ITHACA, N.Y. -- Doryn Smith will be the first person in his family to graduate college in a long time. More than that, he's only of only a handful of people from Martinsburg, West Virginia, to attend an Ivy League school.Â
Smith takes immense pride in being an example of what is possible coming from Martinsburg. That example starts with his work in the classroom as an American Studies major, a path he found after realizing Economics wasn't the right fit.
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"American Studies fit better with my strengths since I've always been strong at reading and writing," Smith explained. "It's actually worked out well because it gives me a different way to think about communities and people, which ties right into what I want to do in commercial real estate."Â
The connection between studying culture, history and identity and commercial real estate might not be immediately obvious, but for Smith, it's about understanding people and markets from multiple perspectives. His internships and programs have reinforced that connection.Â
At Student Agencies, he worked as a marketing researcher, analyzing Ithaca's food scene and consumer behavior. He's also completed two commercial real estate programs, one with Eastdil Secured and another with Project Destined, giving him hands-on exposure to market analysis and deal structuring.Â
"Those experiences gave me practical skills that complement my academic background and push me toward a career in commercial real estate," he said.Â
The link between his studies and football runs deeper than just career preparation. American Studies has shaped how he navigates the locker room and, on the field, where he has to navigate and build relationships with over 100 teammates.Â
"American Studies has taught me how to look at things from multiple perspectives, how history, culture and identity shape the way people interact," Smith said. "That carries over to football, where you're constantly navigating different personalities and backgrounds to work toward a common goal."Â
The reverse is also true. Football has taught him discipline, resilience and performance under pressure, lessons that transfer directly to tackling complex papers and academic challenges.Â
"I treat it with the same focus and teamwork mindset I've learned on the field," he said.Â
Compared to some of his other teammates, Smith has a more spaced-out academic schedule, with a typical day consisting of two to three classes a day, and then just one class on Friday, spreading his schoolwork throughout the week, usually finishing most homework by Wednesday.Â
The schedule allows him to put more time into watching film, recovery, and mental preparation for both football and academics. Â
After Cornell, Smith plans to pursue professional football for a few years before transitioning into commercial real estate. But his ultimate goal extends far beyond personal success.Â
"I want to reach a point in real estate where I can return to Martinsburg and invest back into the community," he said. "I want to create an academic and athletic complex that gives kids the resources, opportunities and environment to achieve and elevate."Â
He envisions more than just a training facility. Smith wants to open an arcade to bring more fun spaces into the city and a brunch spot that adds to the local culture.Â
"For me, it's about using my platform and career to give back and create something lasting in the place that raised me," Smith said.Â
In five years, he sees himself playing professional football while laying the foundation for those long-term projects in Martinsburg.Â
His commitment to community extends to his time at Cornell, where he's involved with Men of Color in Athletics, which builds community and creates networking opportunities for student-athletes of color. He's also part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which keeps him grounded spiritually while giving him opportunities to serve alongside other athletes.Â
"Both groups have helped me grow as a leader and stay connected, not just to Cornell, but to something bigger than myself," he said.Â
From Martinsburg to Ithaca and eventually back home again, Smith is building more than a football career or a real estate portfolio. He's creating a roadmap for others from his hometown to follow, proving what's possible when you're one of the first to break through.Â
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