Monica Harris

Ada Comstock Scholar
American Studies major, International Relations minor
Chicago, Illinois

My collegiate experience began at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Although I left U of A before completing my degree, I remained committed to fulfilling my education goals. I later volunteered for AmeriCorps and taught young adult GED classes in Washington, D.C. I eventually moved to Chicago and began taking college courses again.

I learned about the Ada Comstock Scholars Program from my microbiology professor at Harold Washington College. What initially impressed me about Smith were the opportunities available to nontraditional students, including research fellowships and study abroad programs, as well as Smith’s commitment to need-based financial aid. But what motivated me to pack up my life and relocate to Massachusetts was the chance to study at an institution of Smith’s caliber.

I’m now a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, which means I have the opportunity to work with faculty on graduate-level research. Smith continues to be an encouraging environment for my intellectual growth and academic pursuits.