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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Max Smith, Class of 2021. The interview was conducted via Zoom videoconferencing software on February 28, 2024 by Viviana Ramos and Eric Hedden, then students in Dr. Reecia Orzeck’s class Geography 375: Qualitative Research Design and Methods of Human Geography.
Smith grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois. His upbringing included attending an all-girls Catholic high school, a challenging experience shaped by his identity as a transgender individual. Smith’s early focus was on athletics, particularly softball, which initially guided his college aspirations.
Smith began his college journey out of state but transferred to ISU in his sophomore year after a sports injury shifted his priorities. The transfer marked a turning point, allowing him to explore a broader array of opportunities. While his initial hesitation about ISU stemmed from its size, he grew to appreciate the diverse and energetic campus community. He recounts his first memory of ISU being meeting his advisor outside the Felmley Science Annex and feeling a sense of excitement about the college experience for the first time.
Originally drawn to geology, Smith ultimately switched to majoring in geography after encouragement from a peer and a realization that the major aligned better with his interests and aspirations. His dream of becoming a park ranger remained central, driven by a lifelong passion for the outdoors and his symbolic connection to Earth Day, his birthday.
At ISU, Smith was deeply involved in campus life. He participated in the Geography Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Student Wellness Ambassador Team (SWAT), where he staffed the GSpot kiosk promoting health and wellness resources on campus. Through these roles, Smith developed practical skills in communication, leadership, and advocacy. He praised the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment for its supportive faculty, who not only nurtured his academic and professional growth but also demonstrated genuine care for students’ well-being. He highlighted their adaptability and empathy during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional college experiences during his junior and senior years.
Smith experienced a modified graduation ceremony during the pandemic that allowed for intimate, family-focused celebrations. Post-graduation, he faced uncertainty about his career path, compounded by the broader instability of the time. Returning to his hometown, Smith worked as a horticulturist assistant with his local park district, which allowed him to stay connected to his environmental interests. Eventually, he transitioned to a role as a supervisor in the cannabis industry, a field where he found unexpected fulfillment and professional growth.
Reflecting on his ISU experience, Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunities and support he received but wished he had been more involved in extracurricular activities to maximize his time on campus. He viewed ISU as an inclusive and diverse environment that played a significant role in his personal development. While he remains unsure about his long-term plans, his passion for nature and environmental stewardship continues to inspire his aspirations.
Interview Date
2-28-2024
Index
- Introduction: 0:00 – 0:43
- Childhood and early life: 00:44 – 01:22
- High school, athletics, and college aspirations: 01:23 – 02:49
- Transferring to ISU: 02:50 – 03:55
- First memories of ISU: 03:56 – 04:31
- Moving major from Geology to Geography: 04:31– 05:45
- Campus involvement: 05:46 – 07:56
- COVID-19’s impact on college life: 07:57 – 10:08
- Housing experiences: 10:09 – 13:51
- Community involvement: 13:52 – 15:39
- Counseling and mental health resources: 15:40 – 17:14
- Death of Jelani Day: 17:15 – 18:44
- Study habits, hobbies, and transportation: 18:45 – 24:56
- Graduation During COVID-19: 24:57 – 29:15
- Post-graduation challenges and career path: 29:16 – 33:50
- Career preparation and ISU’s impact: 33:51 – 35:40
- Reflections on ISU and inclusivity: 35:41 – 39:36
- Impact of studying geography; closing remarks: 39:37 – 41:04
Recommended Citation
Smith, Max, "Interview with Max Smith, Class of 2021" (2021). Alumni Oral Histories. 78.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/78