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Samantha Moon, a senior studying pre-allied health science, says making the transition from high school to college was challenging at first. The biggest obstacle for Samantha was overcoming her shyness and stepping out of her comfort zone in order to become an involved student.

“Some of my friends introduced me to Keisha Jimmerson (Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services),” says Samantha. “She got me involved in ��������Ƶ’s Multicultural and International Student Organization (MISO), and I currently serve as the group’s president. I love being a part of this organization and meeting so many people from around the world. I’ve learned so much about myself and gained responsibility, leadership and people skills that I probably wouldn’t have gained otherwise.”

In addition to stepping out of her comfort zone, Samantha also struggled with another reality many students face - deciding on a major. Working with faculty and staff, Samantha says she was able to determine that the Pre-Allied Health Science major would be a good fit for her. “I appreciate the rigorous courses in my program because I know they are preparing me for the career I want to pursue,” she says.

Samantha didn’t let the challenges of transitioning to college stop her from making the most of her student experience. Each of the activities she became a part of have helped her learn more about herself, and she says she has always found a way to relate it back to her future career.

This story originally appeared in ��������Ƶ’s alumni magazine, Forward.