Lucy Breitenbach ’28
Smithie Snapshots
Other clubs, sports, activities you’d like to mention:
Smith Running Club, Outdoor Adventure Program, Volunteer at the Center for New Americans
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot has to be on the mezzanine of the Learning Commons in Neilson Library! This location is my favorite because I think it captures all of the best parts of the library; you're surrounded by books and gorgeous lighting, you have access to whiteboards and comfortable seating, and it provides a not too loud yet not too quiet space to study alone or collaboratively.
Describe your major in five words or fewer. (Feel free to have fun with this!)
Analyzing behavior federally and locally
How did Smith’s open curriculum help you explore academically?
Even as a pretty strictly self-identified humanities person, Smith’s open curriculum encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and take an “Engineering for Everyone” course my first semester where I learned so much! I even learned practical skills such as 3D modeling and laser cutting! In addition, I am planning to take a dance course in the Fall—something else completely new and outside of my comfort zone!
What is your favorite thing about your house at Smith?
My favorite thing about Talbot House is that there are almost always people hanging out and chatting in the living room!
Who has been your favorite professor at Smith?
What do you like most about their teaching style? Hands down, my favorite professor at Smith has been Dr. Sara Newland. I took her Chinese Politics class my first semester at Smith and fell in love with her teaching style. She is incredibly knowledgeable, has engaging lectures, and facilitates class discussion. Above all, she implements a unique grading system for papers that works really well with my learning style. She has you submit a rough draft of a paper, and then gives you feedback. You then resubmit a final, edited paper. Your grade then comes from that final paper, according to how well you took instruction and adapted your paper to feedback! This system fosters writing growth in students rather than punishing them for whatever their prior writing experience looks like!
What is your favorite Smith tradition?
Mountain Day, hands down! I love waking up to hearing the bells ringing and knowing that classes are canceled. I love to grab a delicious apple cider donut and then climb Mt. Tom with friends!
What do you like to do on the weekends?
I love to go on a run or two with the Run Club and then study with my friends in Neilson library! We tend to finish off the day with a movie night or craft night!
What is your dream job or career goal?
I hope to join the Peace Corps and then maybe enter into the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer!
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Looking back, I think the hardest things I’ve done have been when I let down my guard and showed vulnerability. These have made the hardest things I’ve done also the things that fostered the most connection between me and those around me.