Giulia Guiso Gallisay ’22

Now located: New York City, New York (originally from Milan, Italy)

If you had to write a dictionary entry for the word “Smithie,” what would it be?
Smithie (noun): A one of a kind human being that is committed, powerful, loyal and brave. A Smithie is often found at the center of every room, empowering others and challenging expectations. A Smithie's natural habitat is Hospital Hill on a snow day, their house living room for Friday Tea and drinking mudslides from the Campus Centre Cafè.

What’s one thing about you that has changed since you came to Smith?
Since coming to Smith, I have learned to be eager and excited for change. High school me never would have believed that I could be so captivated by Russian Studies and Government and it’s all thanks to the Smith community that has taught me how to embrace new experiences and face them head-on.  

“A Smithie is often found at the center of every room, empowering others and challenging expectations.”

Is there any way that your studies have become more rich, deep or interesting?Believe it or not, my Russian Language Class has been my most satisfying Smith Course thus far. The Russian Language Lounge has become my home away from home and the people in it have become my family. My ‘Русский Культ’ peers and I have studied, cooked, laughed, and cried together and I believe we are bonded for life. My Russian language acquisition has been significantly supported both by my Russian Family as well as our fearless leader: Evgeny!

What are three things that you don’t have, but that you wish you had right now?
Right now I wish I had my Duckett House family, my cozy room on Elm Street and Friday Tea! Although, Duckett House does meet via Zoom at 4 p.m. each Friday for virtual tea. 

Smithie Snapshots is a new profile series highlighting members of the Smith community, located all over the world.