Alumni Spotlight: Andy Smith '91

Andy was a contributor on both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams.

What are you doing now and how did Wittenberg help you get to where you are today?

I am currently a high school Spanish teacher.  At Wittenberg I studied Spanish, spent my junior year in Madrid, and I did receive my BA in Spanish with a minor in secondary education. 

Wittenberg opened my eyes to the world with having international students on campus, offered me the opportunity to study abroad, and I have never looked back.   Since graduation, I have lived, studied, and worked in France, Costa Rica and Japan and have travelled the world visiting more than 30 countries.

Wittenberg introduced me to the Peace Corps and my time in CR as a volunteer are some of my best years.  I have been the chair of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in Buffalo and much of our focus is helping refugees adjust to their new life in Buffalo. 

How did your athletic experience at Wittenberg prepare you for your career and life after Witt?

Athletics and being member of the cross country and track teams taught me many things… determination, work ethic, social skills, life lessons, leadership, organizational skills, and taking care of yourself are just a few things that prepared me for life after Wittenberg and still use regularly.

What is your overall favorite part about Wittenberg?

Tough one to answer.  There is so much about Wittenberg that I cherish.  I guess it would be the people I met, the connections I made, and the fact that I am still in touch with people from Wittenberg 30 years later.   Knowing I have indeed "Having Light We Pass It On To Others".

Smith in her Peace Corps village in 2018.  The community came together to make a world map at the local school.  Smith's former students have preserved the mural over the last 25+ years.