Pria Parker ’25

What other clubs, sports, and activities would you like to mention?
When I'm not doing chemistry, I run on the cross country and track & field teams and play cello in the Wailing Banshees and in a band with other Smith students.

Describe your major for someone who has never heard of your field before. 
Why does anything exist, what is everything made of, and why does it do what it does? Now draw some pictures about it! 

Did you ever have trouble deciding on a major? What, ultimately, helped you decide? 
I entered Smith knowing that I was interested in pursuing a STEM major, but was undecided beyond this. I took a few intro STEM classes to see what I would enjoy most, and I loved the way that my chemistry class allowed me to think creatively and analytically all at once. When I found the supportive, welcoming community of the chemistry department, I was fully sold. 

What is one preconception about your major that people often get wrong? 
That organic chemistry is impossible and the worst class. My organic chem classes have been my favorite classes at Smith! They are rewarding and productively challenging and push me to think outside the box in ways I hadn't before. 

What advice would you give another Smithie? 
You can make friends throughout your time at Smith! Coming into college, I thought that everyone would make their friends in the first semester and those would be the people we stuck with throughout our time here, but I was so wrong! I've made lots of new friends through classes, sports, music, my house, etc. throughout my four years, and I'm so grateful for all the lovely people I've met. 

What’s your all-time (big or small) favorite Smith memory? 
Long dinners with my teammates where we chat and linger in the dining hall for hours.

Who was your favorite professor and what did you most like about their style of teaching? 
There are too many to choose from...I have loved how the chemistry faculty have a mix of lecturing and group work so we can practice problem-solving in class and feel comfortable making mistakes. 

What was most interesting or unique about your house and what will you miss about it? 
I lived in Gillett for three years before moving to the Friedmans, and I always loved seeing the April Fools' pranks that Gillett would play on Northrop and vice versa. 

What is your proudest accomplishment? 
I placed 6th in the mile at Indoor Track Nationals this past year! Running at this level was previously something I didn't know I was capable of, but I will always remember how strong and confident I felt during that race.