Graduating Seniors quotes

“Any favorite Smith memories?”

“Honestly, I loved it all, and I have way too many favorites to pick. It'd be unfair to my experience as a whole to single out one moment when there were so many that changed my life.” 

Allex Dawn ’21, biological sciences major"

“To me, Smith is the epitome of unconditional love. It seems so simple and cliche to say, but what I love most about Smith is the people. There is always someone rooting for you and believing in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. Smith allows me to be my authentic self, which is not something everyone can say about their school.”

Jane Casey Fleener ’21, sociology major

“To say that Smith lived up to my expectations would be an understatement. To me, Smith is the epitome of unconditional love. It seems so simple and cliche to say, but what I love most about Smith is the people. There is always someone rooting for you and believing in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. Smith allows me to be my authentic self, which is not something everyone can say about their school. 

“Before starting college, there were many instances where I doubted whether or not I deserved to be at a school like Smith. I didn’t think I was smart enough to attend such an elite college. While I have been tested and pushed along the way, there has never been a moment in my time at Smith where I didn’t feel like I belonged here. What I cherish most about my Smith experience isn’t just one specific instance, but the sense of belonging I have felt during my four years here. Professors will push you harder than you’ve ever had to push yourself. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed and defeated. But when you come out the other side, you will feel an immense sense of pride in yourself. You will feel like you belong here.”

Jane Casey Fleener ’21, sociology major 

“Smith to me was a place where I could learn more about who I wanted to be in an environment that supported me in all aspects of my life.”
Ejona Gjata '21, French studies major

“If you had asked me four years ago how I pictured my college experience, I wouldn’t have guessed it would be anything like it has been. It has been far better than I could have hoped for. I transferred to Smith at the beginning of my sophomore year in 2018. Smith to me was a place where I could learn more about who I wanted to be in an environment that supported me in all aspects of my life. I saw a place where I could learn a new language to fluency if that was what I wanted, an entire museum of art where I could put theory into practice, and most importantly, a community of people that not only gives support, but acts in compassion. I knew Smith would be the place where I could grow into someone I can confidently say I am happy with. 

“The most important Smith lesson I have learned is to be okay with changing my environment if it means giving yourself the most fulfilling experiences. I was hesitant to spend an entire year abroad in France after I had spent only a year at Smith, and considered not going. If it were not for my advisors and the community of friends I had made encouraging me to do the things I knew would make me happy and solidify my engagement with the French language, I would not have had the opportunity to learn more about myself and the perspectives I hold dear to me. Smith taught me that my community here is not limited to the physical barriers of the campus alone, but is rather an array of people and places all here to guide me and support me wherever I go.”

Ejona Gjata ’21, French studies major, art history minor, museum studies concentration

“Smith lived up to and exceeded my expectations. I know for a fact I couldn't have had my wonderful and unique academic experience at any other institution.”

Ruth Penberthy ’21, bachelor of science in engineering science major, landscape studies minor

“Smith lived up to and exceeded my expectations. I know for a fact I couldn't have had my wonderful and unique academic experience at any other institution. It is difficult to pick one thing I love the most about Smith. Each and every day I was challenged and pushed beyond my comfort zone. 

“[As an engineering major and landscape studies minor] I was able to get a holistic view of how issues such as climate change, energy demands, food scarcity, water quality, and racial inequalities intersect with each other... These issues are challenges that I will be directly addressing as I start my career as a designer and look toward long-term solutions.” 

Ruth Penberthy ’21, engineering science major, landscape studies minor

“I love that Smith encourages its students to be leaders not only on campus, but also in their individual communities. With Smith’s support, I was able to pursue my food justice passions in my hometown. I took a remote internship with the Corbin Hill Food Project (CHFP), a direct-to-consumer farm share in New York. Specifically, I co-created the CHFP’s first webinar series featuring pathways to success for Black farmers in New York. My Smith education has empowered me to take on local and global challenges impacting the world. 

“As a Black woman and scholar, I want the work I do to have practical implications for Black communities and marginalized groups that have been disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and food insecurity. Ideally, I would like to serve as a conduit of resources between larger government institutions and communities impacted by these issues.”

Storm Lewis ’21, Environmental science and policy major; studio art minor; sustainable foods concentration

“Smith brought out the best in me. I love the small class sizes. The professors are excellent and care deeply about their students. I will miss the friends I made here, especially my track and field family. And I’ll always cherish the Smith campus because it is so breathtaking. 
“I am very passionate about finding ways to empower youths from underprivileged communities in my country of Ghana. Before attending Smith, I had little to no knowledge about computers and technology. I was taken aback when I learned my first programming language. This awakened my mission to empower the youths in my community with programming skills so that they can develop careers for themselves. I feel it is my responsibility to extend a helping hand to those who need it.”

Wasila Yussif ’21, engineering science major.

The Rev. Gloria Elaine White-Hammond, M.D.

Founder and executive director of My Sister’s Keeper
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Hanya Yanagihara ’95

Novelist and editor of T: The New York Times Style Magazine
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