Chloe Smith
Women & Gender Studies
Class of 2025
I hope to prove that there are genuinely so many things that someone can do here at the University of Oklahoma. Opportunities are endless, you just have to be brave and go for it. I've had so many positions on campus and in so many different areas and spaces. All of them made an impact on our campus and the OU Family.
My first two years at OU, I was very shy, an introvert, and did not get involved with the campus community. Beginning my junior year, I became a Peer Educator at OU and became connected with so many people and friends that by my senior year, I had five jobs and involvement commitments. I have been surrounded by people who make me feel at home, challenged, supported, and cared for. I grew in ways I never expected.
To be brave. Bravery doesn't mean you must take a huge step or make a big change. Sometimes, it is making very small strides that lead to the overall goal. As someone who was nervous and anxious when arriving on campus, I was hopeful I would find my place. I learned that the community and space I wanted to find came to me when I took the initiative to go out and seek it. By being brave and taking small steps, I found my place of belonging at OU.
It means I am equipped with the knowledge, foundation, and practices I need to challenge and tackle injustices. I am following a legacy of bold, proud, and outspoken changemakers and thinkers. I hope to follow in their footsteps and make a critical difference in everything I do.
I am teaching elementary school in New Jersey as a corps member with Teach for America.
