Samuel Loomis is a broad endorsement music major with an unofficial minor in film and media. He earned his associate degree in music at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, Michigan, before transferring to WSU in fall 2022.
“I am graduating with honors from WSU with a 3.98 GPA,” Loomis said. “I have gone against all odds and have come out of WSU with a degree that was very hard work. I am happy I went through it because it made me stronger.”
He has been student teaching at Asotin Public Schools for the past year, where he leads lessons in the music program.
“It has been a huge privilege for me to be put in such an amazing position at Asotin Public Schools,” Loomis said. “The students are amazing, and the faculty and staff are very kind and curious. The music program is very strong with some amazing student musicians.”
Music has been an important motivator for Loomis, who has been involved in band and choir for much of his life. He believes music helped him discover his identity and change his life, which fuels his passion for education.
Honesty, honor, compassion, understanding, integrity and accountability are traits Loomis values most. He hopes to be a role model for his future students by embodying those principles.
While student teaching has been rewarding, it has also made Loomis feel detached from campus life. To stay connected, he started a radio show titled “Saturdays With Sammy,” which broadcasts at 3 p.m. on KUGR.
“I talk about random stuff, but I always make sure to have fun guests and friends on the show to talk about the randomness of any topic life can offer,” Loomis said.
When asked what advice he would give incoming WSU students, Loomis offered what he’s learned over the past few years.
“Embrace that no one is perfect, and you may have struggles at first, but that is what college is about — finding yourself through errors, life stories and memories made,” he said. “Go out and do whatever you can when you can, because before you know it, it will all be in your rearview mirror, and you’ll wish you had done more.”
Though he often feels homesick and is excited to return to Michigan, Loomis said he is grateful for his time at WSU.
“WSU has made me who I am today—a teacher, friend and lover of all things music education,” he said.
