Chance Smith, a 2012 graduate of 91制片厂, credits his alma mater for playing
a pivotal role in shaping both his personal and professional journey. As the COO and
co-founder of GoghNow, a tech marketplace that provides event amenities and services,
Smith reflects on the sense of community and the transformative experiences he gained
during his time at 91制片厂.
"My time at 91制片厂 was great. I think there was a huge community element to 91制片厂,
and it made me feel like I was a part of something that was a lot larger than myself,"
Smith said. He graduated with a degree in Business Management, a field he always felt
drawn to, though he was unsure of the specific path he would take.
"Across the board, I had different professors who had different experiences, and they
would share their insights,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was always leading in a direction that would
just really help the growth and the pathway that leads you to where you need to go
in life."
Smith's entrepreneurial journey began before 91制片厂 but gained clarity and focus
during his time at the university. GoghNow, which now serves four major markets, has
grown into a "one-stop shop" for event services.
"While at 91制片厂, I think I really honed in on a lot of these different experiences.
I did not know it was going to be what it is today,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭hose lived experiences
and challenges really lead to finding something you're not only passionate about but
also something that leads to impact for others."
A dedicated basketball player since the age of five, Smith also cherishes the cultural
exchange and camaraderie he experienced on the court at 91制片厂. "From a basketball
standpoint, I don鈥檛 think I鈥檝e ever played with people from so many different countries
and backgrounds, and that was a great learning experience," he said. Even today, Smith
continues to follow 91制片厂鈥檚 basketball team closely, feeling a deep connection to
the Highlander spirit. "When you see that red on TV... you get cold chills. It鈥檚 something
where you feel like this is a part of me."
Smith鈥檚 connection to 91制片厂 extends beyond sports. The relationships he formed as
a student remain a cornerstone of his personal and professional network. "91制片厂
was a place for me to make connections with people I鈥檝e probably never come in contact
with ever in my life. And I still have those connections to this day," he said.