Jessica Harper-Smith is a native of San Diego, California. Coming from a single parent home, she is the second person in her immediate family to enter college. Her older brother, who has been much like a father figure, has helped to motivate her. Her mother, who has her Juris doctorate and was a professor of criminal justice, has created the perfect example of a strong, hard-working woman.

Jessica is pursuing a political science major with a concentration in American Racial Multicultural Studies. Her major coincides with her leadership skills and involvement in many of the diversity and multicultural organizations on campus.

As a sophomore, she was the treasurer of C.U.B.E (Cultural Union for Black Expression) and was a part of the Harambe Conference planning committee. Her junior year, she became the president of Harambe and served as an executive assistant of DCC (Diversity Celebrations Committee).

This year, she has served as the vice president of Harambe, is again on the Conference's planning committee, and is devoted to MAC (the Multicultural Awareness Casa), better known as the Schmidt House.

The goal of the Schmidt House is to spread multiculturalism throughout the campus, to make people aware of its importance, and to generate an appreciative perspective of the significance of diversity on St. Olaf's campus. She has also served as a Multicultural Student Senator.

St. Olaf has truly been a growing experience for Jessica. "At first, I felt like there was no place for me," Jessica comments. But as more and more minority groups began to appear on campus and the issue of diversity and multiculturalism became a recognized topic, Jessica felt like she was getting a foot in the door, and she soon felt at home.

In her four years here at St. Olaf College, Jessica has learned to appreciate the things that hold a significant place in her heart: family and friends. "I have met life-long friends at St. Olaf and they have helped me endure the challenge of staying here."

She has also learned to be a leader and to stand up and voice her opinions and concerns whenever needed. Jessica says, "Despite the lack of minority groups on campus, I have learned to appreciate my culture."

Jessica's aspirations after life on The Hill include teaching, and ultimately, law school. She is interested in public interest law. Organizations such as the NAACP often need defense personnel due to lack of major support.

When it comes to cases where one of these organizations wants to fight for important issues (such as preserving a healthy environment, AIDS awareness, and civil rights), Jessica will be the one to call on. " I want to provide a way for the "underdog" to have a say and a choice."

When asked if Jessica labels herself as a role model, her response is, "I perceive myself more as an encourager." Cindy Lopez, Jessica's roommate and good friend often comments that "There is always someone watching you." Jessica believes it is important to stand out and to follow your own path in life.