Ashley Smith
There is nothing quite like family, and that's what the Ervin program has provided for me. Ms. Stephenson, Dean McLeod, Dean Glore, Mrs. E, fellow scholars, and even friends of the Ervin program have been there to both encourage and challenge me throughout my time at WashU.
General Information
Ashley graduated in 2007 with a degree in Psychology. Currently, she works with Harambee Christian Ministries at WashU as a campus staff member with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.
What are your top 2 Ervin memories?
- Mrs. E's "retirement" party in the Whittemore House during my finalists' weekend. After hearing alum and current scholars share their experiences being a part of the Ervin Family, I knew that being an Ervin Scholar meant so much more than being a scholarship recipient.
- Being able to go to Ms. Stephenson's office whether I needed advice on how to balance my life or just a quiet place to take a nap. I took that "open door" policy seriously!
How have the Ervin principles of service, diversity, leadership, and scholarship shaped you as a person/professional?
As Ms. Stephenson and Dean McLeod reminded all of the seniors before registering for our Spring semester classes, "As an Ervin Scholar, you are held to a higher standard". They were specifically referencing the need to continue to challenge ourselves academically in our final semester, but the same holds true for all of the fundamental principles of the Ervin program. There is no such thing as doing "just enough to get by." We have been taught to engage the city through service, enhance the university community through diversity, leave organizations better off through our leadership, and enhance our mind through genuine scholarship.