Katie Snider, a recent graduate in nutrition and dietetics (Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, ESSM), sent this touching message to a few of her Samford faculty members a few days ago:
"I just got back from a long first day at med school and all I could think about was how thankful I was to have had the opportunity to go to Samford and learn from each of you. As I sat in the enormous lecture hall with so many other eager med school students I couldn't help but notice I wasn't at Samford anymore. I know the next five years are going to be a great adventure filled with hard, fun, and unforgettable times, but I know that if it weren't for the role that each of you have played in my life and education I wouldn't be here today. Looking at the faces of my peers I realized that there will be times when I will not always be reminded and pushed to reach my highest potential and to do all for the glory of God. This is something that has been a part of my whole life and was further integrated into who I am during my time at Samford, especially by my ESSM family. I know why I am in medical school and it was only through each of you that I have truly begun to understand what it means to serve. Thank you for all that you do! I know I will never fully be able to tell you all that you have done for me, but I wanted you to know that as I started the next big phase of my life each of you played a role in that and, in a way, each of you were there with me as I walked into that lecture hall today." The world is better because of Katie Snider--and because of the impact of Samford faculty on her life.