Splendidly Smith

Faith (she/her) C/O 2021. Chronicling my adventures as a first-year Smithie! English and Classics Double Major. Chapin House.

[smithbysmithies]

Hey RD girl here, I was just wondering what the party scene is like? Is there one? Or do I need to go the other schools to do so?

There is definitely a party scene at Smith! They range from House parties every week to small gatherings in friend’s rooms. People from other schools come out to Smith parties as well! I personally love smaller, room parties. My friends throw theme parties, in fact, just this year, my friends threw Harry Styles a birthday party. However, my friends also love to go to UMass, Amherst, Hampshire and Mount Holyoke for parties to experience different party cultures!

-Julie ‘21

[thelightreflects]

[splendidly-smith]

Difference between Classics and Classical Studies? I'm worried about taking Classics because I haven't taken Latin or Greek yet, and I know both languages are required...

Both majors require Greek and Latin- except Classical studies only requires four language classes (Elementary Greek or Latin, as year long courses, count as 2 classes) as opposed to Classics 9 language classes. If you’re worried about taking Greek and Latin, don’t worry! The professors are readily available, and the small class sizes make the courses feel like family. Classical languages can be a bit intimidating, but Smith makes them easy and fun to learn.

[splendidly-smith]

How do you like your house? And what are the best dining halls on campus in your opinion? Thanks!!

I ADORE Chapin! Not only is it centrally located, but it’s brimming with the kindest and most supportive people. As for dining.... hmmm... I love the salad bar at Nothrop/Gillett- they always have loads of different protein options! Chuckett always has cereal at dinner time, and Chapin dining is just down a flight of stairs. Most of the dining halls have overlapping menus, so the main dishes are of the same quality. It’s just the little touches that make a dining hall into a favorite!

[smithbysmithies]

Regular Decision is out! To the newest class of Smith College: welcome, and we can’t wait to see you soon. If you have any questions in the meantime, always feel free to send us a message!

[splendidly-smith]

Interterm- Creative Writing Residency at Amherst College

My writing view!

One of the many great things about Smith is its role in the Five College Consortium. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, the FCC is a gaggle of, you guessed it, five colleges, consisting of one large research university (UMass Amherst), one elite coed liberal arts college (Amherst College), one alternative liberal arts college (Hampshire College), and two elite historically-womens’  liberal arts colleges (Mount Holyoke College and, of course, Smith). Not only does this mean students can use resources from other colleges (think libraries or museum collections), but are also able to take courses and join clubs at the other schools.

Given that my schedule is always crazy, fitting a Five College Course and navigating the PVTA (the Pioneer Valley Bus system that moves between the colleges- and is free for FCC students!) during the regular semester can be a pain. Given the freedom and flexibility of J-Term, however, I decided to take the plunge. I enrolled in the Creative Writing Residency through Amherst College. It’s a two week course that’s essentially three hours a day devoted solely to writing and creative development. The flexibility of the day is partially inspired by writer’s colonies such as McDowell and Breadloaf. Today was my last day of the course, and over two weeks I’ve finished two short stories and fifteen pages of poetry- so you could say its been productive! This afternoon is a public reading of our published work, and I’ll admit I’m a bit nervous- but nerves mean you care about doing a quality job! Overall, this has been an amazing opportunity to explore another campus and get some writing done.

[splendidly-smith]

Interterm - Classes and Adventures!

I hope everyone had a restful holiday season! It’s so lovely to be back on campus. I came back 2 weeks early to take a course at Amherst which focused on creative writing. It’s been a great opportunity to take advantage of the Five College Consortium, and explore another town in the Pioneer Valley!

Driving into the front on my way back to Smith! Wouldn’t be January without that famous New England weather...

On the bright side, the freezing cold makes for some beautiful sunsets!

Discovered Amherst Books on my first day of classes... and now I basically live there. They have a lower room solely devoted to used books and records!

[splendidly-smith]

How is it being a double major, specifically in English and Classics? Are you planning on studying abroad, too?

Hey!

Being a double major is the absolute best- but let me go a bit more in depth. I was originally apprehensive about the prospect, given that both Classics and English have pretty stringent course requirements, and I only just started taking Latin this year (and will start Greek next year). After a bit of research, however, I found that there are quite a few classes that fulfill both English and Classics credit, specifically in the Comparative Literature department. There’s one called “Western Classics in Translation”, which has a reading list consisting of:  The Iliad; tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides; Plato’s Symposium; Virgil’s Aeneid, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. 

