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Jennifer Mei Smith

Sophomore from Doha, Qatar
Child learning and development, international business

Do you live on campus? If yes, what do you like about living on your own?
Yes, I do. I like living on campus because I get to set my own rules on how to live my life. There is more freedom and independence living on your own, and I do not feel under pressure to behave a certain way. I also love it because I now have a routine just for me.

List some of the clubs or organizations you are involved in at UT Dallas.
I am an Orientation Team Mentor. I also play sports for my building.

List some of your hobbies.
I love anything that involves water, so swimming is a big hobby for me. I also love to do anything creative and artsy. Baking is a newfound hobby, even though I am not very good.

What is something that people may not know about you?
I am a certified scuba diver. I can say all the president’s names in order and I have lived in four different countries.

Why did you decide to become an Orientation Team Mentor?
I wanted to be part of UT Dallas and I thought that being an Orientation Team Mentor would be the perfect way to get involved. UT Dallas is such a new and developing school; I wanted to be in touch with all that is happening and help with the progress. I want to make new traditions and facilitate school spirit. Being an Orientation Team Mentor is also a great way to better my leadership abilities and social skills. Lastly, I believe college can be a hard transition for some people, and I want to help make it as smooth a transition as possible.

What advice do you have for the freshman class coming to UT Dallas?
The best piece of advice I can give is to get involved. If you get out there and see what UT Dallas has to offer, you will have more fun and make new friends. And for some not-so-cliché advice: don’t eat out a lot and you will save so much more money!

What do you wish you did during your freshman year that you didn’t?
I do not want to change anything — my freshman year was amazing.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
I like that it is so new and therefore has so much room to grow. I love that I am here for this development and that my input will actually be heard. I like the location. I like the open door policy that we have.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
The most honest answer would be because they gave me a full scholarship, and I thought the apartments were really cool.

What has been your favorite/best UT Dallas experience so far?
It is hard to pick. Either the UT Dallas scavenger hunt, Splatter Beat or chasing my Peer Advisor in a bunny costume around while he threw Easter eggs at us. Also, meeting my best friend Netta. I only knew her for six months before she had to move back to Israel, but it is like I have known her all my life.

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
Freshman year it was impossible to go to sleep before three in the morning. Also, I always thought professors were scary and unapproachable, but at UT Dallas I have had the kindest professors who are open to answering my questions.