The Ada Comstock Scholar Program provides the opportunity for nontraditional college age women to attend Smith and complete their bachelor of arts degree. The program was established in 1975 and is named after Ada Louise Comstock, class of 1897, who later served as a dean at Smith from 1912-1923.
Ada’s range in age from in their 20’s to their mid-60’s, with the oldest Ada graduate being 88 years old. Currently there are 84 Ada’s in our Smith community. They come from diverse backgrounds and often bring their life experience and wisdom to the classroom setting.
We asked the Ada community if they had any advice they wished they could go back and tell their younger selves. Here’s what they told us…
“Dear twenty-something self,
Try not to make other’s paths your own and just be comfortable with being yourself. Take that nagging voice as a signal to pursue what you really want to do.
Be flexible in your journey. Often life doesn’t go as planned, but even the darkest times can provide the most beautiful lessons.
Don’t be afraid to try new things!
Start saving money right away, you never know when there will be a global pandemic.
There is no shame or weakness in asking for help–make that appointment with a therapist, ask that question in class, seek advice from that professor you admire in office hours.
Give yourself permission to make mistakes and be/look foolish. A carefully curated life is not one of adventure and growth.
You have permission to be happy, do not let the suffering of generations before you define how you live your life, pave your own way!
Be easy on yourself. It may appear that you are not going to accomplish your dreams, but in time you will. Be patient!
You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for the help when you need it. And never stop doing something you are truly passionate about.
Love yourself for who you are, right now. Not the person you were before or who you want to be in the future. Love yourself at every moment.
Humans live for a stupidly long amount of time. If you don’t think you’re succeeding right now, it doesn’t mean you’ll never succeed, or that your idea of success won’t change. Take your time; there’s a lot to do.
Success is also self defined. It can be both big and little things, don’t be hard on yourself if your life looks different than your peers. We all have different goals and ways to reach them.
Be true to yourself and be open to new experiences–even if they seem a bit off from your original plans. If it “feels” right, take a chance on something new!
Everyone else is just as confused as you are. So you might as well be the cool, weird authentic version of you, instead of exhausting yourself trying to be someone else.
Stop trying to make other people like you. You don’t even like everyone.
Don’t take everyone’s opinions as gold. Your opinion matters too, in fact the most (but you might not realize it yet). I’m just starting to realize it honestly, so don’t feel too bad.
Remember to enjoy the journey that is taking you to your goals. Many times in that path are treasured nuggets of memories you will look back upon in the future. It will bring a smile to your face because the journey is part of the goal.
Remember that you are doing great! Don’t ever give up on yourself! Take care of yourself during this special and often delicate time.
Sending love and appreciation (because you need that in your twenties),
Your older-something self”
