Alliyah Logan ’25

Describe your major in five words or less.
Insightful, critical, practical, bright, crucial.

Did you ever have trouble deciding on a major? What, ultimately, helped you decide?
Yes, I came into Smith wanting to do economics, and midway I wanted to study Portuguese. I still have so much interest in all three fields, but ultimately I went with the study of women, gender, and sexuality because of the interesting classes, and the different routes you could take within the major. I did enjoy that Smith has an open curriculum, because I was able to take diverse classes that appealed to all of my interests. I had the chance to take great classes that combined many of my interests like: Gender and Economics with Professor Schmidt; Gender, Law, and Policy with Professor Baker; and Brazil in News with Professor Gugliotta.

What is one preconception about your major that people often get wrong?
People often think that my major is ineffective or a useless field of study. Women make up almost half of the World’s population, so it’s only fitting to study women’s history.

What was the best advice about your major that you were ever given?
The best advice I’ve been given was from Katie Guimond, where she told me “You don’t have to give your 100% in everything. If you do your best you can get through it.”

If you could witness any event past, present, or future, what would it be?
I would like to witness the first woman president in the future.

Who was your favorite professor and what did you most like about their style of teaching?
This is so hard! I enjoyed many different professors at Smith! To name a few: Professor Schmidt, Professor Fein, and Professor Gugliotta. Although they all teach in varying fields, I noticed a common trend of kindness, and the ability to push students to reach their fullest potential. They approach the classroom as a place where everyone can learn from each other. Without them I wouldn’t have had such a strong foundation with my education at Smith. I am deeply thankful for the life lessons that they’ve taught me.

Describe a moment from a class that particularly sticks with you.
In my Jewish studies seminar class, Jewish Feminism with Professor Fein, we took a class field trip. We visited a Mikveh in Newton, MA, and toured Hebrew College. This moment stood with me because of the community and friendship I built in this class. I met my friend Olive, and others that helped shape my Smith experience.

What was your favorite class outside of your major?
I’ve had a few favorite classes outside of my major! I would say Portuguese 302, Theatre of the Oppressed, has been such an excellent class because I’ve been able to explore creativity and community building! GOV 249, International Human Rights, was also such a great course, where I was able to learn more about human rights!

Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My room!

What do you see as your future dream job or career?
I really want my current and future career to continue the work that I’ve been able to do, with advocating for gender equality and girls’ access to education. As of now, I’m not sure on what specific job I’ll have. I know I care deeply about girls’ right to education. I am certain that whichever path is right for me I’ll be well prepared for it because of Smith’s great community and skills it has taught me.

Looking ahead to a decade (or two) from now, what's something you'd like to have achieved?
My only hope is that I am putting my degree, and what I’ve learned to great use! I really hope to be making a big impact on the world!

What was most interesting or unique about your house and what will you miss about it?
The dining hall hours at Comstock make it the most unique.

What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far?
The most Smithie thing has been calling Smith home!

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a first-year?
Contrary to what others might say, I don’t think I have any advice for my past self. I think she figured it out! I think it’s so important to allow yourself to grow through lessons, making mistakes, and just living! My advice to first-years is to test out the waters! I literally live by the quote: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
It is probably taking 24 credits in one semester at Smith!

What’s your all-time (big or small) favorite Smith memory?
I loved experiencing Rally Day! I’ve never had the chance to go to Rally Day before, so it was nice to experience it for the first time as a senior. I wore a purple orchid headpiece. As I reflect on my time at Smith it really captured how I’m blooming right in time for graduation!

What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Be on your guard; Stand firm in the faith; Be courageous; Be strong. Do everything in love" from 1 Corinthians 16:13. This means so much to me because I’ve been able to really hone in on values that mean the most to me. It’s important that I’m prepared for anything, and stand firm. Another is "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Where would you travel if you could go anywhere and stay for a week?
So tough! I love to travel. I would love to see Asia, and specifically go to Japan! I went to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Misk Global Conference, so I would love to go back!