Name: Bridgette Southern Smith
Hometown: Hartsville, SC
Year: Senior
Major: Integrated Marketing Communication
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Well, I was homeschooled throughout elementary school, which allows me to be unapologetically weird – in its true definition. I am a singer and plan to pursue my music more intentionally in the next portion of my life. I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland and spent my 21st birthday in Paris, France. My middle name is “Southern,” chosen after my Grandma’s maiden name. There are few thoughts more pleasing to me than the thought of breakfast food…or cheeseburgers and milkshakes. I tend to talk too long and “happy cry” too often, and potty humor makes me laugh the most. Most importantly, my orange tabby cat, Tigger, is my Sunshine.
What does it mean to be a college leader?
Gosh. That’s a broad question. I don’t know, I obviously think that being a college leader means holding positions of leadership on campus to which you are responsible and accountable. But I also think being a college leader means being influential in your words and actions and having that impact on a large group of individuals…not just close friends.
Would you consider yourself to be a college leader?
Well, I would certainly like to consider myself a college leader here at Winthrop; it’s something I have strived to be. But ultimately I think that’s for others to determine.
What leadership roles have you had at Winthrop?
During my freshman and sophomore year, I served as a worship leader in Campus Crusade (CRU) and was highly involved in CRU. I was also inducted as a Winthrop Ambassador during my sophomore year and continue to serve in the Ambassador organization on the executive board as Vice President of Social Enrichment! I represent the Mass Communication department on the Student Advisory Board, and I am a member of Winthrop’s American Marketing Association. I have also been a Math 150 Peer Tutor in the Academic Success Center since my sophomore year.
How long have you been a Student Ambassador?
I was accepted as a Winthrop Ambassador in the fall of my sophomore year and officially inducted at the end of the following spring after a full semester of training and experience. Then, in the spring of my junior year, I was elected onto the exec board as VP of Social Enrichment. So I not only get to tour prospective families and groups around Winthrop’s beautiful campus, but I also get to help plan the events and other fun stuff within the organization.
Of all the roles what would you say is the most important and that has shaped you into a better young woman?
People who know me know how much I LOVE being an Ambassador. I bleed garnet and gold and I take so much pride in showing off my home away from home to potential baby Eagles. Being an ambassador has been essential to my personal and professional growth during my four years as an undergrad. It has given me the opportunity to constantly improve my communication skills and it helped me gain so much more confidence in “My Story.” As an ambassador, I tell my tour groups about “My Winthrop Experience,” which for me, is constantly changing and growing. It’s been super fun to watch my story evolve and to find the words to tell others about it. In sharing it like that, I have learned more about myself.
What advice would you give to the freshman class especially the young women who are persevering and beating the odds in terms of focusing on earning their degrees?
My sister is currently a freshman at Francis Marion University, so this question is particularly close to my heart. As I think about her college experience and long-term success, I hope that she ultimately graduates having learned more about herself and discovered things that give her personal fulfillment. Changing during these four years doesn’t always mean that you’re abandoning your high school self or values; it just means that you’re growing and developing into a more complex and distinct individual. You may change majors, change friends, change significant others, change hobbies or even change long-term goals… and that’s okay. Just let the growth happen, embrace all the things you’re learning and focus on being the best you can be during each of those phases along the way.
What programs are you in?
- Winthrop Ambassador – Executive Board – Vice President of Social Enrichment
- Student Advisory Board – Mass Communication Department Representative
- Peer Tutor (ASC) – Math 150
- American Marketing Association – Winthrop Chapter
What are your goals and plans of earning your degree?
I will be graduating in May. My degree will be in Integrated Marketing Communication, which has given me broad range of experience in fields including public relations, advertising, market research and media writing. I love the academic diversity my major has allowed me to experience, and I look forward to using both my creative and strategic skills in my future career. I am currently seeking to begin my professional career in the Charlotte area in a full-service agency. I’ve always been passionate about telling stories, and I love talking with people…so I hope to continue to do those things throughout my professional career.
What is one thing that you love about Winthrop?
I love that Winthrop focuses on academic excellence. I sought out that sort of environment when choosing a university and haven’t been disappointed. Of course, I wanted to have fun and enjoy my college years…but my primary focus was to graduate with a strong and meaningful degree. And that’s exactly what I’ll be doing this May.
Why did you choose Winthrop?
I took a few campus tours my senior year of high school at several colleges in South Carolina and other states. I really enjoyed learning about the various universities, but my campus tour at Winthrop was absolutely stellar. My tour guide was the perfect mix of professional, mature and fun. Those were all attributes I hoped to develop and maintain throughout my college experience; not to mention the campus is obviously gorgeous. Then, I found out I would be eligible for the Winthrop Fellows Scholarship… so it was pretty much a no-brainer.
What are your long-term goals after completing Winthrop and earning your education (goals)?
I hope to see myself telling stories for the rest of my life, whether that be through my professional communication skills or through singing and art. Locations and titles are important, but as long as I feel like I’m growing and moving forward each day, I think I’ll be fulfilled. I love new experiences and plan to pursue those both professionally and personally.
Who are some leaders you look up to?
Hands down, I look up to my parents as leaders and role models. I know it’s cliché to say that but you don’t know my parents. From the moment I was born, my parents have made innumerable sacrifices for both my little sister and me. My dad took on extra jobs and my mom quit her job so that she could become a stay-at-home mom and homeschool my sister and me. The life-changing decisions they made, for us, have had rippling effects in all aspects of my life. They made big decisions that at the time were new or unheard of in order to raise us as mature and confident young women.
What is an interesting thing that you have done in your life?
The summer after my freshman year I spent three weeks on a mission trip in New York City. Some people thought it was a bit unconventional, and I’m so glad it was. My experiences there were SO huge in shaping who I am today. I was with Campus Crusade Summer Projects, and we got to connect with the international students at Columbia University and NYU. We planned events all over Manhattan, and I learned so much about different cultures, religions, and lifestyles. It was amazing. I truly believe that trip amplified my hunger and thirst to see and experience more of this world.