My Classmate Was Always... “at her B.E.S.T.!”

After finishing high school I was Hampton (Institute) bound. Little did I know that the Hampton experience would have far more of an impact than just providing me with a degree and preparation for my professional journey.  One outcome that I cherish is that through the Hampton experience, “friends for life” were established. To that end, I found a friend for life in Kitti F. Smith.

While we went our separate ways upon graduation, I could always count on seeing Kitti at Homecoming or our Class Reunions. Over the years, post graduation, she found herself battling many health challenges. But what I admired most was that Kitti did not let challenges stop her from always “being her B.E.S.T.” - serving, being positive, putting others first, maintaining a standard of excellence, taking risks, showing gratitude.

At a point in time, my career landed me in the Philadelphia area where Kitti lived. This move reunited us on a more regular basis. Kitti made sure upon my arrival in town that one of the first things I did was attend a meeting of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni

Association. What I soon came to realize was that Kitti was actively serving our alma mater- recruiting students, raising funds, encouraging alumni to engage. Since I lived in the suburban area, she encouraged me to become a charter member of the Valley Forge Chapter. Kitti didn't just  volunteer her time at the local level but served consistently at the regional and national

levels, ultimately serving as Regional President and National Recording Secretary. She valued the Hampton experience and as a "lifelong teacher" she wanted students to have the same opportunity she had to obtain an “education for life”.

When I relocated to Columbus, OH, we continued to stay in touch. In fact, because of my husband she became a Buckeye fan. So football season found her cheering for the Pirates and Buckeyes! As her health challenges escalated, we stayed in touch by phone. During our many conversations, Kitti never complained- she would say “I'm alright.” Kitti always reminded me she loved the Lord and trusted Him. And I could count on her phone message to have an encouraging word and scriptural reference.  After her first toe amputation, I called and couldn't reach her and became concerned. Finally, she called back and said “I just had to get out of the house and so I drove myself to the store.” That was the way she was - unafraid to take risks.

Then there was the time she was concerned about her house not being in order; physically exhausted, she still wanted to maintain her “standard of excellence”(another Hampton lesson). And despite the pain, she continued to focus on encouraging others. Our class could count on Kitti being there-  providing an update, offering words of encouragement and reminding us to support our alma mater. One day upon returning home. there was a box outside my door and when I looked at the address it was from Kitti. Upon opening it, there was a beautiful elephant, an expression of her love. Despite her physical challenge, she found a way to the post office to send me something special.

I will miss my dear classmate and friend, but will always remember how she modeled “being your B.E.S.T.” in all circumstances- staying positive, focusing on others, maintaining a standard of excellence, not fearing taking risks, and always showing love. This tribute is to Kitti F. Smith for “letting her life do the singing!”