Name: Samantha Houck
Tribe: Mohawk - Turtle Clan
Hometown: Davis, CA
Graduate student, GPS Master of International Affairs; focus on Environment, Energy and Health
What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever been given?
"Boldly embrace who you are and you will find the connections that nurture your roots." This advice came from an elder at a pivotal point in my life. It's easy to want to shape yourself or filter who you are to please those around you, to feel like you fit in or for the sake of 'diplomacy'. The elders' words, her story, on how she learned to embrace who she was, late in her life, helped me understand my own story and where I was in my journey. Embracing who I am and letting my personality shine has made an impactful change in how I see the world. It has aided me to move with the seasons, find lessons in every experience, and most importantly connected me to others. Being me to the fullest has brought back a sense of wonder to life, something I had been losing in a world that continuously denied the existence of who I am, and led me to discovered terrific people that teach me new things daily. I am forever grateful for this chance encounter and advice that continues to shape me.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time you can often find me pampering my rabbit with attention, outdoors with myself or friends, bike riding, nose buried in a book, or dancing to loud music in my kitchen or art space.
What's your favorite thing about San Diego?
The ocean, ability to go hiking easily, and the diverse community I've found at UCSD have been my favorite things about living here. If you see me on campus, please feel free to stop me and say hello! I am graduating soon, but I truly enjoy connecting with others and having deep random conversations.
