Haley-December Brown ’23
Now located: Torch Lake in Kewadin, Michigan
What clubs, sports, other activities are you normally involved in?
Varsity swim team, technical theatre crew, museum volunteer program, Smith by Smithies blogger and student museum club, Gold Key Tour Guide
What do you remember about your first visit to Smith College?
I was a sophomore in high school (because my sister was a junior in high school touring) and we went on a tour of the athletic facility with the former swim coach and then a Gold Key guide tour. Everything about the tour made me smile and realize that Smith is the school for me, but I do like to say that it all clicked when the guide said “Smith has 14 dining halls!” haha!
“Everything about the tour made me smile and realize that Smith is the school for me, but I do like to say that it all clicked when the guide said ‘Smith has 14 dining halls!’”
Why did you choose Smith?
So many reasons! I was really drawn to the rigorous academics, housing system, open curriculum, swim team and definitely the Smithies! They bring such a diverse and welcoming environment!
What has been your favorite area of academics or research and why?
There’s no way I can answer this haha! I have really enjoyed taking art history courses (especially this semester’s Decolonize This Museum) because Smith’s art museum is right on campus and the resources enhance the topics! Additionally, my Canadian Contemporary Drama class uses Josten Library which has the largest collection of Canadian plays in the country! Smith has so many resources in every area which makes for such interesting courses.
What do you miss most?
Ahh so much! I miss all of the activities that were going on around campus like clubs, symposiums, and sporting events! I miss my friends and while we can still group-Zoom, nothing beats piling onto someone’s bed to watch a sappy movie! Finally, I miss being able to go into class and have small group discussions in the rolling chairs. It’s the little things.
If you could go back in time and tell yourself what to expect, what would you say?
I would tell myself to remember that Smith (meaning the Smithies, past present and future, as well as the administration and faculty) is there for you and they will take care of you. And don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions!
What has been the biggest insight you’ve gained from the COVID-19 experience?
How strong and wonderful the Smith community is, on- and off-campus. I remember the night after the email (saying we had to go home) was sent, I was walking to the Quad to see my friends and I could hear music and people chattering. As I got closer, I realized that Smithies had put together a makeshift senior ball that turned into one big going-away party! I actually had tears in my eyes when I saw it. We weren’t going to let this situation dampen our spirits! From then on, an impromptu graduation was planned as well as numerous senior banquets in houses. With less than a week to do it, Smithies put together ceremonies and farewells and more. It is so heartwarming to see that our rigorous spirit as academics also translates to intense love and compassion for our community.
Is there any other message you’d like to include to the wider Smith community?
Thank you to the local auditors and also to the alums who have opened their hearts and homes to Smith students that needed it!
Smithie Snapshots is a new profile series highlighting members of the Smith community, located all over the world.