Husky 100

August 27, 2019

Student Stories: Anny Smith

Anny Smith

Sunnyside, WA2019 Husky 100 Anny Smith
B.A., Health Studies
Minor in Health Education and Promotion and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies

Year awarded 2019

Why did you apply for the Husky 100?

I was encouraged by my professors, which gave me the confidence to apply.

What does being a Husky 100 mean to you throughout your journey at UW?

I started at UW Bothell with lots of insecurities. This recognition has given me validation of all that I have worked hard to achieve. 

What does being a Husky 100 mean to you and your communities? 

Growing up in the Yakima Valley, working in the fields, orchards and warehouses with my family, earning a bachelor’s degree and being accepted to grad school just wasn’t something I thought was possible. As a Chicana and a non-traditional student, I hope others like me will continue their journey in education and I hope my family is proud of me. 

Through your experience, how did you embody one of the Husky 100 criteria?

I am taking all that I have learned in the Health Studies major, as well as my minors in Health Education and Promotion and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, and applying them directly to the work I do in my community. I recently presented a Sexual and Reproductive Health Education session at a youth shelter drop-in. It was tailored to the needs of youth experiencing homelessness. This was a huge accomplishment for me, and I am hoping to continue on this path after graduation. I am also the sitting chair on the Redmond Human Services Commission, and many of the things I have learned related to social determinants of health and applying a feminist lens when considering issues surrounding the needs of the community inform the work I do to review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Redmond City Council.

How does the Husky 100 inspire other students?

I hope that other students look at the diverse members of the Husky 100 and realize that we are all equally deserving of this honor. I hope that we can inspire students, who otherwise may not have even thought they would qualify, to take the chance and apply. I also hope this will inspire professors to lift up their students to nominate them and encourage them to apply, so that they, too, can be recognized for their hard work. 

Were there mentors or communities that were a part of your journey at UW?

Too often student women of color do not receive recognition of their hard work. I was fortunate enough to have several professors who believed in me and encouraged me throughout my journey here at UW Bothell. Dr. Jody Early, Dr. Andrea Stone, Dr. Carrie Lanza and Dr. Julie Shayne have all been inspirations to me. They have supported me and also have taught me to acknowledge my accomplishments and speak my truth unapologetically. When the negative self-talk creeps in, I remember their words of encouragement. I wouldn’t have made it through this without them. 

Is there anything that you would like to add?

I am grateful for all that I have learned here at UWB, not just academically, but also about myself and all that I am able to accomplish. I have gained a new confidence that will carry me through grad school at the UW School of Social Work and everything I do going forward. I have a voice that is powerful and important.