member who has served as a mentor/role model for you and why?
I haven't made any significant connections with any faculty yet, but I am loving my professors and advisor.
In what way did the receipt of a Smith Grant affect your decision to attend Smith? What does it mean to you to be a Smithie?
Receiving a grant made it possible for me to attend and become a Smithie. I am exceedingly grateful to have received funding for my education and support to follow my dreams. I knew that Smith was the place for me, but as Smith is quite expensive, I knew I would never be able to come here if not for generous financial aid and grants. While I still am still going into tremendous debt to be here, I am grateful for the grants I received.
Is there anything that you feel particularly proud of accomplishing or learned about yourself while you've been at Smith?
I have learned that I have to be generous with myself in order to succeed. I have to advocate for myself in order to get the help I need, and I feel that I have had to do a lot of self-advocacy. That is hard work, and I am proud of myself for working for the help I need and deserve.
| 
