Adaina Smith always planned to apply to NC State. With family nearby and a reputable business school located in Raleigh, it made sense. But it was the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands that sealed the deal. 

“That’s all I needed to come and join the Wolfpack,” Smith said.

Rashida Hodge is a College of Engineering double alumna, graduating with her bachelor’s and master’s in 2002 and 2003, respectively. She has remained a consistent supporter of the college since she graduated and gave the commencement address to fall 2024 graduates. 

By partnering with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Hodge, who is from St. Thomas, created a scholarship that brings top students to NC State who otherwise may not be able to attend. 

The scholarship provides full tuition, fees and housing for four years at NC State to a senior graduating from the U.S. Virgin Islands public school system. To ease the transition, the scholarship also makes NC State’s Summer Start Program available to recipients at no cost. The scholarship was publicized all over Smith’s home island, St. Croix, and she spent the weeks leading up to the due date working on her application. 

“My hope is that we don’t just open the door for these students from the U.S. Virgin Islands; we also help them navigate what is on the other side so they can go further than we ever imagined.”

With the opportunity being so popular, Smith thought her chance was a long-shot. “I never thought I’d actually get it,” Smith said. When she got the call, she was shocked and grateful. Overcoming her hesitations was the key to unlocking her goals without adding a financial burden for herself or her family.  

The scholarship offers more than the full cost of attending NC State; there is also a mentorship component. During the interview process for the scholarship, Smith was able to travel to St. Thomas to meet Hodge and her family. 

Connecting with Hodge made receiving the scholarship, “even more special because of all the mentorship she is offering me, not just the opportunity,” said Smith. Since her arrival in mid-June, Smith says she and Hodge have continued to meet and stay connected. 

Drawing from her own experiences attending college in the states, for Hodge, the mentorship aspect is one of the most important components to ensure student success away from home. Hodge said her own mentors “exposed me to possibilities I didn’t even know existed and helped me navigate life as a whole person. That is what I want for Adaina and every student who follows her.” 

“My hope is that we don’t just open the door for these students from the U.S. Virgin Islands; we also help them navigate what is on the other side so they can go further than we ever imagined. And then I hope they do the same for someone else,” she continued. 

Both Hodge and Smith look forward to seeing more students from the U.S. Virgin Islands at NC State, but the challenge of studying away from her home is something Smith is also keenly aware of. “Being from the Caribbean and coming here, it’s a whole different vibe. Sometimes you can be tempted to change yourself or lose focus on the vision and the plan. I hope I stay true to myself.” 

“I hope I stay true to myself.”

Staying true to herself seems like an attainable goal with the variety of opportunities and experiences available that interest Smith. In her short time on campus, she has already found a Pack amongst her Summer Start cohort and through the Multicultural Symposium. “Everyone’s great here and I really feel a sense of community,” she said. 

With fall semester in full swing, Smith looks forward to taking part in student service organizations like Student Government and Multicultural Student Affairs to become a better leader and give her the soft skills needed for her postgraduate plans of attending law school. She also plays the alto saxophone and is considering joining the band. 

The financial support from the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship gives her plenty of time to think about it. As the inaugural recipient, Smith encourages seniors from the Virgin Islands who are also considering applying to go for it. “Even if you think it’s a long shot — I did too. Put the time in to apply and be yourself. It’ll help.” 

After all, being herself and betting on herself enabled Smith to pursue her dream of majoring in business at NC State. Now, with an alumna’s mentorship and support, and the array of opportunities at her fingertips, you can bet on Smith making her Wolfpack experience extraordinary.