SCUC ISD is proud to highlight the journey of SCUC alum Sam Nikiza, a 2017 graduate of Byron P. Steele High School.
After graduating from Steele High School, Sam attended Hardin-Simmons University, where she studied Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. She graduated in December 2020 and continued her education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, earning her master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Today, Sam is an acute care occupational therapist in San Antonio, where she helps patients regain independence and reach their goals.
WHERE IS SHE NOW?
Sam works as an acute care occupational therapist in San Antonio. In her role, she enjoys helping others reach their goals and regain independence, especially seeing the joy on her patients’ faces when they complete a task, they once weren’t able to do.
WHAT WAS HER INSPIRATION FOR HER CURRENT CAREER?
Sam’s passion for occupational therapy comes from helping others gain independence and accomplish meaningful goals. Seeing her patients make progress and achieve something they previously could not do continues to inspire her in her career.
IN WHAT WAYS DID HER TIME AT SCUC ISD PREPARE HER FOR HER CAREER?
Sam credits her teachers throughout SCUC ISD with helping prepare her for her future. She especially remembers her Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Ms. Kalinowski, whose class during her senior year helped prepare her for the challenging science courses she would later take in college.
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
“Get out of your comfort zone if you can. It’s okay to mess up! As long as you are trying. And do everything with a smile on your face—it may cheer someone up.”
ON BEING AN SCUC ALUM
“I am so grateful to have been in this district my entire school career. I still keep in touch with many of my teachers because they were always so kind to me. I’m also grateful to continue my mother’s legacy in this district that she loved so much.”
We are proud to celebrate Sam and the many SCUC alumni who continue to make an impact in their communities and careers.
Learn more about SCUC alumni at scucisd.org/foundation/alumni