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When Lashanté Sampson first visited St. Thomas University as a high school student from The Bahamas, she could not have imagined that her journey would one day take her to Oxford University, St. James's Palace in London, international forums in Saudi Arabia, and leadership roles representing young people across the Commonwealth.
Drawn to STU's welcoming community, emphasis on leadership, and commitment to student success, she quickly realized she had found a university where she could grow both personally and professionally.
"There was something special about the community, the campus culture, and the emphasis on leadership that resonated with me," she recalled.
At the time, Lashanté had already decided to study International Business, a program unavailable in The Bahamas. Pursuing higher education abroad was always part of her plan, and when STU offered her admission, the decision felt natural.
"Looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I have ever made," she said.
Although she was familiar with South Florida through frequent visits, living and studying in another country introduced a new level of independence and responsibility. Like many international students, she faced financial challenges while pursuing her education abroad. Through determination and hard work, she balanced academics with campus employment, working in the university bookstore before joining the Residence Life team as a Resident Assistant.
That experience would become one of the most influential chapters of her time at STU.
"What attracted me most was the opportunity to make a direct impact on the student experience," she said. "I wanted to help create an environment where students felt welcomed, supported, and connected."
As a Resident Assistant, Lashanté developed skills in leadership, conflict resolution, event planning, communication, and community building. She learned how to balance empathy with accountability and how to lead diverse groups of students through challenges and opportunities alike.
The mentors and professional staff members she worked alongside in Residence Life reinforced lessons that continue to guide her today: details matter, preparation matters, and leadership requires consistency.
Among her favorite memories were Welcome Week and the annual Battle of the Halls competitions, where she helped create memorable experiences for students while fostering community and school spirit.
"There is something meaningful about helping someone feel at home during what may be one of the biggest transitions of their life," she reflected.
The leadership skills developed at STU now guide her work on an international stage.
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London, Lashanté also serves as a National Youth Ambassador to the Commonwealth and a Youth Senator in The Bahamas. Through these roles, she contributes to conversations surrounding governance, youth participation, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Her dedication to public service has led to opportunities across the globe. She has participated in the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum, served as a UNESCO and UNAOC Young Peacebuilder, contributed to the Caribbean Development Bank's Future Leaders Network, and been recognized among the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust's 100 Young Leaders.
One of the most notable moments in her journey came earlier this year when she attended a Commonwealth Day reception at St. James's Palace in London at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth.
The reception brought together Commonwealth leaders, diplomats, accredited organizations, and youth representatives from around the world. As part of her work with the Commonwealth Youth Council, Lashanté joined fellow youth leaders in discussions focused on youth development, leadership, governance, and international collaboration throughout the Commonwealth.
The event provided opportunities to engage with High Commissioners, institutional leaders, and representatives ahead of upcoming Commonwealth initiatives, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Commonwealth Youth Forum. It also highlighted the important role young leaders continue to play in shaping the future of the Commonwealth.
For Lashanté, the experience was about much more than meeting a monarch.
"I have always believed that none of us succeeds alone," she said. "Whenever I step into international spaces, I carry with me the people, communities, and institutions that helped shape my journey. That includes my family, my country, and St. Thomas University."
Recognition on the international stage has been matched by recognition at home in The Bahamas.
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