Claire Sullivan ’25
Scholarship Recipient
What has financial aid meant to you?
Opening the financial aid letter was almost better than getting accepted, because the aid was that life changing. I’m able to attend this amazing and rigorous school because of the generosity of alums.
What does being a Smithie mean to you?
Smith helps each student be their most authentic self, giving them the tools to have agency in a male-dominated world. Being a Smithie means joining a collective of inspiring students and graduates who support each other.
It’s like the Smith brochure I received that said, “Audacity. Agency. Authenticity. That’s what makes me a Smithie.” I was so impressed, I decorated my high school graduation cap with those words. Now that I’m at Smith, they ring true for me.
What is your favorite thing at Smith?
The academics. Smith is a community built on learning. Everyone is excited to go to class every day. Students are incredibly smart, yet not highly competitive with each other, which makes Smith a wonderful environment. I’ve enjoyed every class.
“Opening the financial aid letter was almost better than getting accepted, because the aid was that life changing. I’m able to attend this amazing and rigorous school because of the generosity of alums.”
Why Smith?
Going to an all-girls elementary school was an extremely formative experience that helped me gain confidence. I wanted to return to a similar environment. Smith’s academics were the best match for my interests. And, I loved the idea of living in house communities instead of huge dorms.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I hope to pursue a master’s degree in library science. I’d like to work in a library, archive, or museum that focuses on women’s history.
What achievement at Smith are you proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the research paper that I wrote for Introduction to Archaeology. I wrote about the archaeological excavation of the Library of Ashurbanipal, which contained thousands of cuneiform (a type of writing used in Mesopotamia). That project taught me that I love research. I’ve since gone on to write longer papers on various topics, including archival and legal research.
“Smith helps each student be their most authentic self, giving them the tools to have agency in a male-dominated world.”
What do you hope to accomplish at Smith?
As a concentrator, I have to complete a senior capstone project. I’m excited for the challenge. I’m also planning to write an honor’s thesis about the practical effects of online gendered discourses.
Who has had the most impact on you?
My mother has been such a source of inspiration. I credit my love of academia to her. She’s an amazing scholar of classics. She’s also a wonderful person.
What would you say to a donor about supporting financial aid?
Thank you for your contributions—big or small—because it has allowed me to become a Smithie!
Tell us your story about financial aid.
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.