I met Sam my freshman year of college at a time when I had almost no insight into the world of tech. I remember being very nervous when it came to any discussions in tech as I felt completely alienated from the space at first. I was completely lost in terms of how to go about finding an internship in tech, what that internship process entails, or what life in tech would look like, I felt like an imposter in the space. Sam was a breath of fresh air. He approached our one-on-one in a warm, non-judgemental tone, and crafted a welcoming environment by sharing his own stories that prompted me to open up. Sam has empowered me to not only imagine myself in tech, but to go after that life and seek out internships and get connected with people. He gave me in depth notes on my resume, and consistently coached me to develop my confidence when it came to speaking with tech professionals. Since that first meeting, he has consistently been a figure in my life I could come to when it all feels like it’s too much. Sam reminds me to take a deep breath, slow down, and restrategize. Despite where I am in life, he reminds me that there is always a next step to take, and coaches me on ways to take that next step on my own terms, in a confident manner. I am very grateful to have met Sam, and his wisdom has helped me tremendously in navigating both life in, and after college in terms of my career, friendships, and mental health.