Becca Alonso ’22

Looking back a decade (or two) from now, what’s something you’d like to have achieved?
I hope to be in graduate school in the process of getting my Ph.D. in Latin American Studies. I am passionate about learning my roots and the histories of my ancestors. My educational journey is far from over for me!

What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share about your time at Smith?
Your professors are always rooting for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and build connections with the ones that have passions similar to yours!

Describe one moment in your house that particularly sticks with you.
Living in co-op housing, one of my favorite things to do is cooking for my housemates. Many of them say I’m really good at cooking, which makes my heart so happy.

What has been your favorite spot on campus to meet friends? What spot will you miss the most?
The Mwangi Cultural Center is such a great place for students of color on campus to meet and strengthen communities. I found it to be a great spot for me and my friends to be ourselves.

What’s your all-time favorite Smith memory?
My first heavy snow during my first year. Being from central Texas, I had never seen a snowfall like this. I spent some time with my friends walking around campus, watching it change into a winter wonderland.

I’ve learned to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to me.

What’s been your biggest challenge while at Smith?
Being the first in my family to have a traditional college experience, there was definitely a learning curve that I struggled with during my time here. However, Smith provided me with the resources to push through—I especially want to thank the Office of Multicultural Affairs and my advisors for their everlasting support.

If you could tell an incoming first-year anything about Smith, what would it be?
Since coming to Smith, I’ve learned to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to me.

What was your favorite class outside of your major?
I am currently taking a class about Japanese women’s writing taught by Dr. Kimberly Kono that I am enjoying a lot. I also enjoyed American Popular Culture when I took my first year with Dr. Steve Waksman.

What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far?
Getting excited for the fall because it means we can go apple picking soon! I hope I end up somewhere in New England after graduation so I can continue this tradition for the rest of my life.