sincerity personified
I met Ms. Smith through my participation in DePaul University's Black Student Union. Initially I was a bit skeptical about the participation of someone my parent's age in our undergrad organization but her insight was invaluable and working with her taught me a lot. I admired her for her willingness to share her skills and life experiences with us to provide perspective on issues we were facing. She reminded me that we did not have to recreate the wheel, we could look to our elders for the examples they set for us to follow. Ms. Smith was so supportive, so nurturing and so devoted to helping us succeed To many of US she was "Voltaire's mom" to HER we were ALL HER CHILDREN. She saw our potential and tried to bring the best out of us. In the moment, I remember thinking she was overbearing, maybe too involved but looking back now, it appreciate her constant presence and the way she challenged me to achieve my potential especially on days when I wanted to take a break. Seeing her commitment to our organization in addition to balancing her own responsibilities as a student and mother removed any excuse I could muster for not performing upto my capabilities. I am extremely saddened to hear of her passing, fortunate to have known a women with such a beautiful spirit and will always carry a special place in my heart for her.
My condolences to her family, especially Voltaire who I knew personally as a comrade during undergrad