This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Amherst chapter.
Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Adam Smith ’17 tthe Biochemistry/Biophysics major with an interest in politics and a member of the crew team.
Tell me about where are you from: Hinsdale, Illinois. It’s one of Chicago’s western suburbs, about 30 minutes from downtown.
How does the weather at Amherst compare to the weather back home?: Chicago has more extreme highs and lows, but Amherst’s winter is much longer; snow seems to stay around here for an extra 2-3 weeks. In the summer, Chicago also has the added benefit of breezes from the lake, making it seem less humid.
Why did you choose to attend Amherst?: I wanted to get out of the Midwest, and I liked the small class sizes and close relationships between students that Amherst offered. Amherst also has the most beautiful campus of any college I looked at, so that didn’t hurt.
What are you interested in both academically and leisurely?: I’m a Biochemistry/Biophysics major, but I also really enjoy courses in history and philosophy. Outside of school, I’m on the crew team and am a member of the Amherst Political Union.
What are you passionate about the most?: I’m really very passionate about debate. I did Mock Trial in high school and loved it; public debate is the perfect balance of improvisation, preparation, focus, and poise. And the charisma and public speaking skills you develop are useful in almost any endeavor. I still enjoy having heated political discussions when the situation arises. The question seemed to imply passion about a specific social issue, but I’ve never been much of an activist. Oops.
What are your plans for the rest of your time at Amherst and beyond: For the rest of my time at Amherst? It just dawned on me that it’s almost halfway over; jeez, that’s a terrifying thought. Plans for the rest of my time here will most likely be the same as they are now; I have to say I’m pretty content. After Amherst, I’d like to go to law school and work in patent litigation, but I’m also considering pursuing a career with the US State Department. They both seem really interesting but would obviously offer completely different experiences; it won’t be an easy decision.
If you could make one change to the world, playful or serious, what would it be?: Excise Noodle Bar from the Val menu. Oh, and a non-nuclear North Korea. In that order.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to say but never got the chance to say it?: I’d have to say it’s a tie between, “My reactor! It’s melting down!” and, “You’re fired, you’re finished, you’ll never work in fashion again!!