Student Experience at College of San Mateo
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Student Experience
Samantha Seminoff
Samantha Seminoff Sonoma State University, B.A.
Arizona State University, M.A.

Enrolling at CSM was a turning point for Samantha Seminoff. Recruited to play water polo by CSM Coach Randy Wright, Samantha recognized that a wonderful opportunity had come her way. "The coaching staff showed genuine interested in me as an athlete." This helped motivate her to work hard to develop her athletic skills, and more importantly, it marked the first time that she took school work seriously. "CSM was my transition to adulthood." The athletic program provided Samantha with the foundation to establish goals, develop good study habits and a strong connection with the college. "My professors were always readily available and very responsive to answering questions both in and out of the classroom; they helped draw out my potential." Enrolling in Jim Clifford's General Psychology class was another defining experience for Samantha and inspired her to major in psychology.

While thriving in her sport, Samantha also thrived in the classroom: she successfully completed her general education requirements and was academically well prepared to continue her education. "My experience at the college was so positive that if I could have earned my bachelor's degree from CSM, I would have done so."

In 2006, she transferred to Sonoma State University (SSU) where she played intercollegiate water polo. In 2008, she graduated from SSU with honors, earning a BA degree in psychology. Since graduation, Samantha has experienced the working world as a legal assistant and has earned a life insurance license. Given her ties to CSM, it's not surprising that Samantha continues to be involved with the athletic program. In the past year, she returned to help Coach Wright as an assistant coach with the water polo and swim teams. Feeling confident in her ability as a student, Samantha made the decision to return to school as a graduate student at Arizona State University in communication studies. She completed her Masters of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a focus on advocacy Spring 2012.  Her long term goal is to work as a consultant in organization development or coach at the community college level.

Coach Randy Wright sums up Samantha's experience as a successful student-athlete/coach, "Commitment and dedication are the backbone of our water polo program and foster confidence in our players. The confidence that Samantha developed in the pool led to achievement in the classroom and success in the world outside CSM."