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Leigh Johnston ’18

Leigh Johnston holding an umbrella

When I was 10, my mom, who is a Smith alumna, received a DVD from Smith. One thing that struck me while watching it was a student saying, “Now that I’m at Smith, I believe I can accomplish anything.” It is so true. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come to Smith.

Now that I am here, I have so many interests. Maybe I’d like to do social work. I’m currently volunteering with Safe Passage in Northampton, an organization that provides support and services for survivors of domestic violence. I’m looking forward to spending the spring semester of my junior year at the University of the South Pacific in Apia, Samoa, studying Pacific communities and social change. Then again, I’m fascinated by the psychology of marketing. Maybe I should try an internship in advertising.

“At Smith, doors are opening to me in all directions. There are so many opportunities and resources.”

I’ve always been fascinated by such social issues as race, class, sexuality and gender, so the sociology major turned out to be perfect for me. I want to take every class offered! Our department has a book club, movie nights and game nights too. My professors are always happy to look at rough drafts of my papers and provide feedback. I go to them for advice about internships and programs I’m interested in. And combining my major with the Five College Certificate in Culture, Health and Science allows me to explore social justice and health in an interdisciplinary way and to have access to many more classes, professors and speakers on all five campuses in the Five College Consortium. At Smith, doors are opening for me in all directions. I’ve been encouraged to set goals and then helped to reach them. I feel like I can do anything.

Leigh Johnston

About Leigh

Kaneohe, Hawaii

Sociology major, environmental science & policy minor

HONS (Head of new students)

Gold Key tour guide

Multicultural recruitment intern

Safe Passage volunteer

Social media intern, Office of College Relations

Violinist, Smith College Orchestra

Member, Ukelele Club

Varsity tennis team