The campus of Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA., where new Foundation Scholar Jenaya Smith will begin her pursuit of a degree in economics this fall.
Jenaya Smith will begin her journey toward an undergraduate degree this fall at Boston College to study economics as one of the newest Scholars of the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation.
At Rochester Prep High School, Jenaya was busy with varsity soccer, Student Council, and programs focused on student well-being and leadership. One experience that especially stayed with her was serving on the Young Mental Health Advisory Board, where students worked with state leaders to discuss ways schools could better support mental health awareness.
Jenaya also spent part of the summer of 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana, where she joined students from across the country for a cultural and educational experience that introduced her to new perspectives, traditions, and ways of life.
Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a career as a financial advisor because she wants to help people make smart financial choices and avoid difficult financial situations. Her interest in helping others, listening to people, and being involved in her community are all part of what made her stand out as a Foundation Scholar.
As she prepares for college, Jenaya is looking forward to the opportunities ahead and continuing to grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to the values of service and community that have already shaped her journey.