Interview with Team Smith & Wesson Member Molly Smith Part of NRA’s National Youth Education Summit
OutdoorHub 05.24.12
Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that shooting team member Molly Smith has been selected to participate in the National Rifle Association’s annual National Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) taking place this summer. Currently a tenth grader at Mission Catholic School in San Luis Obispo, CA, Molly will join fellow students for a seven-day, expense paid educational experience in Washington, D.C. During her stay at the nation’s capitol, Molly will tour the different sites and monuments in order to gain a better understanding of government and the importance of citizen participation.
A member of Team Smith & Wesson for the last three years, Molly was selected from a large group of applicants to participate in the program. All applicants were required to complete a lengthy application, which included the submission of transcripts, an essay about the Second Amendment, a personal statement, and three personal recommendations.
Molly graciously accepted an invitation to talk with Blue Heron about the Y.E.S. program and her experiences both on and off the range as a member of Team Smith & Wesson.
BHC: Molly, congratulations on being accepted to participate in the Y.E.S. program. This is quite an accomplishment. Can you tell us why you are excited to be going to our nation’s capitol in June?
MS: Thank you. The NRA Youth Education Summit is an amazing opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for an incredible education. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be learning about the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the importance of being active in civic affairs. It’s a dream come true to be chosen for such an honor! I’m so thankful to the Friends of the NRA for making this possible.
BHC: It sounds like you will be taking quite an extensive tour of the capitol. Is there any particular monument or building that you are most looking forward to seeing?
MS: I’m most looking forward to seeing the veteran memorials. I have so much respect for our country’s veterans and their sacrifice to allow all of us to enjoy our freedoms. I’ve never had an opportunity to visit the memorials. I think it’s going to be an emotional but rewarding experience. I’m proud to live in a country that respects our veterans and soldiers by providing them with monuments in our nation’s capitol.
BHC: For the last three years you have been competing under the Team Smith & Wesson banner. How has this experience been?
MS: I’ve loved every moment of it. I wear my Smith & Wesson team shirt with pride and it is such a great experience to be a part of this team and serve as an ambassador for the sport. I’m also very glad that I get to be an example to other youth interested in the shooting sports.
BHC: What do you enjoy most about the sport?
MS: The best part about competing is making so many friends and watching them improve match by match. Shooting matches have always had a family feel for me. Everyone is extremely supportive and the whole experience is just a lot of fun.
BHC: Can you tell us a little bit about how you first got involved with shooting?
MS: I started shooting after my dad took my brother and me out to the range to learn about gun safety. To be honest, I wasn’t so excited about it immediately. But, when the Range Officer said something about “shooting like a girl,” I intended to show him just how well a girl could shoot. From there, I fell in love with shooting. First it was .22 rifles, then .22 pistols and now my Smith & Wesson .38 revolver.
BHC: In just a short time you’ve put together quite a list of accomplishments. Would you be kind enough to tell us about a few?
MS: Sure. I’ve been fortunate to win several 1st place titles in the Junior and Lady Division shooting a limited Smith & Wesson Model 629 revolver. This year will mark the third year I’ve competed in the Bianchi Cup and most recently I was chosen to be on Team USA for the World Action Pistol Championships in Germany.
BHC: Wow, very impressive. But you enjoy something a little more than just titles, is that correct?
MS: To me, the greatest accolade of all is the challenge. I challenge myself every single match and the other shooters as well. Not to just improve, but to have fun. I try to encourage them to enjoy the day, to do their best and to love their freedom to own and shoot firearms. That freedom should not be taken for granted. Accolades belong to all of us when we challenge ourselves to do the best we can, to learn and love the sport, and to be a good competitor and friend.
BHC: Very true, that is something we should all be mindful of. One more question before I let you go. Looking ahead, what do you see in your future both in and out of the sport?
MS: I plan to be in the shooting sports for a long time and I want to keep shooting no matter what my career is. As for the “what I want to be when I grow up” part, well, I’ve been considering becoming a lawyer. I find Constitutional law to be very fascinating. Journalism is also high on the list too. Writing, broadcasting, fearlessly presenting the facts, I think I would enjoy that as well.
BHC: Well, I think either way you go it will be a tremendous success. Thanks again Molly for taking the time to speak with us. Congratulations once again and hopefully we can talk again after your trip to D.C.
MS: Thank you very much. I enjoyed it. I’d be happy to fill you in on the trip once I get back.
BHC: Sounds great Molly. Let’s plan on it.
To keep up with all of Molly’s exploits, be sure to follow her personal blog The Molly Minute at http://mollyminute.blogspot.com.
