Reason #30 You Should Visit
Diverse local bookstores
she/her
Class of 2025
Riza, Greece
Economics & Environmental Science and Policy
If you had to create a synonym for the word “Smithie,” what would it be?
The word "Smithie" hides plenty of adjectives that perfectly describe it. Here are a few that come to my mind: Adventurous, Caring, Intelligent, Rebellious, and Motivated. So a synonym would be a word that comprehends all these adjectives. I'm still looking for that word, though! Wanna help?
What are you most looking forward to about campus?
Having small picnics with friends all around campus and taking lots of pictures at the Botanic Garden.
How would you describe a Smithie in three words?
There are so many that come to my mind, but I guess these three are the best: Leader, Ambitious, Rebel
What item from home do you plan to bring and why?
The Greek flag. It is a beautiful way to remind me of my home and the people I am going to miss. (Plus, it will make me recall all the memories from the amazing Greek festivals with the traditional music and dancing which I will miss the most during my time in America.)
What is something unexpected that people don’t know about you?
Something that no one would expect of me is that I can drive the tractor and the excavator.
If you could have any superhuman power, what would it be?
Flying. I am obsessed with aerial and panoramic views of landscapes to the point that I choose a window seat during 11-hour flights just to stare outside the window.
What’s your favorite family tradition?
In Greece, we have an annual holiday called “Clean Monday” (it’s called clean because we don’t eat meat, oil or dairy products). On that day, we have a tradition which is to fly a kite. As a family, we chose to make the kite by ourselves. It was always a holiday I was so looking forward to because the whole family gathered to eat at our farm.
What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far?
Creating a project that aimed to support girls from all over the world during the pandemic.
In March 2020, right after the schools closed, I wanted to do something that would help me take my mind off of homework, be creative, share my passions and help others. With the help of my college counselor, we came up with the idea to create a project whose aim would be to connect with people all over the world, share our thoughts, fears, ambitions, help each other and have fun, etc.
The project is called “The International Project” and 11 girls from over the world are part of it. Some of the countries are: China, Turkey, Greece, Italy, India and the USA.
We used to meet weekly on Zoom and we would prepare short presentations about ourselves, our hobbies, our cultures and countries. On top of that, we organized online games and we also sent each other Christmas gifts. I’m proud to call these girls very good friends now!
Smithie Snapshots is a new profile series highlighting members of the Smith community, located all over the world.