Participating in the Bridge program helped make my transition to college a lot easier. My Bridge leaders made me feel so welcome, and by the end of the program I knew I had a community of people who will be there for me. The friends I made during Bridge are my closest friends on campus.

Before I came to Smith, I was quiet, insecure, not confident. During my time at Smith I have grown more confident; I’m no longer afraid to speak up, advocate for myself and stand up for what I believe in. I have taken on leadership positions in organizations like the Black Students’ Alliance. Smith has allowed me to be myself.

“I’m no longer afraid to speak up, advocate for myself and stand up for what I believe in.”

In classes at Smith, everyone is really engaged. We have amazing intellectual discussions that make you think critically and deeply. I also like that the classes are small, so your professors really get to know you and care about you. The professors of color have given me the most encouragement. They have told me things like, “I know you can succeed, I want you to succeed and I want to help you to succeed.”