Eleanor Wu ’26
Scholarship Recipient
Why Smith?
Smith provides a unique opportunity to gain freedom in male-dominated fields such as science. Being surrounded by like-minded women in a liberal arts institution has been the greatest appeal.
What has financial aid meant to you?
It means my sky is limitless. Financial aid has opened the door for both me and my family. My family can continue to pursue their own endeavors and business, and I can focus solely on my career and education.
What does being a Smithie mean to you?
Being a Smithie means acceptance, inclusivity, and inspiration. I have never seen a community more willing to love and accept everyone.
“Being a Smithie means acceptance, inclusivity, and inspiration. I have never seen a community more willing to love and accept everyone.”
What is your favorite thing about Smith?
The individualized education and small classes have pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to challenge myself. I think of myself as a listener who has trouble truly exchanging with others in an educational setting. Smith has taught me a different mode of learning.
What are you studying?
I am studying language, literature, and how the mind works.
What challenges did you meet to get to Smith?
At the beginning of COVID, my mother left for China for business. Going through high school amidst the pandemic, separated by half the globe from my mother, was extremely difficult and caused me to mature quickly.
“Financial aid can unlock the potential for so many individuals. We are the future and the future depends on us.”
What do you want to achieve at Smith?
I am hoping to continue my work with leadership and equity. In high school, I founded a club that provided a space and voice for Asian cultures. I also did cell biology research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School which ultimately led to awards in the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering fair—one for 4th place overall and another for creativity in research. I’d like to build on these achievements at Smith.
Who or what has had the most impact on you?
Music has inspired and nourished me throughout my life. Music from my culture guided me to my cultural awakening: It taught me to accept and love my roots. It has been a companion and a safe haven for me.
Why is it important to give to financial aid?
Financial aid can unlock the potential for so many individuals. We are the future and the future depends on us. It’s a team effort that can only be achieved as a collective.
Tell us your story about financial aid.
Contact Us
To make an endowed gift or to learn more about supporting financial aid at Smith, please contact Betsy Carpenter ’93, associate vice president for development, at 413-585-2052 or ewcarpen@smith.edu.