Scholarship Recipient

Why Smith?
The close-knit community drew me in. The house system is unique and I loved the campus! It all felt—and still feels—very inviting. The academic opportunities that Smith offered also stood out. I was accepted into the Student Research in Departments program when I was admitted, which allowed me to do funded research for two years immediately upon entering, an incredible opportunity I would not have had elsewhere.

What does being a Smithie mean to you?
Being a Smithie means standing up for myself and the people I care about. It means putting in the work to see and combat injustice instead of accepting it as normal. Smithies speak up about what they care about and only get louder if someone tries to silence them! Being a Smithie means being hardworking but also knowing how to have fun and appreciate the people we're with.

What has financial aid meant to you?
Knowing that I have a debt-free future makes it possible for me to make the most out of my time here. Smith's generous financial aid makes me feel that this community wants me. 

“Smithies speak up about what they care about and only get louder if someone tries to silence them!”

What is your favorite thing at Smith?
So hard to choose! I love walking through such an amazing physical space every single day. The trees and leaves and flowers and snow and water—they relax and ground me. And the buildings are so aesthetically pleasing. On a more abstract level, I've loved the safety and comfort that I feel at Smith, and also the way that I can be intellectually challenged.

What achievement at Smith are you proud of?
I’m proud of my Student Research in Departments (STRIDE) project. Working with Erin Cohn [director of the Wurtele Center for Leadership], I researched collaborative leadership in the classroom. I interviewed students to explore what effective teamwork looks like. This is important work—it aims to make leadership more accessible and give people the tools to utilize collaboration for making meaningful change.

Is there a Smith faculty member who stands out for you?
There are three: Erin Cohn [director of the Wurtele Center for Leadership], because of her continual support of me and my research goals. Lindsay Poirier [assistant professor of statistics and data sciences], because she's an incredibly engaging and understanding professor. And Maren Buck [associate professor of chemistry], because she's supportive and kind and caring. So many women on this campus are such amazing mentors, but these three especially stand out for me.

“Financial aid lets students be change-makers regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. This helps bring out the best ideas and leads to the most good being done in the world.”

What do you hope to accomplish at Smith?
I really want to kayak in Paradise Pond at least once before I graduate!

Who has had the most impact on you?
One of my high school teachers—she taught me what it means to be a lifelong learner and to have unconditional compassion.

What’s a little-known fact about you?
I was born and grew up in Lithuania

Why is it important to give to financial aid?
Financial aid lets students be change-makers regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. This helps bring out the best ideas and leads to the most good being done in the world. Financial aid also makes students feel that they are cared for and belong, which is such a necessary part of getting any sort of education. It's life-changing.