Growing up in Crawfordsville, the cross-town move to Wabash was “a big jump” for Logan Smith ’23, an English major with a double minor in Black Studies and Music. Raised in a town dominated by a white populace, coming to Wabash was akin to being transported to an enigmatic bubble, one ripe for exploration. With a multifaceted education and through involvement in organizations such as the Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies, the Glee Club and Career Services, he has honed his critical thinking skills and expanded his perspective on life’s complexities.
As a member of the MXIBS, Smith experienced a sense of community and a safe space to engage in meaningful conversations that fostered personal growth and development.
“It’s super important to think about things outside of your own box,” Smith said.
Smith remarked that there were times when he felt like a minority in the situation, a feeling that was both enlightening and humbling. As someone who grew up in a predominantly white community, he acknowledged that the MXIBS provided him with a unique opportunity to broaden his understanding of the world and gain a new perspective on issues related to race
and diversity.
“I want people to know they have a voice.”
Logan Smith ’23
Smith’s sophomore year bore witness to the advent of a groundbreaking development in his academic journey—joining the Career Services team. With a fervor for forging connections with his peers, Smith relished the opportunity to acquire a holistic understanding of their individual stories in a succinct timeframe. In turn, he was able to articulate their narratives through the medium of resumes, cover letters and other employment applications, a feat that has brought him immense gratification.
“Trying to understand people has been something that’s huge for me,” said Smith, recounting his experience at Career Services.
Smith is also a tenor section leader in the Glee Club. For him, the Glee Club has been a pivotal part of his college experience, allowing him to interact with community members in a unique and meaningful way.
“After the performance is over and we receive congratulations and kind words from audience members, it reminds me of how important music can be in people’s lives,” he said.
While he says that rehearsing can be draining at times, especially trying to perfect every note and rhythm, seeing it all come together “is so beautiful that there are few feelings like it.”
Having spent his formative years in the small bubble that is Crawfordsville, Smith remained oblivious to his potential to bring about noteworthy change. However, his immersion in the wider Wabash community has helped him realize the significance of his voice and the impact he could create. Smith now seeks to embolden others to recognize their worth and establish a legacy of value in the world.
“I want to inspire people to know that they have a voice,” Smith said.
As Smith’s journey at Wabash draws to a close, he reflects upon the myriad of experiences that have shaped him into the person he is today. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his life, Smith’s unwavering determination to inspire others to recognize their worth and make a difference in the world is a testament to his character and a great example of the transformative power of a liberal arts education at Wabash.