Sam Black
Saint John's University
Sam Black, Saint John's University junior, has a distinguished record of leadership. His leadership activities include:
Co-President of Model United Nations Club (Lead Delegate at Harvard Model UN Conference, recruited members and organized conference logistics);
Campaign Intern for Rep. Heather Edelson, House District 49A (door knocking, phone bank and policy research);
Communications Intern, Youth Frontiers (communications, messaging, analysis of survey data);
Bonner Leadership Program: Scholarship Recipient, Cohort Leader and Lead Student Coordinator (serve on program advisory board, plan social justice activities, engage student leaders, facilitate communications including a weekly newsletter);
McCarthy Center for Civic Engagement & Public Policy Volunteer (voter engagement and general volunteer);
Extending the Link Documentary Team Co-Director (lead the production of annual documentary including videography, research, fundraising, interviewing and marketing, manage 24 member team, and coordinate international travel for team);
Co-President of United Politics Club (assist in campus voter registration, foster bipartisan dialog and partnership through bi-weekly meetings.
Personal Statement
Since my freshman year, I’ve been passionate about the power of storytelling and dialogue as community builders and vehicles for justice and awareness. I’ve been able to apply this passion through internships where I focused on the empowerment and engagement of youth at Youth Frontiers and on the campaign of Representative Heather Edelson, both based in Edina, MN. On campus, my work as one of the directors of Extending the Link, a student-run documentary team that focuses on under reported social justice issues around the world, further ignited my passion for finding the stories of those around me. My work with this group even took me to Arequipa, Peru to document the role of public transportation on access to educational opportunity. I have been lucky enough to be able to feed my passion for engagement every day in my role as the lead student coordinator for the Bonner Leadership Program. This role has taught me to examine intersectionality in community and give a more critical look at my surroundings and those who inhabit it. After graduating, I hope to continue creating stronger communities by working in public policy or community organizing.
