Alumni Spotlight - Samantha Goralski, Class of 2000

Samantha Goralski Alumni SpotlightWhen did you attend Lamphere? What year did you graduate? What schools did you attend?
I attended Lamphere from 96-2000, Graduated class 2000, I attended Edmonson Elementary, John Page Middle School and Lamphere High! 

Where do you live now? (City, State): Clinton Township MI 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation. (Work, College, Travel etc):
I ventured out to figure out who I was! I started college when I knew I could take advantage of the privilege we have here Online College with Baker College and I have completed two degrees, Associate of Business and Bachelors of Business with a minor in Accounting. I have worked primarily in the Automotive sector started early on the distribution/retail side to the middle man (Supplier) and currently work for the second largest Auto Supplier in the world!! Magna! My direct role is within the Powertrain Group, $12 billion in Revenue

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
I have a daughter Olivia who is 12 years old. Olivia is the light of my life, she re-introduced me to myself in a beautiful and mature way. She has brought so much joy and inner peace to me. One thing she is, is a great athlete.. something at her age I did not know about. I was lacking confidence and never gave myself a chance.. Olivia is determined and self-love is deep within her to fear nothing when it comes to taking a chance at something knowing she may not cut it. With her positive determination, she excels and plays naturally and is extremely fun to watch! My hobby has become learning about sports through her, seeing how wonderfully they impact children. It's the best example in life to help them learn how to be balanced without tough enforcement.

I enjoy exploring the development Downtown Detroit that is coming back, spending time with my three dogs and going to Eastern Market. I love reading and listening to influencing pod-casts to educate me. 

How did your years at Lamphere affect your life?
Years at Lamphere gave me the platform to challenge change, diversity and empathy for others. One thing I remember, I attended Lamphere during a tragic time in our world. The Columbine Massacre. That was one of the first marks in History where a child was responsible for going into his high-school for killing peers. I was so impacted, mostly because I could relate to these kids. Not because I was a part of a similar situation, but because I was peer to them and from our eyes we were children who would watch local news about things that happened but certainly never in the responsible arms of a child. It made me think kids are and can be capable.. we need to love our kids more.

Lamphere was excellent for coming together and making our community feel extremely safe. Mailing letters to parents, parents holding meetings and kids mostly, kids that weren't friends with other kids.. suddenly came together. It was like our school was not directly impacted but the even indirectly impacted us to unite together and make everyone feel like they had a place and the key was they felt like they "belonged" some where. Now years later, my nephews are still in the Lamphere school district, and I can say you still are making the same efforts. So thank you. 


If you had a message for current Lamphere students what would it be? : I would love to tell the kids today, be kind to one another. In the quiet times, take a deep breath or maybe it's just a simple breath.. but allow yourself to be alone inside and know that it's okay. If you can do that and practice that.. you will be able to impact others and other will learn from you.