Millsaps College was an easy choice for Abigail Smith.
Smith, a senior at Millsaps, grew up in Florence, Mississippi, and transferred to the college after starting her college journey at Meridian Community College.
“I grew up around Jackson, so coming back to a community that I love was something I initially sought after,” Smith said.
Her visit to the Millsaps campus helped solidify her choice to make the college the next step toward the career and future of her dreams.
“After my campus visit, I quickly realized that Millsaps was a place that would allow me to push myself and realize my potential as an academic and an active member of my community,” Smith said.
Finding her place on campus was easy, thanks to a welcoming college community.
“The culture of Millsaps is so unique and places a significant emphasis on involvement, personal development and making genuine connections on campus. Millsaps was immediately welcoming and encouraging and offered a college experience that I had yet to find anywhere else!”
Smith, who is studying literature in English with a minor in Greek and Roman studies, plays for the Millsaps softball team and is the philanthropy chair of the college’s chapter of Chi Omega sorority. In addition, she serves on the executive committee of Millsaps College Democrats and as a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
She has also been able to take advantage of Millsaps’ popular study abroad program and spent July 2023 in London studying “Psychology of Fear and Terrorism,” taught by Dr. Kurt Thaw, professor of psychology. Prior to her trip, Smith had not taken a class with Thaw, so the experience was new in more ways than one.
Thaw enjoyed getting to know Smith and appreciated her positive outlook and enthusiasm for the subject matter.
“Our goal for these classes is to have students immerse themselves in the new environments we travel to, and Abigail jumped in head first,” Thaw said.
“She made the trip so much more fun by being eager to see new sights, explore the history and traditions of another country and always with such a positive perspective.”
The experience was remarkable for Smith and one she will remember while she moves forward in her career, including pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education.
“Being able to explore a new country with my peers while learning about some of the world’s most significant historical events was one of my favorite moments of my academic career.”