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Takoda Smith

1,585

Bold Points

Bio

I'm a first-generation college student from a low-income family with a deep passion for architecture and building science. I’m committed to creating spaces that improve lives and bring communities together. Despite financial challenges, I’ve stayed focused on my goals and won’t give up on my dream of earning a degree and building a better future, not just for myself, but for everyone who believes in me.

Education

East Providence High

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Architecture & Planning

    • Dream career goals:

      To become a Architect and inspire the masses, change lives and give back

    • Associate

      Monster Mini Golf
      2024 – 20251 year

    Sports

    Football

    Varsity
    2020 – 20211 year

    Awards

    • No

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      The Haunted Labyrinth. — Team member
      2020 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Love Island Fan Scholarship
    Love Island Challenge: Heart Strings If I could create a brand-new Love Island challenge, it would be called "Heart Strings." This challenge would be the perfect mix of romance, chaos, trust, and fun — everything that defines the Love Island experience. In “Heart Strings,” couples are physically tied together with a stretchy pink cord at the waist — their "heart string." The goal is to complete a giant obstacle course while staying connected, both literally and emotionally. The course is shaped like a giant heart and includes inflatable sections, climbing walls, rope swings, and balance beams. But there’s a catch: if the cord stretches too far or gets tangled, the couple has to return to the starting line. Scattered throughout the course are mini-challenges that test how well the Islanders know each other. At the “Secret Confession Station,” each partner writes down an answer to a personal question like “What’s my biggest fear in love?” or “What’s my most embarrassing moment?” If their answers match, they move forward. If not, they get hit with a confetti cannon. At another station, “The Temptation Table,” couples must answer questions about past flirty moments in the villa, leading to playful tension and revealing reactions. One of the most entertaining stations is “Love Language Lab.” Each person ranks their top love languages, and if their lists match, they get a shortcut to the finish. If they don’t, they must carry a balloon between them — without using their hands — until the next checkpoint. The best part of this challenge is that it mirrors real relationships. Just like in love, if one person pulls too hard or moves too fast, things can fall apart. Success depends on communication, patience, and staying connected under pressure. It also creates the kind of hilarious and heartwarming moments that make Love Island so addictive to watch. “Heart Strings” would be a fan favorite because it’s not just about speed or physical strength — it’s about emotional connection. It gives couples a chance to prove they really know each other, while also giving viewers plenty of drama, laughter, and memorable moments. This challenge brings together everything Love Island is about: fun, flirting, connection, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
    Wicked Fan Scholarship
    Wicked isn’t just a movie I love — it’s a story that changed how I see myself and the world. From the moment I met Elphaba, I saw someone who was misunderstood, judged for being different, and yet still stood strong in her beliefs. Her resilience, courage, and refusal to conform inspired me deeply. I relate to her journey in many ways. There have been times I’ve felt out of place or uncertain, but like Elphaba, I’ve learned to stay true to who I am. Wicked taught me that being different isn’t a weakness — it’s often where your greatest strength lies. That mindset has helped me stay focused, work hard, and keep going even when things get tough. As I prepare to study Architectural Building Science & Technology, I want to bring those values into my work — designing spaces that are inclusive, meaningful, and reflective of diverse identities. Wicked reminds me that we all have the power to shape the world in our own way. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and live out the same courage and creativity I admire in Wicked. It’s more than a movie — it’s my motivation. Sincerely, - A "wicked" fan
    Chappell Roan Superfan Scholarship
    Chappell Roan’s music found me at a time when I was struggling to find myself — and it changed everything. Her songs don’t just sound good; they feel like liberation. Like walking into a room where you don’t have to shrink yourself, where you can be loud, dramatic, emotional, real. For someone like me — coming from a small, low-income background and constantly battling pressure, fear, and self-doubt — her music was a reminder that I wasn’t alone in that. Her song “Naked in Manhattan” opened my eyes to what bold self-expression can look like. It’s fearless and fun, but underneath the glitter and synths is a kind of freedom that so many of us crave — especially when you feel boxed in by expectations or your circumstances. She shows me that it's okay to be too much, too emotional, or too ambitious. It’s okay to take up space. Chappell Roan’s vulnerability in her lyrics gives me strength in my own story. She sings about heartbreak, queerness, identity, loneliness — things I don’t always feel comfortable saying out loud. But when I hear her voice, I feel like I can breathe a little easier. Like I can own every part of who I am — the pain, the dreams, the loud thoughts I try to hide. I support her career because she’s not just making music — she’s making room. She’s paving the way for people who don’t always see themselves represented, who need to be reminded that they matter. That’s the kind of energy I want to carry into my own future — as a student, as an artist in architecture, and as a person trying to build something bigger than the world I was born into. Chappell Roan is doing more than making bangers — she’s giving people like me a reason to keep showing up, keep being bold, and keep dreaming. And that means everything.
