Hello, my name is Sam and I am a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences studying Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. I am a biracial man from Bethesda, Maryland and I also play football for the varsity football team here at Penn. I cannot wait to meet you guys and show you around! PS if you want access to athletic facilities I got you!

Hometown

Bethesda, Maryland

Major(s)

Political Science

Minor(s)

Concentration in International Relations

Clubs, organizations & involvement

- Kicker on the Varsity UPENN Football Team (for 4 years) - Member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity - Previous internships include (CSIS Americas, Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox IP Law, Lockheed Martin) - Descendants of African American People (DAAP), Beyond Arrests: Rethinking Systematic Opressions (BARS), Black Pre-Law Association (BPLA)

Describe your college experience

My college experience has been nothing short of unique having to juggle academia, greek life, and a Division 1 sport all at once. However having all of those facets of my college experience made my overall experience so much better and complete. I have made so many friends ranging from the athlete community to my brothers in ZBT, some of which will even be groomsmen at my wedding at some point. Overall, if I had the chance to change anything over my past 4 years at Penn, I would not change a single thing.

Tip for future students

Just be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone because you will feel so fulfilled and proud of yourself after you take that step. Also just keep in the back of your mind that college is a time for learning no matter if its lessons of good or bad so just take it all in because you will be so glad that you did. Pro tip: Make sure to always have sweatshirts because Philly weather sucks lmao.

Favorite class

Freedom, Power, and Equality taught by Damon Linker

Career goals

I plan to enter the realm of national security and defense whether that be working for the State or going the private route and doing defense consulting. My short term goal is to apply to Georgetown University School of Foreign Service - Security Studies Program (SSP) and to pursue National Security Policy and Terrorism and Substate Violence.

Ideal way to spend a free night

The ideal way to spend a free night for me is very dependent on what day of the week it is! After studying for a couple hours I love to grab food with some of my friends at this local establishment called Renata's and getting a mango margarita pitcher (only if you're of age!). Then going to downtown Philly which is only a 5 minute Uber ride to explore what the great city of brotherly love has to offer.

High school or secondary school

Quince Orchard High School, Gaithersburg, MD