I’m on track to complete all of my major requirements with a junior semester abroad (I’m shooting for either Oxford or Rome!). Granted, this means I don’t have as much flexibility with my classes, but I’m also going to be able to complete Latin Honors, which means I’m taking at least 5 (out of 7 required fields of discipline) classes outside of my major these first two years (I’m going to finish Latin Honors by the end of next year- by the end of this year, I’ll have it 6/7 done). I’ll also be able to fit a few other courses- mainly Government- into my time here at Smith!

Sorry for the long answer- in short, double major if you want to do it! I’ve been met with nothing but support from faculty and peers. It’s doable, even with a term (or a year!) abroad, but it’ll require some discipline- but then again, everything at Smith required discipline! Hope this helps!

~Faith

[splendidly-smith]

Finals! Pt. 2

Location, Location, Location....

Today (the 19th) is the first day of exam period. In just a few minutes, I have my Latin 100Y final (I’m taking a break- finals are stressful and taking your mind off of your work for a few minutes is healthy!)

For finals, I prefer studying in my room. Once reading period begins, 24/7 quiet hours are enforced, which really facilitates a productive atmosphere. I’ll play some quiet music and set about either writing, studying, or reciting whatever I need to do for that day. Having a schedule has proved essential for keeping me on track. When I need a change of scenery, however, I head to Josten Library (pictured above). The funky color scheme is a shift from the cool greys and whites of my room, plus being in a library automatically makes you feel more productive! A lot of my friends prefer Hillyer, but I find it too hot (personal preference, I guess!). There’s definitely a place for everyone on campus, regardless of study style.

This semester, I have a mix of 2 papers (one 8 and one 12 pages), a take home exam (for Logic 100), and an official final (Latin). This has encouraged me to not only shake up my study atmosphere (there’s a LOT of time involved!), but also my methods of studying. Practice declensions, conjugations, or problem sets are all very well, but sometimes route memorization is a must. Plus, my bad habit of writing papers right before they’re due doesn’t fly! I’m leaving campus before the end of exam period- and before all my due dates, so things need to be started well in advance and technically handed in early. All part of acclimating to the college climate I suppose!

Sending lots of warm winter cheer,

Faith

[smithbysmithies]

Welcome, Class of 2022!!!!

Early Decision I results have come out. 

Congratulations to the newest Smithies!!!!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask us!

[iristakessmith]

Congratulations to Smith’s Early Decision I applicants!  I can’t believe it’s that time of the year already. We’re so glad that you’ll be joining us over here in Northampton! If you have any questions, feel free to send them.

[smithbysmithies]

What is your favorite Smith tradition?

This is a hard one! Smith has so many wonderful traditions, particularly in the Fall semester. Obviously, I have to mention Mountain Day; a perfect autumn day of no class, amazing (apple/based, homemade) baked goods, and running around in a field like a kid in the midst of a hectic semester is the making of a fond college memory. I also really love Senior Banquet, a party in the houses that celebrates the graduating class. Class years will organize telling stories, speeches, and skits to reminisce the good times they’ve had with the seniors. The seniors then traditionally “will” their belongings to their friends and share their memories from the house and their years at Smith. Both of these traditions are about spending quality time with friends and taking time to make memories and have fun, and the opportunity to take cute photos is always appreciated!

- Emma ‘20

[splendidly-smith]

Finals (Part One)

Coming to Smith, the concept of having finals in the winter was a foreign one to me- my high school didn’t do midterms/finals at any point before June. Plus, there’s the added stress of these being my first *college* finals. Luckily, the past couple weeks, while terribly difficult, have taught me a lot about time management, my preferred habits of studying, and easy ways to take some time for yourself.

First thing’s first...

STUDYING

This semester, I’m taking four classes- Logic 100, Elementary Latin, a First Year Seminar on the 19th century novel, and Historian’s Craft. Both my FYS and history class have term papers (10-12 pages and 7-9, respectively), my logic class has a take home exam, and my Latin course has an actual exam during the finals period.

Here’s an example of the study guides I’m making for Latin. Trying to encompass 21 chapters of vocabulary and grammar is tough... there’s a reason I started making these three weeks ago! (Next semester, I’m going to try to make them as I go through the class... novel concept!)

