Analis Smith

“If you want to do something and people say it’s difficult or impossible,” said Analise Smith, “don’t let that stop you.”

Analis Smith is a leader in Period@VT, a student chapter of the national Period Project, dedicated to raising awareness and alleviating the effects of period poverty – lack of access to hygienic products for menstruation. 

In her messages to Residential Well-Being asking support in bringing her club's mission to campus residence halls, said her nominator, “Analis was a passionate champion for all. In professional and polished communication, she highlighted the number of women in need, the effects of period poverty on their lives, and barriers to period product access. She had a plan.”

The Period Project collects, packages, and distributes pads, tampons, and liners for anyone who might need them, including student residents and local women's shelters. While a senior and honors student in biological sciences in the College of Science, Analis researches and identifies locations in the community that need products.

Along with other club members, Analis provided a summer educational session for Student Affairs employees, sharing her knowledge and her desire to serve others in her community. 

“Her passion was contagious,” her nominator said. “The time and energy she put into her presentation, during a time when classes were not in session, further emphasized her ongoing motivation to serve.”

Analise’s passions are lab research, medicine, and fighting period poverty. “The highlight of my college experience was creating Period@VT with my friends and watching us do so much good for the community so fast!” she said.

After a gap year, Analise plans to attend medical school to become a research physician.

Analise said that to her, “Ut Prosim means to always serve your community, in whatever way suits you. We all have our passions.”

By surrounding herself with people who genuinely care about her and are happy to see her succeed, Analise said she has managed to find her place at Virginia Tech, being studious, social, and happy.

“I am blessed to have watched Period@VT become a reality,” said Analise, who said she has been strengthened and inspired by the “amazing friends I created it with.”

Analise has in turn strengthened the Virginia Tech community by providing women on campus with period products so they don’t have to worry about missing class because they don’t have products or can’t afford them.

For her service in replacing poverty with community and shame with dignity, I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for EMBRACE UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE to Analis Smith.