    LeBron James Fan Scholarship
    I’m a fan of LeBron James because he’s not just a basketball legend — he’s proof that you can come from nothing and still change everything. LeBron’s journey hits me deep. He grew up without much, just like me. Raised by a single mom, moving from place to place, trying to stay afloat — and instead of letting that break him, he turned it into fuel. That story mirrors mine. I come from a financially struggling family where dreaming big often feels like a risk. But watching LeBron, someone who made it all the way to the top and never forgot where he came from, reminds me that my background doesn’t define my ceiling — it defines my fire. Do I think he’s the greatest of all time? Absolutely. And it’s not just about the four championships, the MVPs, or being the all-time leading scorer. It’s about what he stands for. He leads with his heart. He lifts his teammates. He speaks out when others stay quiet. He built a school. A school. For kids who grew up like he did. What other GOAT is out here changing lives off the court like that? LeBron’s greatness goes beyond basketball — it's about how he carries his story and uses it to open doors for others. That’s what I want to do in my life, too. I’m going into architectural building science not just to design buildings, but to create spaces that serve people, especially those who’ve been overlooked or left behind. Every time I see LeBron play, lead, or give back, I’m reminded why I keep going — even when the odds are stacked against me. He doesn’t just inspire me to be better. He reminds me that being bold, resilient, and unapologetically proud of where you come from is a kind of greatness that will always win.
    Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
    I’m a fan of Sabrina Carpenter not just because of her music, but because of what she represents — strength, growth, and unapologetic self-expression. Watching her evolve from Disney to the confident, fearless artist she is today gives me hope that I can grow into my own voice too. Sabrina’s career taught me that it’s okay to be complex. You can be soft and strong, vulnerable and bold, all at once. Her lyrics are honest, sometimes a little messy, and always real — which makes someone like me, who's figuring life out while facing a lot of pressure, feel less alone. Her song “Because I Liked a Boy” hit me the hardest. It’s about judgment, rumors, and being misunderstood — things I’ve faced in my own way. I’ve been judged for dreaming too big, for applying to college when people around me thought I couldn’t afford it or didn’t belong there. Sabrina’s bravery in owning her story reminds me that I don’t have to shrink myself to fit other people’s expectations. Even outside of music, her confidence and humor show me that it’s okay to still be figuring things out and that I don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. I’ve watched interviews where she talks about staying true to herself despite the pressure — and that pushes me to do the same. Sabrina inspires me to keep going — to keep writing, applying, dreaming — even when the odds feel impossible. She reminds me that I can rewrite my story, that I can be the first in my family to chase something bigger, and that it’s okay to make noise while I do it. Want to tailor this more to your experience or change the tone a bit? I’ve got your back — just say the word.
    Billie Eilish Fan Scholarship
    Billie Eilish’s music has always felt like a safe space for me — a place where the emotions I don’t always know how to say out loud are already being sung. 1. “everything i wanted” This song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by life and still pushing through. As someone who’s been under a lot of pressure — especially trying to make it to college while coming from a financially difficult background — this song makes me feel seen. The lyrics about having a dream and waking up to something darker hits hard, but the line “As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you” reminds me that I have people who care about me, and I can be that person for others too. 2. “idontwannabeyouanymore” This one speaks to the voice inside that tells you you're not enough — and I’ve heard that voice a lot. Between school stress, financial anxiety, and moments of self-doubt, this song is like a mirror to my inner struggles. It helps me feel like I’m not alone in feeling broken sometimes, and it reminds me to be kinder to myself. 3. “when the party’s over” This song captures sadness in such a quiet, haunting way. It makes me think about all the times I’ve tried to hold it together in front of everyone, only to fall apart when I’m finally alone. It’s a reminder that emotions aren’t weakness — they’re real, they matter, and they deserve space. I’ve had nights where I’ve listened to this on repeat just to let myself cry. Billie’s music helps me feel like my pain, my hopes, and my voice are valid. She doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts of being human, and that honesty means everything to me — especially during times when I feel like I’m holding the weight of my future on my shoulders alone.
    Takoda Smith Student Profile | Bold.org