Her Campus Emmanuel has given so many wonderful students the opportunity to follow their passions and dabble in new opportunities. This club would not exist without the heart and dedication of Sammy Martin, our beloved founder and Campus Correspondent. I have had the privilege of getting to know Sammy over these past couple of years and I can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in the future. From her love for theater and fashion to her ability to juggle a crazy schedule, Sammy is an inspiration in numerous ways. Check out our interview below to learn more about our fearless leader!
(Photo credit: Miranda McLean)
Her Campus Emmanuel: What degree will you graduate with?
Sammy Martin: I will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English: Communications & Media Studies, as well as a minor in Music-Theatre.
HCE: What inspired you to start the Her Campus chapter at Emmanuel?
SM: I first heard about Her Campus through a friend who invited me to College Fashion Week. It was such an incredible event and I loved the atmosphere so much that I wanted to look further into Her Campus Media. When I found out that I could start a chapter at our school, I immediately jumped at the chance.
I felt like this type of organization was something we were missing at Emmanuel. We have the Hub, who are awesome at reporting campus news and current events, but there wasn’t a magazine-style publication that focused on fun, entertainment pieces. There are a lot of student writers who thrive in that style and I wanted to give them the opportunity for their work to be published. I was also super intrigued by the social media and marketing aspects of a chapter. Luckily, I had some amazing friends who were willing to start the journey with me, and it’s been incredible to watch our chapter succeed over the past two years.
HCE: This club has certainly made an impact right from the start. In what ways has Her Campus impacted your life?
SM: Her Campus has totally changed my college career. Starting a chapter has allowed me to grow exponentially as a leader and really come out of my shell. It has tested and strengthened my creativity, problem-solving skills, writing and editing abilities, and so much more. Our chapter has been fortunate enough to participate in some amazing brand campaigns and sponsorships, attend local store openings, and test out new products. We’ve also been able to support many different charitable initiatives and host events I never would’ve had the chance to without starting a chapter.
I became an intern with the National office three semesters ago and that has also greatly impacted my life. I’ve learned so much about how to manage my time, develop a strong attention to detail, and work collaboratively within a professional environment. The co-founders and everyone who works at HC are inspirational, and I admire the success they’ve built through their passion and dedication to the company.
I’ve also been given so many incredible opportunities through through the HC network. I joined their InfluenceHer Collective and have been able to work with brands like Bed Bath & Beyond and Clarisonic on my blog. I became a model-for-a-day during College Fashion Week Boston 2016 and was able to wear some of my favorite brands down the runway. I’ve also met some incredible women in media at Her Conference over the past two years, including Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin, style blogger Carly Heitlinger of The College Prepster, and editor-in-chief of People StyleWatch magazine Lisa Arbetter. It’s crazy to think how different my life would be if I never got involved with Her Campus.
Members of the 2016-2017 team from HCE’s fall photoshoot (Photo Credit: Miranda McLean)
HCE: You are involved in a variety of different things on campus and manage to balance everything with such grace, too. What is one of your favorite campus events that you helped to put on?
SM: Thank you; I appreciate that! My favorite event is definitely the Body Positivity Fashion Show. It has become an annual event that we do in February to support National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. There’s nothing better than hosting an awesome event to support a good cause.
While it is the most labor-intensive event we do, I think it’s my favorite because of the response we get from people on campus. I love watching the models have a genuinely good time walking down the runway. It’s not an easy task to put yourself out there, yet each and every one of them come out with such confidence and really represent the message we’re trying to portray: that everyone is beautiful no matter your shape or size. For the attendees, it’s so nice to hear all of the positive comments about the experience, and know that they appreciate how much work we put into the event. I’m definitely coming back for next year’s show!
Models from the First Annual Body Positivity Fashion Show in 2016
HCE: Who has influenced your time here at Emmanuel in a positive, memorable way?
SM: This is actually such a hard question because there are so many people who have made my time at Emmanuel a positive one. First, I have to thank the entire HCE team, including those who were there from the very beginning to the most recent members. The past two years would not be the same without the amazing women (and Cam!) who have mirrored my passion for the club and helped us grow. Second, I have to give a shout out to my Performing Arts Department family. I’ve done fourteen shows during my four years here and I am grateful for every single cast member I’ve worked with. My life would not be the same without the incredible group of people I’ve met through that experience. Finally, there are so many faculty and staff members who have shaped my journey at Emmanuel. If I had to name names, Nicole Mollica in Admissions; Mark Flynn and Andrea McDonnell in the Communications Department; Scott Gagnon, Jason Whiting, and Jenna Lourenco in the Performing Arts Department; and Dr. Rissmeyer in Student Affairs have all contributed to my incredibly positive Emmanuel experience.
