Dare to Imagine: Alyssa Smith

Women Lifting Other Women

"Alyssa Smith is by far one of the most interesting, funny and humble people I know, but most of all she is a dear friend of mine who deserves to be celebrated. We met during our undergraduate studies and became good friends nearing our graduation. I was able to learn a lot about her story and learn from her experiences traveling internationally, learning multiple languages, working for the National Park Service and overall, being someone who is not afraid of adventure, being someone who is always willing to help a friend. Everybody needs a friend like Alyssa and it’s my honor and pleasure to nominate her for this platform."

-Kambrya Bailey, 2021 HBCUI intern with the Dare to Imagine Project

Alyssa, what project would you like to highlight?

During the summer of 2021, I was an Historically Black Colleges and Universities Intership (HBCUI) Intern at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. Some of my duties included learning the operations of the front desk, engaging with visitors, assisting on tours, and creating personal projects for the park.

Alyssa in front of Little Rock Central High School

Will you tell us a little about that project?

My three projects for the summer were the Explore the Buffalo Project, My Little Rock Central High School Experience Interview, and translated virtual tours.

Explore the BUFF- The inspiration behind the project came from my own personal experience in 2016 with the Buffalo National River, as a volunteer. I went on a backpacking trip to Buffalo National River and learned about safe camping and wilderness survival. It was my first real camping experience and my first time at a natural national park. The experience changed my perspective on how valuable natural parks are and the benefits they have on physical and mental health. I am now an avid hiker and love being in the outdoors. These experiences are not always available to minority children and young adults. The Explore the Buffalo Project was created to help encourage inner city youth and young adults to visit a natural park, by creating a visual experience for first time visitors and campers to the Buffalo National River (BUFF). I also wanted to increase outreach to minority communities to explore a local natural park by the National Park Service with the hopes of creating a safe space for minorities in the national parks.

My Little Rock Central High School Experience Interview- Once visitors realized that I was a 2016 graduate of Little Rock Central High School they had many questions about my experience juxtaposed against the experience of the Little Rock Nine in 1957. I put together a compilation of interviews from recent Central alumni to give visitors a diverse perspective of the school environment now.

The translated virtual tours- We have a large Spanish speaking population in Little Rock. I wanted to provide more access for those with a language barrier to learn about the events of 1957. I, along with Ranger Fabian Ruiz, recorded a tour of our site and its significance in Spanish to upload online for visitors to see.

Alyssa sitting in front of a waterfall at Petite Jean Mountain State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas

How did you get to where you are now? What was your path like?

My path is still unfolding, I am only 23 years old and I just graduated college this past semester. As far as I can say, I am only here by the grace of God! I grew up in a single parent household and lived in an area that some would consider the hood. I am grateful that my mom understood the importance of exposing me to the arts, sciences, and new experiences in general while growing up. She wanted me to understand that the world was bigger than my neighborhood and city, that I did not have to become a product of my environment. I was always considered the “odd” or “weird” kid because I liked exploring and was not afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. I also was exposed to various cultures and languages early on in life, so this only strengthened my desire to learn more about the world.

In high school I became very involved with the National Park Service by volunteering at Little Rock Central High School’s Visitors Center. This piqued my interest in civil rights and I began participating in several social justice and cultural acceptance organizations and clubs at school. I would later go to a Historically Black College and University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I would major in Political Science and become heavily involved with the Office of International Programs and Studies. After graduating I was accepted into Greening Youth Foundation’s HBCUI summer internship program. This initiative focuses on placing HBCU students and recent graduates at various National Park Sites around the country to help bring diversity into the National Park Service. I am now currently taking time off to travel and explore my interests before deciding to either start my career or apply for grad school.

Alyssa doing a cartwheel at Volcán Pacaya in Pacaya, Guatemala

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to do the things that I only dreamed of as a child! I love traveling and learning about different cultures and as a child I did not think that it was something that I would actually be able to do. Now, I have lived in Central America and Asia, speak 3 languages, and have friends in over 20 countries around the world. I have also been able to visit several states within the U.S. However, I don’t want to only keep these opportunities for myself, I want to be able to help others have similar experiences. In college I created my own study abroad program to Guatemala where 5 participants and myself spent 4 weeks immersed in language and culture study. I hope to create more opportunities for youth and young Black adults to get out of their comfort zones and explore.

Favorite Quote?

The Dare to Imagine Project is funded by an Innovation and Impact Grant provided by the National Park Foundation. This grant supports projects and programs that help the National Park Service share a more comprehensive American narrative that includes the voices of women whose vision, tenacity, and resilience moved them to climb mountains, take down barriers, shape history, protect the environment, and lead social movements. Read more of these women's stories on the Dare to Imagine page.