#mysmith

Speaking as someone who wasn’t really raised with college culture, I’ve realized (in hindsight) how much I was unaware of what other students went through during the application season. But no matter where you’re at in the process, whatever environment you’ve grown up in, your exposure (or even lack thereof) to certain resources - the stress of this period is hard for everyone. You’re valid in your worry. So if you need to hear it from anybody, even a stranger like me: I believe in you. And trust me when I say, it’ll all be okay. 

Entering my senior year here at Smith, where you’re at feels a bit more distant to me now. But working in Admissions this summer, I hear how the pressure of this period hasn’t necessarily gotten any easier for students today. So, for those of you feeling the weight of this period on your shoulders right now - I hope these words can help in any way, no matter how small:

- i know it’s hard to really listen to any comforting words from those around you right now about everything going on in your head about applications/admissions. so feel free to ignore this, even though it’s true that… you’ve got this. 

- try your best to start early, like the summer is a great period to try to possibly lighten your load senior year. but, don’t forget that it’s summer! take breaks. be with friends & family! enjoy your time.

- you’ve done a lot of the hard work already. no one should ever underestimate junior year (or high school in general, tbh). so, don’t forget to give yourself some praise. you DID THAT. you’ve got one more year of high school left! HELLO SENIOR.

- make sure to communicate all your worries about the application process (housing, aid, etc.) with the resources offered to you. for example, if you’re concerned about aid at Smith - ask here on the Smith by Smithies blog or reach out to one of our amazing bloggers here!

- stop underestimating yourself. imposter syndrome is real. try to not let it overwhelm your application process if you can.

- you’ll apply, you’ll wait, you’ll get your answers. whatever anxieties or stresses you feel during this time are VALID. doing this is scary. putting yourself out there is scary. let’s not undermine our feelings or emotions! kick that poor self-care & bad self-love outta here folks.

Classes of 2020, you got this - happy summer & happy senior year! 

Last year at this time I was on the opposite side of the world, studying abroad in New Zealand at the University of Auckland. All of the rainy weather this week has really made me feel like I’m back there and has made me reflect on what a wonderful experience it was.

Studying abroad while at Smith was one of the most incredible things I have ever done. I learned so much from the experience and met such amazing people. I chose to study at the University of Auckland, which is an approved study abroad program at Smith. As an Environmental Science and Policy major, New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and groundbreaking Environmental protection policies were my main motivations when deciding where to study abroad.

I wanted to study at the University of Auckland because it was a city campus and really close to so many amazing sights, museums, and landmarks. Smith also has an approved study abroad program in New Zealand’s South Island at the University of Canterbury. During my school breaks, I was able to explore more of the country, traveling around the north island and going on a road trip around the South Island with friends that I met while in New Zealand.

Smith’s study abroad office is such a great resource and can help you find the perfect study abroad experience for you! If you are interested in studying abroad, you should head to the Study Abroad Office as soon as possible to start exploring all the amazing places you could go.

In the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite pictures of the Auckland Harbor and the most northern point of New Zealand, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

My first three years at Smith I lived in Lamont House, and loved every minute of it! This year, I am living in the Friedman Apartments on campus with three of my closest friends. The apartments are only for seniors and are assigned through a lottery, similar to the room draw process in each of the houses. 

Living in the Friedman apartments means that you cook your own food and clean your own space. The apartments are beautiful and I am loving living here so far. Here’s a peek at my room and a great meal I made with my roommates a few weeks ago

Image Description: A table set with flowers and some food.

Image Description: My bedroom with a bed, a desk, a rug, a dresser, and a window. 

hey hi hello there! 

My name is Charlotte, I’m a raising senior here at Smith. I’m a Studio Art major concentrating in printmaking and a Geosciences minor. 

I’m from Watertown, MA right outside of Boston. I was homeschooled before I came to Smith and am happy to answer questions about the transition between traditional and non traditional learning environments. 

I swim on the Smith College swim and dive team, The Wild Bunch, GO BANANAS! 

This summer I’m working with Admissions as one of the senior interviewers and am getting to enjoy beautiful western mass in the summer! I’ve also worked as a lifeguard, in dining, and at the Smith college campus school and Fort Hill the nursery school and preschool. Ask me about work study!