It is 11 o’clock on a Monday morning and Colonial hall is shrouded in chaos. A swarm of countless students, faculty and campus tours trudge by. The hundreds of footsteps and incessant chatter combine to create a persistent buzz of noise that fills that entire foyer. On a tattered lobby couch, tucked away in a not-so-quiet corner, sits Sophomore Samantha Bleull. Patiently waiting for her theatre class, Sam calmly studies for an advanced physics exam she has later in the day.
While most surrounding students spend their free time on Facebook, Sam utilizes every moment to accomplish something. As an honors student majoring biochemistry, Sam also serves as Special Events Co-Chair of the Class of 2013. Additionally, she conducts undergraduate research for the College of Science.
With so much on her plate, you would think Sam would feel a tad overwhelmed. However, this is not the case. Sam manages to balance her exceptional academia and involvement around campus, as well time with friends. She takes everything in stride and is always smiling. With all of her accomplishments, tenacity and charm; Sam Bleull is the quintessential ‘Hokie Girl’.
HerCampus Virginia Tech: What has life as an Honors student been like?
Samantha Bleull: Well I live in the Honors community and that’s really great because I get to live in the honors dorms. I always have a quiet room to study in because everyone around is working hard on achieving their goals. There’s a lot of diversity in the dorm and it creates a dynamic living environment.
HCVT: What is your position in 2013 Leadership?
· SB:Special Events Co-Chair Class of 2013. I plan the kick-off concert, plan and organize Grad Bash, and I have to organize just about anything else the Class of 2013 wishes to put on.
HCVT: You just recently finished up work on Ring Banquet/Dance, how did that go?
· SB: It went really well! It was fun to be able to work with Class of 2012 Leadership and learn the ins and outs of Ring Dance. The dance looked awesome and all the hard work ended up paying off when Saturday night came and all the students were dancing and having a good time. Also, it was really awesome for 2013 Class Leadership to be able to spend time together and grow as a team.
HCVT: What is your favorite thing about your position?
· SB: It’s nice to just be involved in something and watch it from start to finish, and to go to an event and know that I put so much into it and watch it pay off.
HCVT: What else are you involved in?
· SB: I do undergraduate research for microbiology. We look at the organism that causes tuberculosis and try to isolate the gene that degrades hydrocarbons in our lungs.
HCVT: What is your favorite thing about being a female Hokie?
· SB: My favorite thing about being a female Hokie is that there are so many empowering activities that we can get involved in. It is really important to live on a campus where your voice isn’t put down because you are a female.
HCVT: What are your plans for after graduation?
· SB: I plan on attending medical school to study orthopedic surgery.