#smith2021

[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

[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! :) 

[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]

MOUNTAIN DAY!!!!!!

Ft. Chapin House First Years, my new best friends, delicious food, and idyllic apple orchards.

Okay, so maybe I had to break the “no homework on Mountain Day” rule, but that doesn’t make the surprise day off any less perfect! The night prior, we had “Quad Riot”, where we all storm the President’s House in a peaceful-yet-authoritative manner and demand Mountain Day. Apparently it worked, because at 7 am the next morning I could hear the screams of joy, and the serendipitous pealing of the bells. Another Smith tradition in the books. Next up, fall break! :) 

[splendidly-smith]

Welcome home!

A few selected shots of my new room and house (Chapin 214- if any of y’all are on campus, come stop by!). I absolutely adore it here- Smith is without a doubt the best choice I ever made. The community is ridiculously welcoming (Smith is really good to first years- none of that stressed, lonely, harassed  freshman stuff here), and I’m literally leaving every class saying “this was the most incredible *insert discipline here* class I’ve ever taken! This semester, my course load is:

-Elementary Latin

-Historian’s Craft

-Ambition and Adultery: The 19th Century Novel (First Year Seminar)

-Logic 100: Valid and Invalid Reasoning

More details to come- it’s been a whirlwind few weeks, but I’m finally starting to get my feet under me! Next time, I’ll be talking about my move-in, orientation, and registration experience.

Ciao!

[splendidly-smith]

Planning for the Smith Experience

I’m a planner. Always have been, always will be- even to the point of detriment. However, I’m also impulsive, which often results in my plans getting a major overhaul. When I submitted my advisor request form, I was planning on becoming a history and economics double major. When I filled out my trial registration, it was history and english literature. Now, it’s history and *something*. However, understanding that my interests will change throughout my time at Smith, I have decided to revise my course plan to fit my single constant goal: Latin Honors. Essentially, taking Latin Honors means that by fulfilling requirements in the seven major fields of knowledge, (similar to core requirements at colleges without an open curriculum) I will become eligible for the three different “cum laude” designations on my diploma, as well as eligible for Phi Beta Kappa. Now, obviously this is my choice, and not a path for everyone, which is part of the beauty of Smith. Taking Latin Honors doesn’t make you smarter or more qualified! It’s just if you’re like me, a wee bit overly analytical and with interests in everything under the sun, well, might as well shoot for the moon.

Originally, I had planned to continue French in college. However, as my anxiety regarding the placement test and class grew, I began considering other options- not as a cop-out, but because my brain was very clearly saying “no” to French. Now, I’m hopefully going to be taking Elementary Latin- not only to boost my ability to compute legal terms in the future, but also because the discipline and rigor involved in learning Latin will help improve my study habits. I’m also (hopefully) taking Logic 110 to fulfill my Math LH requirement, Historian’s Craft, which is a requirement for the History major, and Ambition and Adultery as a First Year Seminar (it focuses on the 19th century novel, not on the actual deeds- as I explained to my vert confused father. These are my hopeful first semester courses. I can’t wait to meet with my advisor and plan it all out in stone!

For extracurriculars, there’s been a lot of shifting as well. I’m leaving my beloved viola at home, simply because I won’t have the time to give it. I’ll be primarily focused on starting up a Mock Trial team with some fellow first years, as well as dipping my toe into the acapella scene at Smith. I’d also love to get involved in Smith Students for Reproductive Justice. The current debate is whether to get involved in the Leading Ladies, Smith’s musical theater group. Only time will tell!

I’m fortunate to be attending a college that I know will help me grow, explore hidden sides of myself, and challenge what I believe in. In large part, I believe this is due to Smith’s mission to equip women and non-binary students with the skills to take on a tumultuous world- and always come up on top. Who knows where the next four years will take me, but it’s going to be amazing.

[splendidly-smith]

A Smithie Adventure!

Two weeks ago, I got to spend the day in Portland, Maine with two alumna. One, Sarah Mills, had been a contact for me throughout the admissions process, and the other is a docent at the Victoria Mansion, an absolutely stunning historical site in the downtown area. Over 95% of the original furniture and artwork have been recovered and currently sit inside the house. When I heard this number, my jaw dropped- it’s unheard of, especially for a home that sat vacant during a large portion of the 20th century. Family members had kept pieces stored in a barn, and, even more surprising, were willing to give them to the museum. 

Exterior details- stunning brownstone and woodwork!

Did I mention that this was a SUMMER HOUSE? It wasn’t even inhabited the whole year... obviously, there’s quite a bit of evidence for the traditional association between the Victorian period and opulence. 

After a private tour (!!!!) of the museum, we had lunch at a local club. While the food was lovely, the conversation was better. Networking opportunities arose, fond memories were swapped, and I’m now full of advice of the Smith nature. Overall, a lovely day, and another reminder of how powerful the alumni network at Smith is... after all, it’s not the “Good Old Boys”, but the “Ageless Women” that rule the world.