Rory Harper ’25

Other clubs, sports, activities you’d like to mention: 
Field hockey captain, Comstock House Vice President, SGA senator, and student worker

Describe your major in five words or less. 
I think the combination of studying government and sociology at Smith is really studying American institutional policy and how it impacts the public. (I know that’s more than five words but that's just the best way to describe this specific combination!) 

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? 
Honestly, I would love to just have a conversation with Henry David Thoreau while he was reflecting at Walden. I think it would be so interesting to just pick his brain about our current political climate and his view of the future of national parks. 

What do you see as your future dream job or career? 
I’m attending law school following graduation from Smith, and while I plan on working in public service or clerking following law school, I would love to eventually become a judge. 

Looking ahead to a decade (or two) from now, what's something you'd like to have achieved? 
My family loves to travel to national parks across the country. I’ve been to 41 states and 37 out of the 63 national parks, and many more national historic sites. A decade (or two) from now, I hope to achieve my career aspirations and also have made it to all 63 national parks and all 50 states! 

What do you think has been the most “Smithie” thing you’ve done in life so far? 
One thing people consistently told me about being an alum from Smith is the network you’re inheriting. I didn’t really think about that claim until I spent one summer interning for the Senate in Washington, DC. Usually, during the workweek, I was wearing business formal, but one weekend, I went out in a “Smith College Field Hockey” T-shirt. I was stopped five times after getting off the Metro. People would pause and say “you go to Smith? I’m class of 2006!” or “I went to Mount Holyoke!” or even folks from Amherst or UMass. When you go to Smith, you don’t just inherit powerful Smithies in high places, but you also inherit the Seven Sisters network and the Five College Consortium network, too. I think that’s probably the most “Smithie” thing to ever happen to me, all the connections you gain simply by going to Smith! It’s a reminder of how supported you are no matter where you go. 

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a first-year? 
Get involved! I’ve never regretted being over-involved. I’ve loved having friends from all different circles across campus. Get to know your professors, they’re going to be great resources for recommendations and just talking about your career plans! 

What is one of your favorite quotes? 
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr.