Raven Smith, founder and CEO of a clothing line, turned movement, “Straight from the Go" credits Mizzou for helping her flourish.
Raven Smith, Mizzou sophomore, is working hard to dispel negative stereotypes about her hometown of Chicago. Smith is the Founder and CEO of a clothing line, turned movement, “Straight from the Go”.
The name of the line is a way to instill pride in being from Chicago while rejecting the violent stigma that the city has. A portion of the proceeds are given to victims of gun violence and families of fallen first responders. The merchandise is sold in more than twenty stores including Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Smith currently is pursuing a degree in athletic training at Mizzou and credits the university for helping her flourish.
“The university provides a home away from home while also providing an award winning education”, Smith said.
Read more about Raven's work promoting Chicago: Good to go.
Emma Smoczynski came to Mizzou for journalism only to discover new paths suited for her. She will receive her MPA from the Truman School of Public Affairs in May.
Emma Smoczynski left Illinois to come to Columbia in hopes of experiencing a new culture. While Smoczynski came to Mizzou to study journalism, she realized that journalism was not the path for her. Years later, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs.
Although Smoczynski came to Mizzou hoping for a new and different experience, she soon found home within Mizzou.
“Mizzou gave me a home and allowed me to grow up into a successful adult,” she said. Her involvement with Mizzou’s safe ride program, STRIPES, provided her with a family. and an experience she deems her favorite from her years at Mizzou.
Smoczynski’s advice to students is to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. “Mizzou has so many amazing experiences and if you don’t utilize what it offers, you won’t get as much out of your Mizzou experience,” she said.
