GS Alumni Spotlight: Britanya Wright-Smith
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Britanya Wright-Smith. I am from Clayton, North Carolina. I graduated from NC State University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering in 2021 and 2022. I am an avid dog lover with hopes of getting my very own pup soon. I am also a Christian who is constantly learning. I love the outdoors and do plenty of hiking, biking, and running. On occasion when time permits, I love trying new hobbies such as painting, gardening, reading, and singing. The best way to describe me is as a serial hobbyist.
What have you been up to since graduating?
Since graduating, I have encountered so many amazing opportunities. During my Master’s degree, I heavily focused on classes about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Once I graduated, my focus remained there. I have gotten the opportunity to apply AI to many different sectors during my work. From predicting plant viability with Vision AI to predicting various behaviors of plants by using plant DNA in AI, I have encountered the beautiful cross-over between AI and plant biology. In addition to that, I have gotten exposure to Vision AI applications in vehicle maintenance and vehicle tracking. It is truly remarkable how flexible in application AI has been. Currently, I work at Booz Allen Hamilton as an AI Engineer. Being in this field has been so rewarding filled with research and a constant desire to learn. Outside of work, since graduating, I have also gotten married to my wonderful husband, Dylan Smith who also went to NC State University.
How did your experience in the Goodnight Scholars Program impact your time as a student, and now, graduate?
The Goodnight program greatly impacted both my college and now adult life. For one, being a part of the Goodnight Ambassador’s program developed skills in me such as public speaking, confidence, presentation, and professionalism. Even during my Undergraduate degree, I got the opportunity to be the student speaker at the 2021 Spring NC State graduation. The confidence to do that stemmed from the amazing training during the Ambassador Goodnight program. Since then, I have given company-wide presentations to my colleagues and outside of work. As for interview skills, the Goodnight program helped me build a resume, performed mock interviews, and gave me constructive criticism that even to this day, I exercise and practice in interviews and on the job. Outside of skills, the Goodnight program gave me a sense of belonging, even as a transfer student coming from a small community college to a large school. I have built lasting relationships and friends that to this day, I still hold near and dear to my heart.
What is your favorite memory from the Goodnight Scholars Program?
My absolute favorite memory was Shack-a-thon. In the Brickyard at NC State, students from various student groups would build these shacks from the ground up to benefit habitat for humanity. I got the chance to contribute to building the 2019 shack. During class breaks, I would run down to the Brickyard and attempt to help build a sturdy shack that could stand while being beautifully decorated. I remember the laughter, joy, and happiness as I built the shack with my fellow goodnight friends. While it was not the most beautiful, the greater cause behind it which was raising money and bringing awareness to affordable housing in Wake and Johnston County was the biggest reward.
Do you have any advice for current and/or prospective students?
One of the things I took away from college is that not only was it filled with tons of academic studying, it was filled with so much growth. I grew the most while in college. This is the time to explore and try different things. Try that Alternative Service Break (ASB) Trip, try an undergraduate research opportunity, join a leadership group, join study groups, join the Krispy Kreme Challenge run, be involved in the goodnight program and lead a trip or become a leader, join a racial affinity group and/or religious group, and come outside of your comfort zone. The best thing I did during my 4 years at NC State was step outside my comfort zone and truly try things. All of these experiences shaped who I am today. It led me to my husband, my job, my hobbies and passions, and most importantly it grew me further than I ever thought imaginable. Trust me, the growth does not stop there but will continue after college.
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