Hello, everyone!
My name is Samantha Aleman and I’ve been attending Penn State University World Campus since Fall of 2014. I started out following the degree program for Organizational Leadership, but switched after Spring 2016 semester. Unfortunately, I realized that was not my true calling and switched back to the OLEAD program.
I live in Farmville, VA with my husband, 8-month old daughter (she was born Christmas Day 2015) and my 4-year old puppy. We purchased our first home on the 25th of this month and are in the process of moving to a suburb of Richmond. I’ve only lived in Virginia for a little over a year and a half, after moving here from Pennsylvania (where I grew up – 40 minutes East of State College in a small town of Mifflinburg).
Unfortunately, I’m not anywhere where I want to be professionally. I was working in the financial industry prior to moving to Virginia, but then took a job at an all-male state prison as a production technician due to the lack of jobs in this small area. I had the opportunity to further my career with finances, but chose not to so I am able to stay at home with my daughter. I own an in-home bakery called “The Sweet Life” and sell cupcakes, cookies and candies (flavored marshmallows, caramel apples, etc) and attend school on-line full-time. I hope to one day own my own bakery/candy store with an actual store front and not just inside my home.
I have limited leadership experience and it all stems from being in the Marine Corps and some classes that have group assignments. Other than that, my leadership skills are non-existent. I also don’t have a favorite leadership quote.
I don’t have any unusual hobbies, but I thoroughly enjoy crafts and DIY yourself projects. I crochet outfits for my 8 month old to wear for her monthly photos and I cross-stitch numerous things. I also enjoy cooking and baking, reading, running, and eating. I also enjoy traveling (although my traveling has been limited to that in the military and the occasional day trip).
Hi Samantha, it is nice to have you here. OLEAD is a good degree for a professional start, so you made a good choice coming back. Congrats on the new house, I’m sure that your daughter will enjoy. I look forward to working with you.
–Brian