Alumni Spotlights
Samantha Allman '20
Employer
Ministry Assistant
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
I graduated in the middle of COVID, which made for some
uncertainty as to where my journey would lead me. I had been working
at an after-school program with elementary students at the time. So,
when everything shut down I called my director in a panic unsure of
what to do. She had me come in and we made a plan for my next steps. I
worked at our church distributing food for the hungry, coordinating
volunteer opportunities, and continuing to help families in need of
care that were emergency workers. From there I thrived in my role and
am now working in administration here at our center full time. This
isn't where I thought I would be after graduation, considering I got
my certification in Secondary Education Mathematics. But that's how
life can pan out sometimes.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My favorite Grand Valley memory has got to be every moment in the
College of Education. I became so close with my cohort because we took
every class together, worked on math proofs, and collaborated on
teaching strategies together.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
The best piece of advice I ever received is to be present in the
moment. So often we get so caught up in what's to come and don't take
time to enjoy what is. Throughout high school and college, there is so
much focus on what our futures hold when it comes to education and
career. But, sometimes that doesn't let us just enjoy what's happening
in front of us. Enjoy those Laker Nights screaming "LAKER
UP" in the stands, hanging out with friends in Kirkhof,
navigating Mackinaw, and making every moment count.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Three words that would describe my Grand Valley experience would
be Collaborative, Inspiring, and Creative.
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
A difference that I would like to make in the world is to inspire
students/children to see the world with joy, love in their hearts, and
being openly curious.
February 2023
Interest Area(s)
Education-Middle Second Teach, Mathematics
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