Laurel Springs alumna, Erin Smith, knows a thing or two about self-discipline. With a passion for martial arts and experience in remote learning, purposefulness and determination is woven through her life on and offline.
Her Weapon of Choice
While competing with a bo staff may have helped Erin win individual gold medals at the martial art World Championships in 2018 and 2019, she chose Laurel Springs to help her win a quality education. “I was able to balance a rigorous training schedule with school work throughout high school thanks to Laurel Springs…” It’s the flexibility of an asynchronous education with the drive and tenacity of martial arts training that’s propelled Erin through her fields of study.
The skills Erin has honed over the years continues to bring her success through college even during a pandemic. “I have been able to maintain training, teaching, and competing in martial arts nationally and internationally while attending Assumption University full time and qualifying for the Dean’s List in five of my last six semesters. Laurel Springs and virtual learning also helped me transition more easily when my university went fully virtual due to COVID-19.”
Exercising the Mind and Body
Practicing martial arts isn’t Erin’s only passion. Teaching is also now on the list. “I currently teach martial arts classes five days a week at a karate school in Boston, MA.” With a major in Human Services and Rehabilitation and a minor in psychology, Erin continues to blend her interests with her education. “I have become extremely interested in the study/use of non-contact martial arts as a form of movement therapy for various mental illnesses. With the help and support of one of my professors, I am currently working on my thesis, Martial Arts Therapy and Clinical Depression.” Seeing what she’s already accomplished in both school and karate, she’s sure to make the right connections.
As for her connection to Laurel Springs, she plans on continuing that through the LSS Alumni Connect platform to stay in touch with other alumni and meet others with similar school stories. “I give LSS so much credit for helping me to not only have more time for training but also helping me learn how to successfully manage schoolwork on my own!”
