Lydia Stein ’25
If you had to create a synonym for the word Smithie, what would it be?
I would say authentic. This thing that has stood out to me about all the people I have met is that everyone is so comfortable in their own skin and everyone is real.
What are you most looking forward to about campus?
I am so excited to be surrounded by people who challenge me and make me better. I am also excited for challenging classes that make my brain think in ways it hasn’t.
What drew you to Smith?
I have always known that I wanted to go pre-med, but I hated being in class with men who constantly spoke over me. Smith’s strong STEM program was the first thing that drew me in. Smith’s open schedule also allows me to pursue my two totally different passions: biology and social justice. Unlike other schools, Smith also had so many unique traditions that made the school seem like more than just the academics.
When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it?
Recently I have been doing a lot of things for the first time including graduating, cooking for over 10 people while camping, meeting my Smith roommate and going on my first solo road trip. I love trying new things even if they are a little bit scary and unknown.
What is something unexpected that people don’t know about you?
I love music and have a record collection that I am to bring to Smith. I can’t wait to collect more records while in Northampton.
What’s one problem (big or small) you’d like to work on after you graduate?
Although this “problem” could take my whole life to solve, I want to create equity in the medical systems. The health care system is full of inequalities and I hope over time I am able to work my way up to the top and then make real change.
What year would you visit if you had a time machine?
I would visit 1848 in Seneca Falls at the first women’s rights convention. Not only am I interested in women and gender studies, but my Smithie alumna aunt has dedicated her life to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. (She would be invited into my time machine.)
What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far?
My time at the Seeds of Peace camp helped me to become the real authentic self that I wanted to be. At this camp I also learned what it meant to be a change-maker and a leader in my community.
Smithie Snapshots is a new profile series highlighting members of the Smith community, located all over the world.