With instability shaping her childhood, she learned how to adjust to new environments. “We moved around a lot when I was a kid and I never stayed in one place for longer than six months until I was 14,” says Sam, referring to a small town in western New York. Despite her intelligence and love of reading, she struggled in the classroom and did not finish high school.
Drawn to the Road
As a young adult, Sam faced years of uncertainty and financial hardship, but eventually she pushed herself to complete her education, earning the GED in 2005. She later found her way into the traveling carnival industry, where she started as a “gofer” and transitioned into operating rides and running games. The work took her around the country and introduced her to her husband, who worked for the same company. During the off seasons, she worked in restaurants and as a housekeeper and front desk attendant for hotel chains in Alabama and Tennessee.
Though life was not easy, Sam always found a way forward. In 2020, however, she developed mental health issues, including agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that causes fear of situations where escape or help might be hard to access. “I had battled hard things before, but this was hard to live with,” she says. Many days, she struggled to go outdoors. After years of suffering, Sam entered a month-long inpatient treatment program in 2024.
Finding Direction as an Advocate
When Sam finished treatment, she had a new sense of purpose. “I decided I wanted to be one of those people who supports others struggling with mental health issues,” she says. “I’ve been in their shoes before, and this was my way of paying forward my gratitude to the people who helped me.”
To achieve that goal, Sam knew she needed a degree. She started researching online colleges and universities with psychology bachelor’s degree programs. “I wanted an accredited school that was flexible,” she says. “Post University had everything I was looking for. I worked with the admissions representative and financial aid team, and they guided me through every step.”
Learning to Manage Her Mental Health While Learning in the Classroom
In August 2024, Sam enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at Post University. Studying human behavior and mental processes is helping her understand her own challenges. “I’m researching topics I knew little about before, and I’m learning new coping mechanisms for managing anxiety,” she says. “In every assignment, I can apply my personal story. In a lot of ways, being in this program is helping me heal and learn at the same time.”
Finding Confidence and Success at Post University
Sam plans to pursue the Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services at Post University to expand her opportunities, and she dreams of continuing on for a doctoral degree. One day, she hopes to open her own practice or work with a behavioral health organization that provides both in-person and virtual addiction and mental health treatment. “I would like to use my experience to help others,” she says. “I want to be an advocate and create something that’s accessible to people.”
With a 3.6 GPA, Sam was invited into the University’s Honors Program. She regularly attends online honors events and appreciates every opportunity to connect with other students. “I always knew I could succeed academically,” she says. “When I got the email about the Honors Program, I was in awe. I’ve never been part of an honors society before, so that meant a lot to me.”
At Home at Post University
On track to graduate in 2028, Sam says her experience at Post University has boosted her confidence and reinforced her belief in what she can achieve. Each successful course and assignment reminds her how far she has come. “I am proud to be a Post student and have a real sense of pride every time I receive a good grade,” she says. “There’s nothing stopping me from achieving what I want to do.”
That confidence extends beyond the classroom. Sam credits Post faculty and staff with helping her stay motivated and focused on her goals. “I definitely recommend this University,” she says. “The people at Post are responsive and supportive. They want to see you succeed and will do everything they can to help you reach your goals. I am very optimistic about my future.”