Sara Ellis ’24

Why Smith?
I wanted to challenge myself and experience something I never thought I could. Also, I wanted to be surrounded by students like me who are eager to learn and dive deep into class discussions and activities.

What has financial aid meant to you?
Financial aid has allowed me to have so many experiences that will open doors for me. I will forever be grateful.

What does being a Smithie mean to you?
Being a Smithie means bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table. We take pride in our uniqueness.

What are your career hopes?
I would like to go into research that focuses on childhood trauma and the effects it has on memory, emotions and learning during childhood and early adulthood.

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of from your time at Smith?
Joining the Smith College Cheerleading club! In high school, I was on the volleyball team, but I told myself when I arrived at Smith, I needed to try something new and uncomfortable. I didn’t realize how athletic cheer actually is. After the first practice, I felt I was not strong enough and did not have the capabilities to learn the choreography. I persisted. Now, I see cheer as something fun.

“I hope that donors continue to support financial aid so that students like me will feel that people believe in us and so that we can succeed no matter where we came from.”

What do you hope to accomplish at Smith?
I want to take a class that I thought I never would, try a new club that I never saw myself being a part of. I want to push myself, which is where I really learn, change and grow!

Who has had the most impact on you?
Teachers. School has been the one and only constant in my life. Whenever there was chaos at home, I would just do my homework and study harder. The teachers I met along the way helped me academically and personally. I owe them credit for where I am now. I am forever grateful to them and what they have done for me.

What is your favorite thing at Smith?
How helpful and understanding students and faculty are here. People want you to succeed and if they do not have the information, they point you in the right direction. 

Is there a Smith faculty member who stands out for you?
Yes, Beth Powell [senior lecturer in psychology]. She is the most persistent and caring professor I have had. She cares about how her students are doing academically and also mentally. She is knowledgeable and passionate, and she teaches in a way that encourages questions and understanding.

“The support and encouragement are apparent everywhere, and the effort of hard work is shared.”

What’s an experience you’ve had at Smith that surprised you?
Coming from far away, I thought I would be at a networking disadvantage because I wouldn’t know anyone. But, I found that Smith is a small world and everyone knows everyone. The support and encouragement are apparent everywhere, and the effort of hard work is shared.

Why is it important to give to financial aid?
Going to college is not even spoken about in some families simply because of money. Students like me are more than capable and have the abilities to excel. We know how to advocate for ourselves and figure things out, we just need help! I hope that donors continue to support financial aid so that students like me will feel that people believe in us and so that we can succeed no matter where we came from.

Contact Us

To make an endowed gift or to learn more about supporting financial aid at Smith, please contact Betsy Carpenter ’93, associate vice president for development, at 413-585-2052 or ewcarpen@smith.edu.