Caption

Samantha Smith ’18 ’19G

Turning a Passion Into a Career
Sustainability Outreach & Engagement Manager at Lafayette College
B.S. Marketing, B.A. Environmental Studies
M. Environmental Policy
Affinity or Alliance: Lehigh Alumni Sustainability Alliance (LASA)

How did your Lehigh experience inform, help or influence your life now?
One of the aspects I loved most about Lehigh was the flexibility to try new things outside of my major. I was able to pursue a dual degree so that I could marry my interest in marketing with my passion for environmental initiatives. There were so many academic and extracurricular opportunities, and I could explore each of them if I wanted to. That prepared me for many diverse opportunities outside of a college setting.

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced since graduating?
My biggest challenge has been navigating the complexities brought by COVID-19. I, like most people, had to quickly shift and adapt, whether that be moving to remote working or to completely altering my work to meet the needs of my company or community. This has been difficult, but also has taught me resilience and shown me how supportive people can be to one another when they need it most.

What excites you right now?
I'm excited to be back in a campus setting, having recently joined Lafayette College. College students are so energized and full of amazing ideas. I'm excited to be a part of that atmosphere and help students achieve their goals and make their ideas a reality. In sustainability, we need to think creatively and find out-of-the-box solutions to local and global challenges. Students are ready to take on these challenges and I can't wait to support them.

What advice would you give current Lehigh students?
Don’t be afraid to try something new or out of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of at Lehigh. Break out of your friend groups, meet new people, discover a new challenge you want to take on. This will not only enrich your education, but also prepare you for the diverse situations you will encounter outside of Lehigh.

What keeps you connected to Lehigh?
I stay connected to Lehigh through the LASA network, my friends, professors, and staff. It's great to see advancements on campus and to learn about progress in sustainability initiatives, and to meet alumni who are working in sustainability and advancing important environmental initiatives locally and globally. I'm looking forward to the future of Lehigh and staying connected!