Sonia Carroll

Tell us your Smith College Libraries story.

I was inspired to apply for a position in Special Collections because of my dad. He recalls the special collections where he attended college as a formative place where he spent hours discovering old underground newspapers and magazines that inspired him politically and career-wise, first as a journalist and later as a labor union representative and mediator.

Working in Special Collections has given me a deep appreciation for the role that libraries and archives play in our communities and the essential work that librarians and archivists do. I've learned from my Special Collections colleagues how to engage in the careful, critical research that library work calls for; how archives strengthen our connection to the past and can shape our current sense of identity; and how archival research can inspire communities to come together in conversation.

It has been incredibly rewarding to have assisted with curating public exhibits such as Special Connections. Seeing how excited Smithies are to engage with collection materials that speak to their interests and identities is an experience that stays with me. Other highlight moments include talking with a fourth-grade classroom about Otelia Cromwell and working on various biographical research projects that allowed patrons to learn more about their family histories.

Though I am not planning to go into library work, I'm confident that my experience with archival research and public services will be useful in any future job or career. Learning how to navigate library research has been empowering for me. I will always keep coming back to the libraries!

Outside of the Libraries, what are your interests and hobbies?

I am a linguistics enthusiast, so I love learning about anything that has to do with language and words. I enjoy spending time outside on my bike or on a run, singing, playing the piano and ukulele, and collecting cow-themed paraphernalia.

If you know, what is next for you after graduating from Smith?

I plan to work and travel for a year before applying to Speech Language Pathology graduate programs.

If you could impart one piece of advice to incoming first year students, what would it be?

Over the course of your time at Smith, the things you care about, the people you spend time with, and the person you are will all change so much. Sometimes, this change is wonderful and exhilarating — embrace that. Other times, this change feels incredibly difficult and like it's all happening faster than you can handle. During those rough days, weeks, months, and years, continue to give yourself the love and care that you deserve and remember that always, no matter what, wonderful changes will eventually follow the hard ones.