Samuel McDermott
- 2017 Cohort
- High School: Millard West High School
- Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Additional Information
Senior Reflections
What impact has this program had on your career goals?
Hearing the career stories of the professionals I have met in through the mentoring program and business visits has shown me that so much career potential exists in the business world. Many professionals I have met are not in the career they had originally envisioned and have had a variety of experiences with different companies in different roles. This has shown me that it is impossible to know exactly what career I will end up in and should instead focus on doing the best I can in whatever roles I take on and be open to any new opportunities that come my way. Although I have a rough career goal in mind of working as a financial analyst, as I get closer to finishing graduate school I will keep an open mind and be receptive to alternative paths.
What will you miss the most about the Scholars Academy?
I will miss taking classes as a cohort the most. Having one class a semester with the other students in my cohort was something I always looked forward to and was especially comforting during my first year as a freshman when college was still very new to me. Being in a class together each semester is where many of the relationships I have with other students in my cohort really developed through doing in-class group work, studying together, and hanging out before and after class. It was nice to see familiar faces every week and to know that I would always have one class per semester where I had a network of support that I could turn to for questions or help.
Why should a high school student consider applying to the Scholars Academy?
If you are interested in a career in business, the Scholars Academy provides you with a structured program and endless opportunities. The Academy provides significant financial support in addition to the opportunity to greatly expand your professional network through other students in your cohort, other students in the Academy, and the business professionals you will meet through the mentoring program and business visits. As an incoming freshman, it was comforting to have one class per semester with the other students in my cohort. As a graduating senior, I owe so many of the opportunities I have had and the expansion of my professional network to the Scholars Academy.
Who is the person who has influenced you the most?
My dad has undoubtedly influenced me the most throughout my life. Some of his many attributes that I strive towards include a strong work ethic, prioritizing family, and a kind and positive attitude. My dad has always encouraged me to do well not just in school, but in everything I do, as well as to balance academics and work with fun and unique experiences. My dad's willingness to put others before himself and the kindness he shows to every person he comes in contact with have always inspired me to be more like him. His kindness paired with his work ethic have made him a role model for me for as long as I can remember.
Additional Information
Senior Reflections
What impact has this program had on your career goals?
Hearing the career stories of the professionals I have met in through the mentoring program and business visits has shown me that so much career potential exists in the business world. Many professionals I have met are not in the career they had originally envisioned and have had a variety of experiences with different companies in different roles. This has shown me that it is impossible to know exactly what career I will end up in and should instead focus on doing the best I can in whatever roles I take on and be open to any new opportunities that come my way. Although I have a rough career goal in mind of working as a financial analyst, as I get closer to finishing graduate school I will keep an open mind and be receptive to alternative paths.
What will you miss the most about the Scholars Academy?
I will miss taking classes as a cohort the most. Having one class a semester with the other students in my cohort was something I always looked forward to and was especially comforting during my first year as a freshman when college was still very new to me. Being in a class together each semester is where many of the relationships I have with other students in my cohort really developed through doing in-class group work, studying together, and hanging out before and after class. It was nice to see familiar faces every week and to know that I would always have one class per semester where I had a network of support that I could turn to for questions or help.
Why should a high school student consider applying to the Scholars Academy?
If you are interested in a career in business, the Scholars Academy provides you with a structured program and endless opportunities. The Academy provides significant financial support in addition to the opportunity to greatly expand your professional network through other students in your cohort, other students in the Academy, and the business professionals you will meet through the mentoring program and business visits. As an incoming freshman, it was comforting to have one class per semester with the other students in my cohort. As a graduating senior, I owe so many of the opportunities I have had and the expansion of my professional network to the Scholars Academy.
Who is the person who has influenced you the most?
My dad has undoubtedly influenced me the most throughout my life. Some of his many attributes that I strive towards include a strong work ethic, prioritizing family, and a kind and positive attitude. My dad has always encouraged me to do well not just in school, but in everything I do, as well as to balance academics and work with fun and unique experiences. My dad's willingness to put others before himself and the kindness he shows to every person he comes in contact with have always inspired me to be more like him. His kindness paired with his work ethic have made him a role model for me for as long as I can remember.