2013 Scholarship - Samantha Bagherpour

2013 May Scholarship - Samantha Bagherpour

March 2015 -Update on Samantha

We learned that Samantha has been invited to a national soccer team. And, she has earned the highest academi c award in her ollege.

Samantha's 's response to the scholarship form questionnaire.

What is your objective in life as you see it now?

I aspire to be an entrepeneur and to start my own company just as my father and great grandfather before me. They both started from nothing but an idea and a will to succeed and soon built a flourishing business that supported them and their families. I see myself as a self-sufficient young woman with the ability to make her mark on the world and ideas to spread. I am inspired to start a business and have it grow to be a force in the community just as my kin before me.

Describe any accomplishment that makes you feel proud.

This year, I have been named team captain of both my high school soccer team and my club soccer team. These are both tremendous accomplishments because I am expected to lead the teams both on and off the field. Not only do players look to me for guidance on the field and as a role model in regards to soccer skills but also in life. I have had many conversations with some fellow teammates discussing family problems, helping them with schoolwork, or even sharing my knowledge of going through the college recruitment process. Being a team captain requires a deeper understanding of how to work with others and get the most of people in a positive environment. I have learned how to gain and hold the attention of a group of talkative teenage girls -- an unsurprisingly difficult task. I have learned an incredible amount about leadership and how to buid self-confidence in others as well as myself. The accomplishment of being voted team captain of both these teams has been a remarkable honor that makes me proud to be a college-bound soccer player.

Samantha reading her essay to the group while her mother, Joanie, looks on.

Essay - Samantha Bagherpour

A Heritage to be Proud of

Vito Petrelli. That is a name that makes me proud to be an Italian-American. My great-grandfather sailed from Sicily to America and came through Ellis Island as a young teen, not much older than me, seeking a better life. The hope of the American dream, for him, his family, and the future generations of his family drove him. Upon his arrival, he became a fruit peddler with only a horse and a little wagon that he drove through the streets of Chicago, barely making a living.

After eight grueling years of hard work, he worked his way to become a partner in a fruit and vegetable business and was finally able to comfortably support his wife and five children. His determination to have a better life and his accomplishment of this goal makes me incredibly proud to be his great granddaughter and share his rich Italian heritage. His humble beginnings as an immigrant in this country, his hard work ethic, and his entrepreneurial spirit inspire me to cherish my Italian roots and follow in his footsteps to run my own business as he did.

Two generations later, my family continues to relish our Italian heritage through family get-togethers and regular Sunday pasta dinners. Family is the basis of Italian life and my family is no exception as we are extremely close. We celebrate all holidays and birthdays together as well as eating dinner together every night while discussing our day.

Food is another important component to Italian families and mine is no different. Every Sunday, my mom makes a huge pasta dinner with homemade meatballs, and a special “gravy” that my grandma taught her how to make. My mom promised that someday she will teach me how to make this secret family recipe so I can make it for my own children. On Sundays we all gather together, talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company; celebrating family. These wonderful family traditions and my great grandfather’s inspirational journey give me tremendous pride to be a young Italian woman.

Samantha was very surprised about the shower we gave her for her upcoming adventure to college.

Samantha's mom Joanie (left) and one of the Scholarship Committee members, Melissa Peil (right).

A note of thanks from Samantha . . .

Triangle Italian-American Women's Club --

Thank you all so much for both an amazing scholarship and a graduation shower. It was such an incredible surprise to be given so many useful things! I will think of each of you every time I use these gifts. You've all helped me as I embark on this next phase of my life and I couldn't be more thankful. I truly appreciate everything this organization has done for me.

I just got back from orientation and I couldn't be more excited for my first year at Lynchburg College. I'll be sure to keep you updated on what I'm up to!

Thank you again for helping make my dreams a reality!

-- Samantha Bagherpour