Role models are an important part of society. We need them, because they make the world a better place. Although anyone can technically be a role model, it’s safe to say a role model is usually a person that is worthy of imitation.
And no, you don’t need to turn to Paul Rudd and the guy that plays Stiffler in American Pie as role models.
Instead, you can turn to Lewis women’s basketball player, Amy Smith. Smith, a senior Biology major was a semifinalist for the 2010 John Wooden Cup. Smith was only one of four non-Division I athletes to make the semifinal cut, and was on a list that included big names such as Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. The Wooden Cup is given to one collegiate and one professional athlete who have made the greatest positive influence in the lives of others.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lisa Carslen views Smith as very deserving of her nomination. “She’s somebody the kids look to in difficult situations,” Carlsen said. “She’s a fun kid to coach, because she has a great idea of the big picture. She’s a grounded person who understands her calling as far as making a difference.”
During her time at Lewis, Smith has influenced many others through volunteer and mission work. “A lot of people go into volunteering thinking they’re going to help someone, which they do, but they don’t realize how much they’re going to get in return,” Smith said.
Smith is a peer minister and also started a student-athlete Bible study group. “I just try to meet the needs of the students and talk with everybody and make sure they’re ok,” Smith said.
Smith also has raised donations for Misericordia Heart of Mercy through University Ministry, and also does Night Ministries. “Night ministries is my favorite,” Smith said. “We go downtown once a month and feed homeless people and a lot of people in nursing homes. What I love about that is not just feeding the people, but getting to talk to them. Yes, they’re getting a meal out of it; but we’re both getting a great conversation out of it and the interaction is good for all of us. I think those situations have helped me become a more outgoing and understanding person.”
Smith has also helped to get the rest of her basketball team involved. “We do the Christmas Giving Tree to help a needy family out, and we always go to a soup kitchen,” Smith said.
Her impact has definitely extended beyond the Lewis community, as she has gone on mission trips to Bolivia and Kenya through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
While in Kenya, Smith taught science and in Bolivia she worked in different orphanages.
“I’ve always been interested in doing mission trips, so Bolivia was a safe first step,” Smith explained. “The Kenya trip was a great way to learn culture. We stayed with host families and took public transportation by ourselves, so it really made me appreciate other cultures. The experience oversees was awesome.”
One part of her trips overseas especially sticks out. “When we were in Bolivia we got to pick where we worked, so I went to the orphanages a lot because they are cute little babies,” Smith reminisced with a smile on her face. “There was this cute little baby named Alfredo and we got to bring all the babies to mass and have them baptized. It was such a beautiful, unique experience because everyone in the community was involved. Just to experience that with them was very rewarding.”
Smith will continue mission work, as she embarks on a 27-month commitment in the Peace Corps. Though she doesn’t know the exact location yet, Smith expects to be teaching science to children in sub-Saharan Africa.
“I know it’s going to be a great experience,” Smith exclaimed. “I’ve known I wanted to go in the Peace Corps since I was like 15. The people in Africa are so wonderful and the country of Kenya is gorgeous. I love the culture.”
Carlsen sees nothing but success for Smith in the future. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Amy’s going to make a difference and touch a lot of lives in the coming years,” Carslen said. “She has great aspirations for making a difference while she’s here on this earth and there’s no doubt she’s going to do that.”
Alex Gasick
Sports Editor | Click here for Alex's Archives
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