Paying it Forward: Samantha Bleim’s Story

Samantha Bleim is proof that an investment by the Schoolcraft College Foundation can yield life-changing results. A 28-year-old aspiring Spanish major at Schoolcraft College, her collegiate trajectory is not traditional, but it is exceptional.

Through learning about Foundation-supported resources like the Hinkle Student Resource Center and the Student Food Pantry, she discovered how much reaching out for support can help. Now her work to create more support opportunities is felt throughout campus. She can’t imagine her life without utilizing these services, but when this endeavor began, she had no idea she would need them too.

Bleim found quick success in her college career as an Honors student, STEAM Fellow and second-term President of Phi Theta Kappa’s Omicron Iota Chapter. That momentum was tempered when a roommate moved away without warning, leaving her with the financial burden of rent. Around this time, her grandmother suffered a stroke. She was thrust into the position of caring for her grandparents, keeping up in class, making enough money to get by and maintaining her previous obligations all at once. Money dwindled and stress rose until shedecided she didn’t need to act alone.

Bleim started her journey at the Hinkle Student Resource Center. It serves as a guide for students who are struggling by providing resources for issues ranging from mental health, addiction support, domestic violence and food, clothing or economic insecurity.

“I realized I was one of those students that could use some help,” Bleim said. “It really made me understand what other students could be going through. I had never been in a position where I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make rent or was unsure of what my future was going to look like because of unfortunate circumstances.”

She was directed to Student Support Specialist with Student Relations Annaliese Corace for a wellness session. These meetings helped her navigate stress and stay productive through this difficult time. Then she was connected with Learning Support Services where she followed a plan to stay on top of her academics.

Throughout this process, she began to wonder if other students were aware of these services.

“It’s really hard to ask for help,” Bleim said. “You don’t realize that until you’re walking out of the Food Pantry, and you’re trying to hide the bags that you just put food into. That was kind of the biggest eye opener for me, because I always had the passion to want to help people, but it really hits different when you’re one of the people that are utilizing the resources you’re trying to offer to other people.”

The Food Pantry is open to all members of the campus community and currently stocks non-perishable goods in the lower level of the Vistatech Center.

Financial fear and food insecurity lessened, Bleim was able to focus on PTK, which became a voice for her to promote the resources that the College and Foundation offer. She and the rest of the team weren’t initially aware of the tools and services offered to students like the Hinkle Center and Food Pantry, so their goal became clear; ensure that students aren’t in the dark.

“We wanted to find a way to broadcast these resources and connect students with them on campus and then off campus, because someday, you’re going to leave Schoolcraft and then what are you going to do?” Bleim said. “Students want to be here; they want to get an education. But finding a way in this unpredictable economy can be really hard, and it’s scary.”

As a result, she spent the next year redefining student’s perception of support resources. Her PTK team organized events discussing eating disorders, burnout, stress management and workload management alongside Charlie Health, an organization that hosts virtual group therapy sessions.

She is committed to paying forward the support she received. Over the next year, she plans on guiding the PTK team through a full restock of the Food Pantry. The team plans to break the stigma of asking for help, get resources for students who need them and continue to keep the pantry stocked for a variety of dietary restrictions.

“I admire how much Schoolcraft tries to support the students,” Bleim said. “It has been able to support me through those varying degrees of struggle. It really set me up for the best chance at getting involved, getting more scholarships and practicing real-world experiences. If it weren’t for Schoolcraft’s community, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

As a Spanish student, Bleim was born with a love of travel. That love has turned into a passion enabling her to connect with people across a language divide. Now she hopes to use the skill to break down barriers for others,like Schoolcraft has done for her.

“I didn’t understand at the time how broad the opportunities become when you’re bilingual,” Bleim said. “Over my few years here at Schoolcraft, it’s all kind of unwoven what I could really do with advocacy and how the two of those ties together. I really value a sense of community; I feel blessed, empowered and I just want to help people the way I needed it.”

Bleim hopes to transfer and continue pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Spanish in winter 2027. Today, she is far from the only student on campus who benefits from the Food Pantry and Hinkle Center. Through enveloping herself in what the Foundation has to offer, she is eager to pay it forward, not just connect these tools to new students during her second term as PTK president, but to the Schoolcraft community that supports her and the workforce she will soon join as well.

Through generous support, the Hinkle Student Center and Student Food Pantry receive more than $25,000 annually. To make a gift, please click here.