Kiera Smith learned software development before she arrived at the Academy, but computer science alone wasn’t enough for her. Now that she has built up her design and storytelling skills, she looks forward to establishing herself as a marketing strategist beyond the City of Angels.

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy? 

I came into the Academy with solid front-end development skills because of the high school I attended. But after being introduced to design and storytelling, I quickly realized that computer science wasn't one of my primary joys in life. So I took time to explore different areas: 3D printing and education through 3D4E (3D Printing for Everyone) to graphic illustration for a nonprofit news organization called Crosstown. All my classes and extracurricular activities lead up to my internships this summer in the realm of marketing. Now, I am trying to build my technical skills as a strategist to enter the workforce, and better navigate the marketing space. 

What piece of advice have you implemented in your day to day life? 

Do you have a role model? Why do you look up to them? 

My mother is my ultimate role model. Her capacity to push herself beyond her limit to meet the needs of others always impresses me. I aspire to be as selfless as her. But I have to shout out Tyler Mitchell, a photographer, and filmmaker. The way he showcases his intentions within his work resonates with me. He always stays true to his purpose — celebrating black bodies in a brilliant light. 

Describe one thing most people don't know about you? 

My cohort already knows this, but I believe pigeons are underrated. I understand to the masses that they are flying rats. But there are many different types, such as the Victoria Crowned-Pigeon, which prove how spectacular the breed can be. 

What's one thing your parents taught you that you'd like to share? 

I know you asked for one, but my mother often switches between two sentiments, "Take everyone one at a time" and "Every day, one day at a time." These two sentiments usually keep me grounded at the moment and remind me to be patient with people. 

What is the biggest risk you have taken and was the result what you wished for? 

I still think the most considerable risk I have taken was going to this school. I barely had a clue as to what I would get out of it. There were one or two moments I thought this might not have been the right decision. But, I can say (in my senior year) that this major is what I hoped it would be. 

What would you say is your defining achievement thus far? 

My defining achievement (so far) is the work I did for my internship this summer at Ayzenberg, an advertising agency located in Pasadena. It incorporated all the skills I have learned in the Academy to produce work for various companies. It helped me to best express my capabilities as a worker. 

What advice would you give to freshmen? 

The only advice I have is to be realistic about your capacity and your time. I would often tell myself lies such as "I'll just wake up at 2 in the morning" to finish up all the immense work I piled onto myself. After every lie, I often ended up tired and burnt out. But now, I do not struggle with managing my bandwidth as I once did freshman year.

How have you evolved over the past four years? 

My emotional intelligence has improved immensely. In my sophomore year, I noticed I needed to improve how I evaluated and managed my emotions. So, I would constantly assess my thoughts and the feelings connected to them. Then, I would reflect on the day's events and how my emotions and thoughts influenced these events. As a result, I am now more objective and empathic towards others and myself. 

What goals do you have post-graduation? 

Once I graduate, I am hoping to work for an advertising agency as a marketing strategist. I have lived in Los Angeles all my life. So I am excited to go to any advertising agency outside the City of Angels. 

The imagery photographers, specifically photojournalists, capture inspires me to dive deeper into my initial curiosities. 

I have enjoyed Drive and Listen, a web app that explores cities worldwide through car video footage. Plus, you can listen to each cities' local radio stations simultaneously. 

"Global Narratives of Illness and Disability" takes a look at the various narratives revolving around disability beyond America through the lens of disabled individuals. Dr. Julie Van Dam, a passionate and considerate professor, creates a collaborative environment that incorporates factors such as race and sexuality into the conversations to develop a more holistic perspective. For those reasons, I recommend this class to anyone wanting to redress their ideas on disability. 

What is your favorite hidden gem of LA? 

If you are in DTLA, stop by St. Vincent Court, a tiny alleyway with a few European shops. One of the shops, Pizza Italia, serves some great cheap eats such as Lahmajun (Lahmajun is like a paper-thin pizza). 

If you had to get a tattoo what would you get and why? 

I would tattoo the word "think" on my inner lip playing on the saying "Think before you speak." I think the tattoo would be a great reminder to catch my unfiltered thoughts and limit my obsessive cursing.

Kiera Smith learned software development before she ever arrived at the Academy, but computer science alone wasn’t enough for her. Now that she has built up her design and storytelling skills, she looks forward to establishing herself as a strategist and helping organizations market themselves.

Senior Spotlight: Kiera Smith