Samantha Moeller
August 10, 2021
Samantha Moeller (2021)
Samantha Moeller is 26 years old and from Ankeny, IA. Her mom attended Truman as well, so she grew up going to many alumni events. So she was, and is still, very involved with Truman. Samantha was a Centennial Hall Student Advisor for one year after living in C-Hall her freshman year. She was very involved on campus and participated in the Disney College Program. Four years later, Samantha is working for Chesapeake Medical Staffing in Maryland and in her free time you can find her traveling to visit friends and family, sitting by the pool or at the beach, or reading a good book.
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated in May 2017 with a concentration in Public Communication and a minor in Sociology.
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
During my time at Truman, I was involved in Cru, Center for Student Involvement, Phi Delta Service Sorority, National Communication Association Student Club, Tel-Alumni, Residence Life, and an Internship at Take Root Cafe.
Sam (1st row, 2nd fr left) and the Truman Week Champion Centennial Hall SAs (2015).
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman or did you wait? Why?
I have not attended grad school, but I may in the future. Never say never!
What was your first job after graduation?
After graduation, I was accepted into my second Disney College Program. I worked in Merchandise for a year and was then able to transfer to the Special Events Team. I supervised events such as runDisney Marathons, festivals, and special holiday events. I was able to continue working these events seasonally as I transitioned into a different career path working in Senior Living. I worked in Senior Living for 2 years on the Sales Team and eventually transitioned to Business Office Manager.
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
In January of this year, I relocated near the Baltimore area and began working at Chesapeake Medical Staffing (CMS). CMS serves as one of Maryland’s largest and most respected HealthCare staffing agencies, supporting DC-Maryland-Virginia and surrounding areas. For nearly 20 years, CMS has excelled at matching exceptional clinicians with healthcare facilities, resulting in positive outcomes for nurses, hospitals, and patients. I am a Recruiting Coordinator, working with a team to facilitate onboarding of various medical personnel for contract positions at local hospitals. The majority of my job involves constructing application profiles, writing contracts, and inputting assignment details for payroll. I also recruit new clinicians to join the organization, interview candidates and match resume experience with open positions.
Sam amd a resident during a Halloween party at a senior living community (2019).
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
My well-rounded Truman education has assisted me in my various career fields. As someone who has changed fields a few times in the few short years since I graduated, having a solid, diverse, and broad-based education has greatly increased my ability to adapt and continue to learn new skills.
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
I took Political Communication during the 2016 election. We all know how chaotic the 2016 election was, plus I did not have much political knowledge prior to the class. Add to that the that I had just returned from a semester away from Truman, this class was very challenging for me. (And Dr. Self and Dr. Yaquinto are tough! Editor’s note: We prefer to think of it as “thorough.” 
) The last few years have really shown me how important understanding our country’s political climate is and how important it is to stay involved. I am incredibly thankful to have taken this class now and the perspective that it gave me.
Sam (in gray) & some ΦΔ sisters at a retreat (2016).
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
Becoming a Student Advisor and holding the Public Relations Chair position in Phi Delta. Both of these positions taught me so much about myself, my leadership style, and how to successfully plan ahead. I was also able to work alongside some amazing mentors as I learned these roles. Both of these positions prepared me well for my current job as well as my last two previous jobs.
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is a great place because of its size. The small class size allows for natural personal relationships to form with both faculty and students. When I toured through campus, seeing the students and faculty interact was what sold me on Truman. I am incredibly lucky for the relationships I formed that led to study groups, joining of organizations that my colleagues suggested, and even led to job recommendations. A smaller campus size also allows for more involvement in organizations and I am incredibly thankful for all that I was able to participate in.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
Get involved in as many things as possible! I am so thankful for stepping out of my comfort zone and joining organizations that gave me great knowledge and even greater life long friends.
Sam working the runDisney Marathon Weekend at Epcot (2020).
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
Be a sponge and soak up everything you can. There will always be people with greater knowledge and experience that you can learn from.
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
I miss being only a short walk away from anything I needed and all my friends.
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
How about this? — “COMM: The most useful major.”
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
I would love to teach a class about Mental Health while in college. I know many struggle with this due to high stress, little sleep, and being in a new environment. It’s important to have tips and understanding of what is going on, if not for yourself personally than at least for your fellow students. I would simply title this course Mental Health 101.
What did we not ask that you think is important for people to know?
The best post-college advice I have ever been given was to just get started. Many students graduate not knowing what to do next and it can be overwhelming. The biggest step you can take is any step forward. Take a job and learn as many transferable skills as possible and see where it leads. Every job I have held has taught me something and introduced me to people who were key to my success and the next step. Every job I have held has also prepared me for the next one and has given me opportunities for advancement and professional development.
Sam working at the Festival of the Arts at Epcot (2019).
If you would like to learn more of Samantha’s story, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.