ACC Student Spotlight: Adara Smith

It's time for an ACC Student Spotlight. Let's get to know Adara Smith, Commercial Photography major and our commencement student speaker. 

What's your major?

Commercial Photography

Anticipated graduation semester / year:

Spring 2026

Do you plan to transfer after ACC?

Undecided

Primary Campus(es) you attend:

• Littleton Campus
• Online

Why did you choose ACC?

I chose ACC because I believed I was worthy of another shot at college. I had went through a lot graduating out of high school and thought I would never get my degree. ACC has been a big impact of my life and I'm glad I chose to come here.

What's your Mountain (your ultimate goal)?

My ultimate goal is to graduate. I want to be the first of my family to get their degree. None of my cousins have a college degree and I want to be able to provide myself a future and my family one as well.

Why did you choose your program / major? 

I have always loved the arts. Photography was a way for me to be creative that I had never been able to express before. Messing with different lighting techniques and learning as much Photoshop as I can has honestly been so interesting to learn.

What has been the best thing about your program / ACC?

The gear and the amount of events and workshops available for students in this department has been such a blessing. Mike Larremore is a great department chair and with all the resources students have available we are all able to really dive into our own craft.

What's your favorite ACC memory so far?

My favorite memory of ACC so far has been moments of being an employee of student life. Laughing in the office with my manager and having those special moments connecting to other students. Also moments where my work pays off. Designing posters for Student Life is the funnest part of my job and getting to see students interact with the posters and save the date for their favorite event is definitely a favorite memory.

Which class has been your favorite so far?

My favorite class so far is my portfolio class. It's where we get to take our awesome photos and start building a professional portfolio where at the end of the spring semester we have our portfolios reviewed and we really get to put our own personality into everything. Branding, decorating, the way our portfolios look.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (so far)? 

My biggest accomplishment at ACC has been the blood drive I put together. I had organized a blood drive between ACC, Student Government Association, ACC's Nursing Department, and Vitalant. We had some awesome students and staff show up to donate blood for a good cause. I had never planned anything like that alone but I am very proud of myself for having organized a lot of that event with the support of the SGA advisors Dan Balski and LaMario Fortson.

Were you involved in any clubs, organizations, or activities at ACC? Tell us about it / them.

I have been involved in SGA as a previous speaker of the senate. A previous secretary for NSLS, and a member of PTK. I also am a current member of the ACC's Esports club.

Advice or words of wisdom for future students:

Never stop pushing forward, no matter how hard things get, no matter how bad it gets whether it's with old friends, work, school, finances. Always try your hardest to pick yourself back up because graduating and reaching your goals is a true reward.

Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.