Smith scholarship initiative helps Smithies radically shape the world

Drey Reis ’25 visited Smith during sophomore year of high school and fell in love. “I had found my people,” says the junior who dreams of being a justice-oriented educator.

An ardent advocate for justice since childhood, Reis has discovered at Smith countless opportunities to learn skills, expand experience, and strengthen their voice. “If something feels unjust, unfair, or unethical, I feel strongly that I should speak up and, more importantly, do whatever I can to help make the situation, system, or organization better, safer, and more inclusive.”

They recently played a lead part in Spring Awakening, a rock musical put on by student-led Duct Tape Productions. As co-chair of the Community Service Organization, they organized a clothing sale to raise funds for humanitarian relief in Gaza. And how does the education major totally kick back and relax? “I read poetry—ideally outside in a cozy, shaded spot. I craft a ton. And I love watching old seasons of Survivor or Gilmore Girls!”

Here, Reis talks about how Smith experiences are equipping them with key skills for the future.

As part of the Humanities and Humanistic Social Science labs program, Reis works with Associate Professor of Education and Child Study Shannon Audley on perceptions of whiteness and niceness in education. This research has been eye-opening for Reis, shaping their own understanding of “what it means to take up space as a white educator perceived as female.” Reis hopes that the research will “radically shape the field of education as we know it.”

Reis is also a STRIDE (Student Research in Departments) Scholar and has worked with the Jandon Center for Community Engagement on initiatives relating to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and transhealth. With plenty of interests beyond the classroom and lab, Reis is busy.

Why Smith?

I knew that this was a place where I could not only be authentically myself, but be empowered to take risks, try new things, and push myself.

What does being a Smithie mean to you?

Being a Smithie means seeing an opportunity for learning in every new situation, person, and place. It means taking risks not despite the possibility of failure, but because of it. It means accepting when you are wrong and learning from it.

What do you hope to accomplish at Smith?

I hope to become a more effective catalyst for change, a more ardent advocate for justice, and a more compassionate and empathetic individual. I believe that these three key skills will best equip me for the next stages of my journey.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to work with children, either as an early childhood educator, a special education teacher, an aide, or a social worker. No matter which route I choose, I will center values of multiculturalism and justice in my practice.

What achievement at Smith are you proud of? 

I’m very proud of my work in my first semester education course, where I was tasked with developing a research question, investigating the existing field of knowledge, collecting data, and analyzing my findings. I chose to explore the way that queer adolescents bond through intense personal sharing. My professor, Shannon Audley, was impressed and invited me to work with her on her own research over the summer. Since then, I have been working closely with her. What is your favorite thing at Smith? The people, including students, faculty, and staff. Everyone is so supportive and loving. I have never been around people who are so driven to succeed themselves and to empower others to succeed.

Who has had the most impact on you? 

My mom. She was very young when she had me and even though I was an unexpected addition to her life, she has built a beautiful life for us in which I have always felt supported and loved unconditionally. I am inspired every day by the depth of her kindness and patience.

Why is it important to give to financial aid? 

Financial aid is what makes Smith as amazing as it is. Our strength comes from the diversity of our students. And although we have a lot of work to do in that regard, supporting financial aid is a surefire way to make sure that Smith continues to be a hub of new ideas, new connections, and innovations.