Supporting Students - Sam Moore

Sam Moore is a Mathematics & Science Major with a 4.0 GPA. She is a 27-year old single mother of a 4-year old son who works 2 jobs to make ends meet while attending OCC full time.
 
"2020 was the year the world fell still. Or so I thought. While the world around me seemed to come to a stop, I was sent into motion. I realized that I had been living a stagnant life. I had become complacent, comfortable in my routine. In 2020 I was reminded that I had a plan. I came to this realization a lot earlier than most and for that I am grateful. From there I decided to take all that I wanted out of life.

O.C.C seemed like the best option in the first steps in continuing my education. This school offers a flexible, inclusive schedule so that I can get an education in a timeline that works for me. I work 2 jobs, volunteer at the dance studio, am in school full time, and am the mother of a four-year-old. My plate is full. Balancing everything proves to be a challenge at times, but hard work isn’t something that scares me off.

I am currently majoring in math and science. My current GPA is 4.0 and that is something I am immensely proud of. The work I do here at O.C.C ideally will transfer to Syracuse University or Hamilton College. From there I plan to declare a major in Biochemistry with a goal to proceed into their neuroscience program. After completing my bachelors, I intend on transferring to Upstate University to continue my education through their Neuroscience program.

I always knew that I wanted to help people. Neuroscience is the best and most fulfilling way I can think of to do just that. The brain is a fascinating organ, and there is still so much undiscovered about it and its functions. Learning more about the brain can help humanity reach its full potential. Neuro divergencies and Neuro degenerative diseases are a big reason I want to go into this field. Did you know that people with ADHD are almost 200 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s in the future? Or that the brain and gut are connected? Research shows that the gut may send emotional commands to the brain instead of the other way around. We need a more detailed map of the brain, and scientists building it.

I have big goals. Goals that I am willing to work day in and day out for. I intend to graduate with a 4.0. Without a doubt I am going to be the best mom I can be. I will learn from my mistakes so that I can grow and do better. I will create a life that I am proud to lead and do my best to positively impact those who I connect with on my pursuit. Finally, someday I intend to be on the team of brilliant scientist that discover a cure for Parkinsons and leave the world in a slightly better way than I found it."