As we prepare for Hiram College’s Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 2023, honoring the Class of 2023, we connected with several of our graduating seniors to share some memories and advice from their time on the Hill.
When touring colleges, Iyana Smith wanted a small, close-knit community as she did in high school and was happy to find the same feeling on Hiram’s campus. Iyana majored in biomedical humanities with a minor in psychology in the School of Health, Education, Sustainability & Society. While at Hiram, she served on the women’s basketball team, was a peer mentor, an arch tutor, and a Resident Assistant.
How did you first find Hiram College, and what made you interested in attending?
“My high school was really small and family oriented and that was a big part of what helped me be successful. When I visited Hiram, I had that same feeling. I loved the campus, the class sizes and definitely my coach and team.”
Do you recall a Hiram class or professor that had an impact on you as a student?
“Dr. YG’s self-care class last year. It helped me learn how to utilize my time for myself. After the pandemic, it was so hard for me to get back to the student I used to be. Dr. YG always taught that it’s okay, to not be okay. She’s a younger professor so she is more relatable, and she was kind of in a similar position. She can assess where students are coming from, and her class reflects that. Overall, the class helped me learn more about myself and putting me first.“
Do you feel like you achieved a goal while you were a student?
“I feel like I stayed involved and that made me successful. When you are busy, you are productive. Making sure I was involved and being a role model was really important to me and one of the main reasons I became an RA.“
What are your plans after graduation?
“I plan on going to the army as a medical personnel and after I commit my three years, I’ll continue on with education to become a PA.”
By Elyse Pitkin
