#AISSLobo
The American Indian Student Services’ #AISSLobo highlights students from across the UNM community on the AISS social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Samantha Griswold (Jemez, Zuni, and Laguna Pueblos) is a senior graduating this May and she’s this week’s #AISSLobo! Samantha will be earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She plans to build a career in higher education focused on diversity leadership & student success. She’s passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered environments that support diver populations, especially military-affiliated students. In addition to being a student, she also works at the UNM Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) as an Outreach Coordinator where she’s putting her passions into practice! After serving in the Marine Corps, Samantha wanted the next chapter in her life to bring her back home. Attending UNM gave her the chance to be closer to her family & culture while still advancing forward. She chose her major after seeing firsthand how leadership and support impact people’s success, and her time in the Marine Corps & working with students showed her that she wanted to be a part of creating better systems and experiences for others.
Samantha is involved on campus through her work at the VMRC and as part of the Student Veterans of America. A campus resource she wishes others knew more about is the Lobo Food Pantry (LFP) – she encourages Lobos to stop by for food, even just snacks, to support the amazing work of the LFP. Samantha is proud of her connection to her culture and tribal roots. It keeps her grounded, continues to shape who she is, and gives her strength, especially when she’s away from home. Her late grandfather is her hero. He continues to be a huge influence on Samantha’s life; he taught her strength and resilience, and he always emphasized the importance of education. She’s motivated every day by her son; everything she does is to set an example for him and show that he can accomplish anything at any age. Samantha shares these words of advice with the Lobo community: “Show up, stay consistent, and take advantage of every opportunity.” Congratulations, Samantha! Your degree is a representation of your hard work, resilience, and the support that has guided you. You’re a rock star!!!!
