Kiera Collins-Joseph ’24
Meet the Majors
Other clubs, sports, or activities:
Smith softball team member, executive board member of The Sports Committee for Inclusion and Diversity (SCID), math and english tutor at the Campus School.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share about your time at Smith?
My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of all that Smith has to offer. There are so many resources here that you may never have access to again, so use them to the best of your ability. Whether it's studying abroad, exploring the Neilson archives, getting financial support for grad school applications, getting involved in niche clubs, or bonding with your house community, you won't regret trying that new thing while you have the support and resources of the college to back you up.
What was unique about your house and what will you miss about it?
I've lived in a different house every year, so my experience is a little atypical from most Smithies, but I love that I've had that flexibility to find what suits my needs for that year best. I'm very lucky that I've had such great experiences in all four of my houses and I'm grateful to my current roommates (and best friends <3) who make apartment life so enjoyable. I'll miss the convenience of having everything you need and everyone you want to be around all in one place.
You won't regret trying that new thing while you have the support and resources of the college to back you up.
What's a favorite Portuguese word or phrase that you wish more people knew about?
”Saudades“ is a word to describe a feeling of longing and nostalgia that doesn't have a direct translation. This was taught to me by my Brazilian roommates when I studied abroad in São Paulo my junior year and it has stuck with me because it encompasses how I feel about that beautiful country and its wonderful people.
Describe one moment with friends or classmates that particularly sticks with you.
My sophomore year, there was a challenging event that impacted the whole community and there was a sad and grieving atmosphere on campus for a bit. During this time, I attended a Smith basketball game where a group of students had written affirmations on little slips of paper to pass out to everyone in Ainsworth. I was struck by the intentional act of care and kindness that was extended by my peers and felt that the affirmation I received was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. I carried the slip with my affirmation on it in my phone case with me for months because I loved the reminder of the support of the community. I look back on that day very fondly.
