The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Thomas Smith, III, a 2021 recipient of one of the 19 Doug and Renee Leuthold Scholarship awards, one of the 19 Margaret and Donald Wenner, MD Scholarship awards and the Nancy Angene Johnson Scholarship award.
Thomas, the son of Thomas and Valerie Smith, is a 2015 graduate of Wynford High School. He will be entering his first year of a doctoral degree in mathematics at Western Michigan University this fall.
What is your favorite aspect of college life?
“I think the community is my favorite part. No matter what kind of person you are, you will definitely be able find a group of people you can get along with at college.”
What new interest or courses of study have you discovered at college?
“I've discovered I love helping other students understand material. It was this discovery that pushed me towards the Math Education track.”
In what ways has the college experience changed/improved you?
“I think it's better allowed for me to think my actions over for myself. I no longer feel like I'm making decisions to make other people happy/because it's what I think someone else wants. Now, I can choose what makes me happy and what I think will be best for me.”
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
“After you settle into classes, explore the campus for what fits you. What clubs are held on what days? What is there to do at the recreational center? Where can I find the best meal? Once you find the routine that fits you, as long as you're open you'll meet new people that share interests with you, and it'll make your college experience all the better.”
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Thomas!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships.
