Not many college students embrace waking up at 5:00 a.m. for physical training, while managing a double major and leading one of the largest associations on campus, but Sam Smithson is able to do it all with enthusiasm. If you live in any of the residence halls at American University this year, you have already reaped the benefits of having Sam around. Recently she took some time out of her busy schedule to talk with Her Campus American after an RHA meeting with the residence hall advocates, and we heard about her crazy schedule.
Name: Samantha Aeriel Smithson
Year: Sophomore (2015)
Major: Double majoring in Russian language and International Studies, looking to focus in Peace and Conflict Resolution
Campus Involvement: AU Ambassadors, where I was the “Rookie of the Year“ in 2012, Vice President of Advocacy and Community Coordination for the AU Residence Hall Association, and a cadet in the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program
At 5:30 a.m. I drive herself and four other ROTC cadets to Howard University for physical training. By 8:45 I am back at American and eat breakfast in TDR before rushing to clean up for leading campus tours from 10a.m. to noon. From noon to 1 I holds RHA office hours in the office in Anderson, then I head to classes from 1 to 4. After classes I hold more office hours for RHA from 4-9. At 9 I head to the full campus meeting for RHA, which usually lasts until 11.
What are your duties as Campus Advocate for RHA?:
I am on a variety of committees at the campus level like the Dining Services Committee, Tabacco-Free campus, and Shuttle Service Commission with Student Government to name a few, where I represent the residents and voice their needs. This year I also coordinated RAINN Day on campus (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network), and a food drive for S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat). I am a team captain for Relay for Life, and a co-chair for the Hall Wars planning, dealing with the philanthropic and organization aspects.
Upcoming events for RHA?:
Hall Wars, which is a campus wide competition between all residence halls is currently underway! It goes until April 21st. Each hall competes through attending and participating in Hall Wars events. The hall that wins through most attendance and participation receives an ice cream party at the end. To find out more information posters will be up in the your hall lobby showing the schedule of events. Your own hall councils will also be doing events to raising money for D.C. Central Kitchen.
Also, April 13th-14th, from 8p.m. to 8a.m. RHA will be showing our support throughout the night by providing lively enthusiastic energy at Relay For Life.
Favorite part about American?:
I love the community here on campus. From the moment I walked on campus when I was 16, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.
Favorite spot in D.C.?:
The Washington Monument
Post college plans?:
I want to go to field training, become an officer in U.S. Air Force, and do whatever job the government tells me to there. Ideally, I would then be appointed the position of the Air Force Liaison to the Senate or the White House. My ultimate career goal is be to be appointed an ambassador to Guatemala.
Fun Fact:
I’ve danced in 22 performances of The Nutcracker, in every number.