IUL Scholar: Community builder

IU Libraries Undergraduate Scholar Spotlight: Brady Smith

The Logo is an open book with "steps to success" inside.
Brady is near a fence, wearing flannel. Autumn trees are in the background.

Background

Ruth Lilly Dean of University Libraries Diane Dallis-Comentale established the IU Libraries Undergraduate Scholarship in the Fall of 2023. Each scholar receives a $3,000 annual award plus Libraries’ student employment of at least 10 hours per week.To retain the scholarship — job and money — students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA each year.  

This profile is one in a series that tells the story of our Undergraduate Scholars.

Brady Smith, Business/SPEA Library and IU Libraries Administration

1. What would you like people to know about you?

I am a Management and Human Organization major with a minor in Business. My favorite things to do are playing basketball, hanging with friends, and going to church. I am a massive Chicago Bears fan and enjoy watching sports during my free time on the weekends. I also helped my mom start a non-profit during the peak of Covid-19 providing free clothes, food, and everyday necessities through my church for the community! 

2. How has working at the IU Libraries enhanced your college experience?

Working at IU Libraries has not only helped provide me with financial assistance for my tuition, but also provided me easily accessible resources and a good learning environment to develop better skills. It allows networking opportunities throughout campus as well. Going into college having a guaranteed job removed the stress of worrying about money, allowing me to focus on academics, making friends, and establishing new hobbies. College can be hard and very stressful, so having coworkers that are very kind, supportive, and helpful can be game changing. My favorite part of working in the IU Libraries is the atmosphere of hard workers and being able to relax and do my homework while being paid (it can’t get better than that).

3. How do you envision the IU Libraries Undergraduate Scholarship helping you on your educational/personal path?

The Undergraduate Scholarship has helped me tremendously on my educational path because it’s allowing me to improve my customer service, communication, professionalism, and time management skills. You talk to a lot of people that sometimes have some confusing questions. The IU Libraries have taught me better problem-solving skills and communication which I believe will be game changing after college. 

4. What books, podcasts, apps, and/or music are you preoccupied with right now that you recommend and why?

I have been a big fan of the artists Yeat, Ken Carson, and Chris Tomlin. If you’re looking for a rap genre of music, Yeat and Ken Carson are where you need to look. If you are looking for a strong connection with God, listen to Chris Tomlin. 


5. What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Go out and get involved! Everyone around you is open to being friends your freshman year so take advantage of it. Don’t fall into the wrong crowd that will create bad habits physically and mentally. Prioritize your schoolwork and well-being over parties. There is no need to get FOMO in college because there’s so much stuff that you can do throughout the year to pass time rather than missing an assignment because you’d rather party. Create a schedule to do your tasks to save your time. Try and meet at least one person in all your classes and exchange socials. Having someone you know in each class is key to your success. You most likely won’t make it to every class throughout the semester, so having someone you can text and ask what happened in class and to fill you in is very important. 

Working through IU Libraries through this scholarship has not only provided me with a dedicated and secure study space, but also introduced me to a community of supportive individuals who have played a pivotal role in my academic and personal journey. 

~IU Libraries Undergraduate Scholar Brady Smith

Contributors

Related News