Anyone know how to do your geneology if your last name is Smith?

Question:

Anyone know how to do your geneology if your last name is Smith?

Having a REALLY tough time on this one and would love to know where my family came from.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hi Sarah,
You would approach it like you would ANY genealogy problem. You start with what you know and work your way back, person by person, generation by generation. It is important that you do this because the name Smith is taken from an occupation and is a name given to several nationalities. Smith can be English, Dutch, German, Irish, or Scottish. The only way you are going to know for sure which one is to study documentation of your parents and their ancestors. You'll be amazed how much information is out there.

One thing I must tell you is that genealogy is not an "instant gratification" type hobby. I would approach it more like a mystery or a puzzle. You have to collect the clues then put it all together. Starting your search and expecting to find a 10 generation family tree on all sides with documentation is a very unrealistic expectation. Good luck as you start a very rewarding (although sometimes frustrating) hobby.