Kara Smith was the Women’s Resource Center intern for the 2007-2008 school year. She graduated from the University of Houston in 1999, Summa Cum Laude, with BA’s in English (Creative Writing) and Economics. After her graduation, Kara worked for five years in web design and software development, and then transitioned to working in the non-profit sector: first for the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, then at SEARCH Homeless Center. After working at SEARCH for two years, she returned to UH for her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Kara was awarded the Mollie Nadelman Book Scholarship, Dean’s Advisory Council Scholarship, and Presidential Graduate Fellowship. This year, she worked at SEARCH part-time; was a full-time student at the UH Graduate College of Social Work; and has been interning at the Women’s Resource Center since October of 2007. At the WRC, she co-authored a curriculum on empowered sexuality for women with Dr. McPhail, and had the opportunity to train with some of the country’s leading researchers and writers on the influence of pornography on media and culture.

Kara was asked why she chose UH?

After exploring many other schools, I came to the same conclusion I had as an undergraduate: the University of Houston offers more bang for the buck than anywhere else.

Words of encouragement she would give to other students:

Your education is what you make of it, so make the most of it. More importantly, relax. No matter how old or young you are, you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Enjoy it. Make the most of every moment, put in the work, and doors will open themselves.

When asked about something most people do not know about her, she responded:

I was a performance Lindy Hop dancer the year after college, and I play the didgeridoo (but not very well). Also, I hate cheesecake. I’ll try it once a year just to make sure, but I have never tasted a cheesecake I liked.

Kara in also involved in the following organizations:

Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key Honor Society, National Association of Social Workers (student member), GCSW Clinical Leadership Society, GCSW Social Welfare Action Alliance, University Commission on Women, Cougar Allies

The Women’s Resource Center is grateful for the many valuable contributions Kara made on behalf of students on campus during her time with us.  Her contributions were many and important; she will be greatly missed.