5 Young Women 2024: Jordyn Sams gets involved to help others
For Lincoln High School senior Jordyn Sams, the inspiration to serve runs in the family. Drawing motivation from those whose footsteps she is following, she describes herself as an aspiring attorney and community advocate. “I know I am fortunate enough to be able to help people, and my family has shown me there are things we can do and ways to get involved,” she said.
Her keen interest in service and initiative to take action has made Jordyn Sams one of Tallahassee’s 5 Young Women to Watch.
She is a dual-enrolled student athlete at Lincoln High School and Tallahassee Community College with a 4.12 weighted GPA, a member of the Lincoln High School girls varsity basketball team and the National Honor Society, and previously played on the Lincoln High School girls flag football team.
Her volunteer work with Pearls of Perfection, Pace Center for Girls, One Gadsden Foundation, and the National Honor Society is an example of Jordyn’s diverse interests. “I started high school in 2020, and with everything that was going on, I felt like it was good to get involved and try to help,” she explains. “Since I was a little girl I’ve been going to Pace events and seeing the impact that it has in people’s lives encourages me.”
Jordyn especially enjoyed being part of Youth Leadership Tallahassee. “It was the highlight of my high school career,” she says. “Before, I wasn’t as exposed to everything Tallahassee has to offer and many people from other schools. Youth Leadership Tallahassee taught me how much we all have in common.”
Being able to meet public servants and first responders widened her awareness of the myriad perspectives that go into running a city. “I want to be an attorney because through my experiences I have seen ways to improve through legal advocacy and community involvement,” she says. “Specifically, I want to be able to serve those who are underrepresented.”
Her comprehensive approach to leadership and service, which includes educational support, community development, and individual mentorship, reflects dedication to creating meaningful change in her community. “Living in Tallahassee has inspired me to take interest in local and state government because I want to make a difference in the lives of others,” Jordyn said. “My uncle is an attorney and I have watched him advocate for those who are underserved in our community. Being able to help and guide others inspires me to want to be great.”
Her commitment and dedication to academics and extracurricular activities underscore her well-rounded character, as she makes time to volunteer with the Trojan Tots Daycare at Lincoln High School.
“My mom is a role model for me. She inspires me because she takes her career seriously and because I have watched her do what it takes to be successful. I can tell that sometimes it has not been easy but she persevered and showed me what it means to work hard and serve others.”
Jordyn’s sights are set on future university studies, as she receives acceptance letters and determines the best path for her. Until then, she’s busy doing Jordyn things. “Reading, playing basketball, hanging with friends, and volunteering. I enjoy that Tallahassee is diverse and has something for everyone to do. I also love that it is a vibrant college town.”
With wisdom beyond her years, Jordyn knows that not every day is going to be inspired, and there are times when even the most motivated leaders aren’t feeling it. “I like to see the little wins,” she says. “Even though we are working towards a bigger goal, the little wins motivate me and remind me that if things don’t go my way or times are tough, it will be worth it to persevere.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 5 Young Women 2024: Jordyn Sams stays involved
