Smith Allowed Me to Dream Bigger

Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, I was advised by our high school guidance counselor to take home economics instead of physics or calculus because I would use it more in my daily life. When I said I wanted to apply to a selective college, he said I probably wouldn’t get in and should lower my expectations. I ended up taking physics and calculus because I already knew how to cook—and because I wanted to attend Smith College.

At age 11, I found a book about Smith at my local public library and held on to its mission of educating women to stand on their own merits. When I was accepted early admission, the first thing I did was take my letter straight to that guidance counselor.

Arriving at Smith was like moving to another planet, academically. There were no Advanced Placement classes at my high school, and I was woefully behind other students in terms of base knowledge. My entire first year was spent catching up. I worked harder than I ever had in my entire life. I loved every minute of it, challenging myself and pushing further and faster than I thought possible. Smith made it possible for me to see how much more life could be if I allowed myself bigger dreams.

The professors were exceptional. Maria Banerjee opened the literary world, and Daniel Horowitz brought American history to life. But it was political philosophy with Leo Weinstein that taught me how to think. His amazing wisdom and probing Socratic questions taught me to look for “capital T” truths. My life is so much better for having attended Smith College. I am forever grateful that Smith showed me how to evolve and learn actively and purposefully.