HCE: Tell us about one of your favorite college memories. Give us the juicy details!
SM: A lot of my favorite memories happened during my junior year when I was living in a suite in Julie Hall (R.I.P. G12). I lived with four of my theater friends and our suite became the unofficial hangout spot for most of the department. We held so many movie nights, game nights, and just general get togethers. We also had a quote wall that is actually a bit famous. It was written about in The Boston Globe in a story about the new residence hall. Whenever someone would say something dumb or silly that made us all laugh, we’d put it on a Post-it note and stick it to the wall in the living room. There were some real gems on there. By the end of the year, practically the entire wall was covered. When we moved out, I turned it into a book which I like to flip through from time to time. It brings back so many great memories.
HCE: Love that, so many memories. Of course, I have to ask you the question many seniors dread, but I have a feeling you won’t be as intimidated by it as others are. What are your plans after you graduate?
SM: I actually don’t dread that question as much anymore because I was just offered a full-time position in the city! Starting at the end of May, I’ll be working as a Marketing Program Strategist at Youth Marketing Connection. YMC is a millennial marketing agency that connects brands with college students through word of mouth, peer-to-peer, and experiential channels including brand ambassadors. I will be managing the day-to-day activities of their campus reps at schools across the country, as well as assisting with the planning process for their new and ongoing client programs. I could not be more excited to start this job and dive headfirst into the marketing world!
HCE: SO exciting, congrats! Since your future’s so bright, I think it’s only fair you offer up some advice for the youngsters at Emmanuel. What would you tell your freshman self?
SM: When I first started college, it seemed like it would be forever until graduation day. Boy, was I wrong! Four years went by in the blink of an eye. While I’m proud of all I’ve accomplished, lately I’ve been thinking about all the things I may have missed out on or not thought to participate in. To everyone who’s just starting out, don’t take a single opportunity for granted. Study abroad, do service, participate in Dance Marathon, start a club… Whatever you may be interested in, just do it. The chance may be once in a lifetime.
HCE: Once in a lifetime for sure. Now, what is one thing you’re going to miss the most about college life?
SM: Seeing the people and the campus I love most everyday. My biggest fear is falling out of touch with friends who are moving away. It’s going to be really hard knowing I won’t be able to pass by all of the friendly faces I’ve grown to know and love. One of the best things about Emmanuel is the community we have here. I love sitting in the JYC doing work and having five of my friends wind up by my side. That’s something I’m certainly going to miss.
The team celebrated HCE’s first birthday out on the quad in April 2016
HCE: Where are some places that every Emmanuel student must visit while they’re here?
SM: There are so many! Locally, Neighborhoods and Thornton’s over on Peterborough Street are a must. Also near that plaza is Hidyan Cafe, which has the best hand-made frozen yogurt. Since living at CityView, Il Mondo Pizzeria on Huntington and The Mission Bar & Grill in Brigham Circle have become favorites. As an avid shopper, Newbury Street, the Shops at Prudential Center, Downtown Crossing, and the CambridgeSide Galleria are prime locations. I also feel that every Boston student needs to explore the Charles River Esplanade, Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the North End. In the North End, Bova’s Bakery and La Famiglia Giorgio’s are my personal picks. Honestly, I feel like everyone should develop their own Boston bucket list and try to explore as much of the city as they can!
HCE: Delicious adventures, there’s nothing better. And finally, what is one of your proudest moments of college?
SM: I think one of my proudest moments would be receiving the Rising Star Organization Award at the 2016 Student Leadership Awards. I’m just so proud of the HCE team and all we’ve accomplished. To win that award after our first semester as an SGA recognized organization was incredibly gratifying. I couldn’t be more thankful for the recognition from the school and the incredible dedication of the team. While this was a great moment, I think it may be topped in just a few short weeks when I walk across the stage at graduation. Then, my proudest moment is surely going to be feeling confident enough to move on from the place I’ve called home for the past four years.
Members of the team with our certificates from the 2016 Student Leadership Awards
HCE: So many goosebumps thinking about graduation. You truly a remarkable woman Sammy. THANK YOU for everything you have done for the HCE team. You are going to do amazing things out there in the real world. Cheers, love! Good luck!