Samantha Reales of Joplin, Missouri, graduates this Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in environmental health and safety—an accomplishment with meaning far greater than could ever be captured by a simple CV entry. More than the start of her career, Reales’ entry into the field is about fulfilling her purpose and honoring her virtues.
“I have a firm belief in environmental integrity, and choosing a degree in environmental health and safety (EHS) aligned with my ethical values,” said Reales. “Each of the EHS classes continued to build on my interest in becoming a professional in the field.”
The roots of her commitment to protecting the environment have been strengthened through her time at MSSU, but her connection to the university began long before she enrolled as a student. As a fourth grader, Reales participated in the George Washington Carver Essay Contest on campus.
“I can still remember my introduction paragraph,” she said. “I could never imagine then, how proud I am now. My chapter with MSSU has come full circle.”
Reales’ accomplishments include a breadth of noteworthy hands-on experiences as well as campus and community involvement efforts. She played a key role in the university’s recycling program, contributing to the successful rollout of its first phase. In addition to her work in sustainability, Reales served as an Environmental Health and Safety Lab Assistant.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the MSSU recycling program,” she said. “I got to drive a UTV all over campus and even learned how to back up a utility trailer successfully. It’s easily the most satisfying skill I’ve ever mastered! My time as a lab assistant also helped me develop technical proficiency within a lab setting.”
Reales has also furthered the Missouri Sewershed Project. This gave her valuable expertise in real-world environmental research as she prepared field samples and delivered them to the Joplin Public Health Department for analysis.
“My contributions to this project allowed me firsthand experience that gave great insight into working under controlled lab settings,” said Reales. “This opportunity is priceless and I feel extremely fortunate to play a role in a statewide initiative.”
Additionally, she completed two internships that she’ll always keep in her heart. For Reales, these opportunities made up the best summers of her life.
“I applied my knowledge to real world experiences,” she said. “I worked alongside EHS professionals who gave me a look into the world of industrial safety. My first summer I earned the nickname ‘Safety Sam,’ and I take that title very seriously! I will never forget the incredible people I met and the knowledge I gained along the way. I am most proud of my internships because I proved to myself that I can successfully assimilate into a professional environment. I nailed all the interviews. I nailed my end-of-summer presentation in a room full of CEOs. Twice. I’ve proven to myself that I have intellectual discipline and a professional identity.”
This confidence and a strong sense of self are essential to her success after graduation. As a non-traditional student, Reales also brings a unique perspective to her academic journey.
“The time I spent before becoming a student at MSSU was an important part of my development into a young adult,” she said. “As a non-traditional student, I had time to dabble in different jobs and experience the limitations of having a ‘credential gap’ in the work force. Coming back to the classroom, I had a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the expectations as a student.”
She also recognizes the broader significance of her accomplishments, and what they mean for her kin.
“Being the first in a family of immigrants to attend college is a meaningful way to honor the hard work that brought us here,” said Reales. “It is humbling to realize that my academic success is the fulfillment of a collective dream.”
After graduation, Reales plans to move to a larger city to focus on urban sustainability initiatives, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the field. Her advice to those who may one day be in her shoes is an important reminder for us all:
“Don’t let perfect become the enemy of good.”
Samantha Reales has proven herself to be among the next generation of leaders in environmental health and safety. With her commitment to environmental integrity, the world will gain an expert that cares deeply as Reales crosses the stage this Saturday.
