The challenges of adapting to college life in a fast-paced urban environment were significant for Samantha Barton, who was raised in one of California’s small rural towns. Those challenges, however, paled in comparison with the stress and guilt she felt for not being closer to home as her father’s health declined. Still, Samantha has managed to maintain a 3.99 GPA at CSU Northridge, where she majors in secondary education.

Samantha coaches volleyball and basketball at a local park and promotes physical education in workshops at elementary schools. A university ambassador and a peer mentor at CSU Northridge, Samantha has been recognized by the university’s College of Health and Human Development and by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education for her work and dedication to both classroom and community.

In keeping with her desire to teach young people the value of an active lifestyle, Samantha plans to obtain a teaching credential and a master’s degree in kinesiology.