Twenty-year-old Samary “Sam” Holguin of Cleveland is sinking her teeth into college life at Cleveland State Community College. A sophomore in the CSCC Honors College plans to be a dentist one day. Today, though, she is opening her mouth and serving as the voice of the college’s brand new Student Government Association president.

Elected into office this year, Ms. Holguin has a lot of challenges ahead of her. “During a really difficult year, she’s chosen to stand up and lead her peers,” said Dr. Victoria Bryan, dean of the CSCC Honors College and Academic Enhancement. “She is a wonderful student. One who I think will represent our student body well.”

Although she served as a leader of her marching band in high school, drum major of the Cleveland High School Blue Raider Marching Band, Ms. Holguin says she has never served in an office like this before now. “I was the treasurer once in fourth grade and President of the Anchor Club,” added Ms. Holguin. “I’ve never had such a position and see this as a great blessing and an awesome opportunity. I just plan on making an impact on the college and showing that the students are there for one another, especially during difficult changes and times.”

Currently enrolled in pre-health courses, Ms. Holguin plans to move on to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville after her anticipated Summer 2021 graduation at Cleveland State. The 2019 Cleveland High School alumna plans to pursue a bachelor’s and doctoral degree and then a career in dentistry. “It was something I wanted to do when I was five years old,” said Ms. Holguin. “I pursue my goals. I’ve always loved the dentist. I have always had a passion for smiling and caring for my oral hygiene.”

Ms. Holguin hopes her career will help you earn opportunities in life others have not had the chance to enjoy. “My parents are youth ministers at our church,” said Ms. Holguin. “They work hard but haven’t had the opportunities in life that I hope to have one day. I want to be able to make them proud and do the things they wish they could have done.” Her parents Betzy and José Holguin, and her younger brother, Lysander, attend the El Shaddai Church of God in Cleveland.

Fellow Cleveland High School grad and Cleveland State student Jordan Wagers was the college’s former student body president. “She encouraged me to run for the office, so I did,” added Ms. Holguin. “After getting involved with volunteering with our Phi Theta Kappa chapter, I really wanted to do more.”

The 2020 Presidential Honors Scholar will represent the student body of Cleveland State in an unprecedented year. As the voice of the students, Ms. Holguin is the college’s point-of-contact on matters involving student input. The Student Government Association board works to communicate with students, gather their opinions, and accomplish goals that make campus-life better for them.