Graduation Spotlight – Anna Sams

Why did you choose Augusta University?

“I chose Augusta University because the small class sizes were really appealing to me. I liked the idea that I’d have the opportunity to really get to know my professors on an individual basis and that they would get to know me, and I think that’s something I really saw come to fruition throughout my time here. I did get to know my professors, and they got to know my strengths and my weaknesses. And they helped me grow in those areas.”

What did you enjoy most about your time at Augusta?

“I really enjoyed working for the Phoenix because I liked being able to have something tangible to have when I graduated. This was a publication that I poured my heart and soul into, and I was able to work with the students, with my colleagues and with the staff writers to produce this magazine for our campus.”

Which professors would you say had the biggest impact on you?

“Dr. Debra van Tuyll. I started taking classes with her my second year, and even when I would doubt myself and doubt my writing or doubt my papers, she always saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

Also, Dr. Terri Sasser has been a wonderful influence in my life. She is such a positive person to be around. She just exudes this liveliness that’s contagious. And I think there’s a reason all of her students love her, and it’s because, like Dr. van Tuyll, she believes in her students too and wants to see them excel.

I think that goes back to one of the reasons why I love this school, the small classes and the opportunities to get to know my professors on this one-on-one basis. It allowed me to get to know Dr. Sasser and Dr. van Tuyll in a way that maybe I wouldn’t have been able to in a larger classroom.”

What do you plan to do after graduating?

“I’m going to use the skills I learned in the communications program to continue and improve my business. Now that classes are over, I’ll also continue my work as a wedding photographer. (https://www.facebook.com/AnnaSamsPhotography/)”