Samantha George, a member of The University of Tampa chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, brings together a passion for accounting, music and service in her academic and extracurricular life.

Born in Key West, Florida, Samantha grew up in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She is currently employed on campus at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore and also works as a collegiate financial representative for Northwestern Mutual.

Samantha’s interest in accounting was sparked during her time at the University of Tampa after taking a financial accounting course. She found the analytical work engaging and was inspired to pursue the major.

Balancing a rigorous accounting curriculum with her commitment to music and campus involvement requires organization. Samantha keeps a detailed system using a pink planner with color-coded pens, along with digital calendars for her two jobs. She credits writing everything down as essential to managing her responsibilities, which include Kappa Kappa Psi, DECA, Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, two jobs, pep band, bassoon lessons and her classes. Her personal motto reflects that system, “If it’s not in my planner, it’s not in my life.”

Music has long been part of Samantha’s life. She has played piano, clarinet and bassoon, with the bassoon becoming her primary instrument after being introduced to it by her middle school band director. She was drawn to the bassoon because it was such a unique instrument that sparked her interest immediately. If given the chance to play alongside any musician, she would choose Ludwig van Beethoven to understand how he created such influential music while being deaf.

Service is also important to Samantha. Through DECA, a business competition club, and Kappa Kappa Psi, the honor band fraternity, she volunteers with the Little Saint Nick Foundation to help pack hospital gift bags for local children at Tampa General Hospital.

Samantha values her membership in Phi Kappa Phi for the opportunity to connect with and learn from other members through online discussion boards, which she says sets the society apart from others. She appreciates engaging with driven and accomplished individuals from different backgrounds.

Outside of academics and music, Samantha has a wide range of interests. She was a beekeeper in middle school and has tried several sports and hobbies, including tennis, bowling, sewing, horseback riding and swimming. Her dream travel goal is to visit Europe and experience as many countries and cultures as possible.

As the only child of a single mother and a first-generation college student, Samantha is motivated by the desire to build a future for herself and her family. She credits her mother with instilling the belief that education is the best investment.

Her favorite movie is “Bambi,” and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

To learn more about Samantha and connect, visit her profile within our online member community here.

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