Air Force ROTC Cadet Caroline Smith, 20, has received an award from the University of Texas, the Major Christopher M. Cooper “Longhorn Airman” Memorial Award, and a $5,000 scholarship. Smith, who plans on a career as an Air Force pilot, is also a volunteer and is double-majoring in Chinese and government. She’s taking the summer off, working the front desk of her apartment complex, at a clothing store, a yoga studio, babysitting and studying for her pilot’s license.
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. Northbrook, Illinois.
Q. As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?
A. Either an astronaut or president of the United States.
Q. What was your first job?
A. Lifeguard for the Northbrook Park District. And I also was a sales associate for Kate Spade at Northbrook Court. And a nanny. That summer I did all three. I like to be busy.
Q. Do you play any musical instruments?
A. I have played piano since the first grade. I used to go to the Sonatina competition, competed through high school. I also used to play at (St. Norbert) every year, 5 p.m. Christmas Eve mass.
Q. Tell me something about yourself that most people don’t know.
A. I’m in ROTC, and I’m also in a sorority. There are completely different people (who) never really cross paths.
Q. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A. I spent my entire (last) summer in China and Japan. I was in Europe, also. It opened my entire mind. I’d like to go to Africa or New Zealand. Next on my list is to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Q. What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen?
A. Last week my car was broken into, and my purse stolen. Wallet, sunglasses, passport. But then throughout the week, I found all my belongings through Facebook and memberships … Such a weird thing; a lot of great people found them all.
Q. Do you have any pet peeves?
A. When people are late. And slow drivers.
Q. Words of wisdom?
A. My dad always tells me, ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ You have to really put yourself out there to be successful.
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