Cody Smith, First Year Student

Class of '11

Hometown: Early, Texas

Major: Classics

(from SU Magazine, winter 2007)

At any time of the day, you can hear music ranging from Ben Folds to UnderOath playing in Cody Smith’s dorm room. Many of Smith’s First Year Seminar classmates can also be found lingering around his room in the Mabee Residence Hall. His first-year seminar class, "Political Spin Masters Back in the Day: Alexander the Great and Caesar Augustus", is part of Southwestern’s Living-Learning Community (LLC), and so far he has enjoyed his experience in the LLC. “The fact that you live in such close quarters and share at least one class with each other really encourages camaraderie,” Smith says. “The LLC is a lot of fun and we do a lot of random things together, from YouTube nights to collective trips to Cici’s. I love the environment of the LLC, and some of my better friends at Southwestern live within 10 feet of me.”

Smith also credits his First-Year Seminar class with teaching him the value of getting his school work done in advance. In fact, he considers the workload to be one of the more challenging parts of his transition to Southwestern. “I have easily already devoted more time and done more homework here than I did in all four years of high school,” Smith says. “However, it is a surprisingly nice change of pace to be challenged by courses.”

Smith plans to take the LSAT and eventually become an attorney. “I’m really looking forward to how the educational opportunities offered at Southwestern will help me achieve my goals,” he says. “The study abroad program appeals to me more than anything; after all, what better place to learn the Greek language and ancient philosophy than the city of Athens itself?”

Smith says he is happy with his decision to attend Southwestern. “So far, Southwestern has been amazing,” he says. “My most memorable moments have come from utilizing campus facilities, including intense games of racquetball and various ‘competitions’ for Pirate bikes. The best aspect of life at Southwestern is the fun that can be had around campus.”

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