My history class has been hosting several professors from Smith’s history department over the course of the semester, giving each week a different “theme” depending on the professor’s speciality. this week was my favorite- Ancient Rome, and whether it technically “fell”. It’s strange to have regular classes chugging along while finals are looming, but I can’t emphasize how important it to stay on top of your work, or make provisions if you’re overwhelmed. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, an extension, or taking an evening for yourself. You’ve got to stay sane to succeed! :)

And here it is... the dreaded study schedule. Sometimes I think I’m over-organized, but at least when something doesn’t go according to plan, I have all my upcoming goals right in front of me so adjustments are easy! (Thank heaven for White-Out!)

[splendidly-smith]

Smith College Mum Show! (And Registration)

Smith College Mum Show

This past weekend, my friends and I went to the Smith College Mum Show as a study break, and it was spectacular! One aspect of Smith I’m especially fond of is its stellar greenhouse. It’s a great study spot (especially on cold days like today), or a welcome respite on a day of studying. One of the many perks (and there are many!) of living in Chapin House is that the greenhouse is so close

Registration!

It’s hard to believe that the second semester is so close (granted, I have to survive finals first!). Just like every semester, you have to get approval from your Liberal Arts Advisor for your course selection. Since I’m looking to double major in English and Classics, I also scheduled meetings with the heads of those departments to build rapport and get some additional advising for my courses, both this semester and next year. Even though registration opened at 7:30 am, my sleepy self was able to get all the classes I wanted, which include:

- CLS LAT 100 Y- Elementary Latin

-CLS 227- Classical Mythology

-IDP 208- Women’s Medical Issues

-ENG 199- Methods of Literary Study

-DAN 101- Topics in Dance Studio- The Tango

I’m also looking to add a 5th academic class (GOV 261- Ancient and Medieval Political Theory) to complete 3 objectives: help me finish Latin Honors by the end of my first year, learn better time management (coming off of a senior year where I took 11 classes, I’m a bit at a loss of how to fill my time without stressing about doing enough), and fueling my love of history and classical theory. Stay tuned to see if I survive! :) 

[thesmithadventure]

Enjoying all the beautiful Fall colours on campus while they last 🍂✨

[splendidly-smith]

Halloweekend and Birthdays!

It’s that time of year again... the temperature is dropping, and so are the leaves. This means a few things- midterms, cozy sweaters, Halloween, and .most importantly, duh) my birthday! I turned 18 on the 26th, and I admit I was a little nervous about spending this birthday away from home. Last year, I actually toured and overnighted at Smith on my birthday, but this time, I felt a little lost, since I wouldn’t be going home to my family. Turns out, my family is now at Smith! My friends made sure I had a lovely day, and my roommate decorated my door with pictures of their face saying lovely things! (and they gave me a Hamilton Calendar- score!) It was an amazing day, and I feel very fortunate to have made such great friends here. (Pro tip- if you go to Herrell’s on your birthday, you get free ice cream. Free stuff is a collegiate’s dream :))

Fall weather has finally hit! Peep Chapin in all its glory

Halloweekend! My friends and I did the Addams Family- well, three generations of Addams women. I was Morticia, my friend Eve was Grandmama, and Tianette was the ever-iconic Wednesday Addams. Halloween at Smith is a great time- a lot of houses, Chapin included, have smaller parties, which pair well with the weekend’s more elaborate events.

(Yes, we look good. I’m very proud)

[splendidly-smith]

Fall Break and Midterms

As we approach the halfway point in the semester, I just want to take a moment to say how absolutely bowled away I am by Smith. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been, physically, and every day I’m surrounded by caring, intellectual, and hilarious people. I’ve found my home here, and can’t imagine being anywhere else. Here are some snapshots from around the BEAUTIFUL campus!

Peep Chapin!! 

Sunset over Paradise Pond

Campus Center catching that Sunset!

Fall Break-

Given that I live only 2.5 hours away, it seemed natural to go home over fall break. It was a delightfully rainy weekend, and I spent most of it in the company of my family. It was a bit strange to be back, after over a month of independence, but I think a big part of thriving in college is acknowledging that parts of you are going to change. You aren’t going to come home the same person you were, and that’s perfectly fine. Not to sound like some crazy bumper sticker, but acceptance is the key to serenity sometimes. On the Saturday of fall break, my boyfriend and I went running at my old school, and I got some great snapshots (and memories) from that fall morning.

The next time I’ll be home is Thanksgiving, and I’m thrilled to get to see all of my friends again- Smith’s fall break didn’t match up with a lot of my peers, so let’s just say a reunion is hotly anticipated! 

Next week- how to celebrate a birthday at Smith! Ya girl is turning 18!!!!