Sam Hodges is currently in her second year of the Jump Start dual enrollment program at Western Nevada College. 
In May, she will complete her Associate degree in General Studies just before she graduates from Carson High School and should have her Automotive Service Excellence certification for brakes and electrical systems. 
Next year, Sam plans to continue taking classes at WNC, focusing on certification in auto body repair. Sam is unsure of what career she will pursue as she is interested in writing a book (fictional), writing for a newspaper and working on exteriors of cars or troubleshooting automotive electrical systems. 
Sam describes herself as being quiet, hardworking and having a good sense of humor. What she doesn’t share is that she has a strong commitment to her family, a willingness to challenge herself and utmost modesty. From a young age, her parents instilled a strong work ethic, which shows in her levels of responsibility and dependability.
She recently received a “Lamp of Learning” pin due to being a second-time recipient of a Carson High School Academic Award. During her high school career, she completed a three-year program in engineering, tackled available Honors and Advanced Placement and college classes while earning a 4.48 GPA.
Sam picked up her first instrument, a violin, when she was 8 years old at Empire Elementary School. This created her passion for making music, leading to participation in school bands, including Chamber Orchestra at Carson High. Along the way Sam has added cello and saxophone to her repertoire, winning awards for her advanced skills.
When Sam is not in class, she works at the Bubble Tea Station Corner, where she enjoys making refreshments and hanging out with co-workers.

— Provided by Carson City School District as part of Senior Spotlight