Sam is a recent college grad, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biotechnology from Miami Dade College. Her ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant. As she’s on her journey to PA, she works as a Patient Care Associate at one the largest public and teaching hospitals in the United States. She’s also a business owner: in 2017, she created Adult-ish® with her two best friend. Their goal with Adult-ish is to be a support system for all adults, especially the ones who don’t have it all together.
Sam is rocking the Girl Power T-shirt. Click any of the photos in this post to shop her style.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF! TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FORMAL AND INFORMAL EDUCATION.
Hey! My name is Samantha but most people call me Sam, I have Haitian and Canadian roots, but I live in Miami, Florida. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology so I can basically pipet anything with my eyes closed and isolate DNA in my sleep.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON OR SKILL YOU LEARNED INSIDE THE CLASSROOM OR LAB?
The most important skills that I learned in the lab is critical thinking and persistence.
The most important skills that I learned in the lab is critical thinking and persistence. It is so easy to become discouraged when working on a project and you encounter a roadblock or an unexpected outcome. Whether it’s modifying a protocol and being resourceful or starting all over. These are the moments that you really shine because you have to figure out the best solution to your problem.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON OR SKILL YOU LEARNED OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM?
The most important lesson I learned outside the classroom is patience. I first really started gaining more patience with my first ever job. I worked in the education field with children as young as 2 and my oldest student at one point was in their 30’s. Those challenges also came with adjusting your approach in how you aid the student. I encountered students who rarely needed assistance and then those whose autism affected their learning so they needed extra attention. Gaining patience from that job really prepared me to work with patients currently.
Gaining patience from that job really prepared me to work with patients currently.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT? HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORKING AT THE HOSPITAL AND YOUR STUDIES?
I’ve dealt with several annoying skin issues my whole life, so I find myself spending plenty of hours in a Dermatologist office. When I was in middle school, my dermatologist added a PA onto her team who eventually became my care provider whenever I visited the office. I knew I wanted to pursue career in healthcare but I was unsure of an exact career. Having the PA as my provider sparked my interest and I researched what physician assistants do. I discovered the flexibility PAs have especially when it comes to specializations and work hours. I think what sold me was the time it takes to become a PA and the cost of schooling compared to becoming an MD.
I’m still struggling to balance being a business owner, having a social life, work, and studying. Realistically it’s all about prioritizing and sometimes being a little selfish with your time. One thing this year that’s really helped me this year is actually using my calendar and reminders on my phone to keep me accountable of tasks that need I need to get done.
Realistically it’s all about prioritizing and sometimes being a little selfish with your time.
DID YOU HAVE ANY EARLY EXPERIENCES WITH SCIENCE THAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN STEM?
As a child, my favorite subject in school was science, I loved doing experiments, projects, dissections, and just learning about the processes of our earth. My parents noticed my interest early on so in the summers I’d go to camps were science based. I even elected to take extra science courses in high school and graduated with excess science course credits. It’s highly debated whether or not certain careers in the healthcare field are considered STEM, but the fact that the basis of these careers are science I feel they do qualify. I grew up surrounded by family members that were in the healthcare field, so they also had an influence on my career path.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE QUALITIES YOU ARE TRYING TO DEVELOP AS YOU BECOME ADULT-ISH? ARE THEIR ANY “CHILD-ISH” QUALITIES YOU’D LIKE TO RETAIN?
As I become more adult-ish, I want to be less of a procrastinator. Although I do get the job done and it appears to others that it’s done effortly, it would be less of a stress on me if I do things more timely. I’m not there yet, but i’m working on it lol.
One childish quality I hope to never lose is curiosity.
One childish quality I hope to never lose is curiosity. Children question just about everything and they are endlessly curious. Having that quality will allow me to always learn something new.
WHAT IS ONE LESSON YOU YOU’VE LEARNED THAT YOU’D LIKE YOUNG GIRLS GROWING UP TODAY TO KNOW?
I want all girls to know that they’re capable of doing and becoming anything they put their minds to. The sky is literally the limit.
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW (OR FAVOURITE BOOK)?
I’m currently reading Michelle Obama’s book Becoming. Mrs. Obama’s story is so impactful and I think everyone should read it especially girls who are struggling to find their place in the world.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?
Today I learned that a lot of situations in life are mind over matter, like getting up early morning on a Saturday to workout isn’t actually the end of the world. I usually workout in the afternoon but one of my best friends encouraged begged me to go in the morning instead. Because I got my day started early, my Saturday was super productive.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
You can find me on Instagram & Twitter any inquiries or if you just want to say hello you can contact me sammaystar.biz@gmail.com.
Anything Adult-ish you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and check out our website.