Name: Samantha Gamble

Class: Sophomore

Major: Special Education

Hometown: Vandergrift, Pennsylvania

Clubs & Organizations: Captain of the All Girl Cheerleading squad, Board of Directors for Spirit and Traditions for the Student Activities Committee, Senator for the Student Government Association, an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Student Education Association, and Methodist University Theatre Productions.

Favorite thing about MU: My favorite thing about Methodist is the small classrooms. Unlike most universities, students are not just numbers. The faculty and staff at Methodist will know your name and support everyone individually.

Favorite thing to do in Fayetteville:
My favorite thing to do in Fayetteville is taking part in the Dogwood Festival downtown. They have fun games, great food, and amazing concerts.

Internships, independent study or other interesting academic endeavors you?ve done while at MU: For all Education majors there are Field Experience classes to conquer. Each class adds on more responsibilities. The learning experience is amazing. I felt that I absorbed a large amount of familiarity with different classrooms that I will benefit me after I graduate.

Career aspirations: After graduating from Methodist University with a Bachelor in Science in Special Education, I hope to continue my education in graduate school by pursuing a master in Specific Learning Disabilities. I want to travel, hopefully teaching a few years in places like Germany and London. My ultimate goal is to eventually open my own self-help clinic for children and adults with SLD.

Something about yourself that people would be surprised to know: I love the outdoors. I love to fish, hunt, and camp. Most people don't imagine cheerleaders "roughing" it but I enjoy getting dirty and spending time around a bonfire.

Favorite movie: Sabrina (1954)

Favorite TV show: Law and Order

Favorite book: The Notebook

Favorite color: Pink but Green is my second favorite!

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
I couldn't choose. I love the outdoors. I love camping in tents and cooking food on a fire but there is nothing like the beach!

Academics come first. But this is a fun campus. We have so many events and activities. There are so many clubs, people are happy to have you join in. I’m captain of the cheerleading squad. I’m on the board of directors for SAC (Student Activities Committee) and a senator for SGA (Student Government Association). I also work with the Student Education Association, and I’ve been in three theatre productions.

The best part of belonging to clubs is the chance to get to know different kinds of people and understand different points of view. Being involved has helped me relate to people and become a leader. As a member of the SAC board of directors, I am in charge of spirit and tradition. My committee and I organize Spring Fling, Homecoming, Miss Methodist University and other big events. I have to keep track of people and projects. I have to keep the volunteers happy. I have to delegate. These are leadership skills I’ll need when I’m a special education teacher and in charge of a classroom. I feel experienced.

You might be scared when you first get here, but people are so welcoming and encouraging on this campus. You will find someone you relate to pretty fast. Just join a club—or two.