Finding His Voice Through Advocacy and Resilience

Anthony Samson’s journey through Montclair State University has been shaped by advocacy, resilience, and a deep commitment to service. A senior Political Science major with a concentration in legal studies, Anthony’s path to law school has been anything but linear, and that perspective has defined both his academic experience and his vision for the future.

Samson traces his interest in political science and law back to experiences outside the classroom. Working for years at a veterinary clinic, he saw advocacy in action that he learned from his father Dr. Keith Samson: “protecting those who can’t speak for themselves.” That principle stayed with him. Later, while traveling across the country as a flatbed truck driver, he gained firsthand exposure to how regional culture and identity shape political attitudes. Seeing those differences up close sparked a desire to better understand the systems that influence people’s lives.

At Montclair, Samson found that understanding through coursework that challenged him intellectually and personally. One class that stood out was CMST 101: Fundamentals of Speech, which unexpectedly became one of the most transformative experiences of his college career.

“Standing up and speaking in front of others is not easy,” he says, but the course helped him organize his thoughts, communicate clearly, and build confidence. More importantly, it helped him find his own voice, a skill he knows will be essential in law school and beyond.

Faculty mentorship also played a key role in shaping Samson’s growth. In POLS 335: Theories of Political Economy, Professor Begoña Gerling Sarabia pushed him to think more deeply and critically about complex ideas. In JURI 210: Law, Professor Ian Drake’s passion for teaching and openness to questions further solidified Samson’s interest in pursuing a legal career. “His course further confirmed that I’m moving in the right direction,” Samson reflects.

Beyond the classroom, Samson balanced a full course load with full-time work as an office manager and veterinary technician, an experience he credits with strengthening his leadership, time management, and communication skills. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working full time stands as one of his proudest accomplishments.

For Samson, success carries a deeply personal meaning. After losing his mother in his twenties, he stepped away from school to grieve and heal. Returning to complete his degree required resilience and faith. “Finishing my degree became more than checking off requirements,” he says. “It became a way of proving to myself that even after life breaks you open, you can still rise.”

As he looks ahead to law school, Samson says his time in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has taught him that “education is a tool for service.” He leaves Montclair with confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to advocacy—and with gratitude for the people and family who supported him along the way, especially Lili, Frankie, Belle and his employer Dr. Brenda King. “You are never as alone as you think you are,” he says. “There are people at Montclair State University who genuinely want to see you succeed.”