Samantha Brandt conquers her fear of heights duiring a ziplining day trip with the Emerging Leaders Class of 2016-2017.

She has two majors, three minors, four part-time jobs, is an avid volunteer and member of multiple clubs, and has future plans to study abroad, attend law school, and become a Foreign Service Officer.

Verrazano School student Samantha Brandt ‘18 does all this while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. In fact, the 19-year-old Susan E. Wagner High School graduate doesn’t ask why students should take part in all that the College has to offer, but rather asks, “why wouldn’t they?”

“Get involved and take advantage of what is available at CSI! College is more than learning because you get to make lifelong memories as well. CSI offers trips, clubs, campus events, and so much more, so why not participate?”

The West Brighton resident is double majoring in Political Science and International Studies with a triple minor in Chinese, Business, and Legal Studies. She is a founding member and secretary of the World Around U and a member of the Emerging Leaders Program, the Armed Forces Club, the International Students Club, and the International Business Club. She was also a member of CSI’s Student Government, as Commissioner of Academic and Curricular Affairs, as well as the CSI Association, College Council, and works several part-time jobs.

Samantha Brandt giving a speech at the Student Leadership Retreat, Winter 2016.

“Samantha sets a wonderful example of energy, enthusiasm, and engagement for us all. By living college life to the fullest, she exemplifies the inspiring spirit of every Verrazano School student,” noted Director of the Macaulay Honors College and The Verrazano School at CSI Dr. Charles Liu.

Brandt is currently an usher at the St. George Theater, a note-taker with the Center for Student Accessibility, a New Student Orientation Leader, and is part of the Welcome Desk staff in the Campus Center.

In addition, the lifelong Staten Island resident is a volunteer facilitator for the We Are New York program through the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs.

She will be studying abroad in Italy in the winter of this year and in China in winter 2017.