By Shelby Westighouse, Chadron State College
CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State College junior Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyoming, is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for December 2025.
Hill is a double major in criminal justice and psychology, and minoring in art. After graduating, she intends to provide counseling for juveniles in the correctional system, or for juveniles who may be related to somebody in the correctional system.
Working at the Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County during high school ignited her passion for helping others.
“I grew to love being able to help the kids there. I learned so much about myself and I loved being able to be there for the kids and teach them new things,” Hill said.
Her choice to pursue a minor in art was motivated by a longstanding love for the subject.
“I had an art teacher who saw the passion I had for art and would always give me extra tasks to do after school when I was waiting for my mom or anything like that. That’s kind of where that love for art came from,” Hill said.
Along with serving as a creative outlet, Hill’s art experience could open potential career opportunities. With the skills she is learning, she will have the ability to provide criminal sketches in the future.
“I want to continue learning. If I want to do art for fun in the future, then I know some more techniques,” she said.
Hill is involved on campus and with her peers. Currently, she is the Nebraska State College System Board Student Trustee for CSC and an Admissions Ambassador on campus. She is also a member of various clubs including Cardinal Key and Project Strive.
For fun, Hill enjoys attending campus events. Some of her favorites over the years include the Silent Disco and volunteering at events such as the tie blanket night.
“Sam exemplifies the very best of our Project Strive community. She is a kind, thoughtful leader who uplifts others, represents our college with integrity, and approaches challenges with grit and resilience,” said Sonja Dressel, Project Strive student counselor.
Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.