Samara Huezo '24 first enrolled at Texas A&M University as a pre-med student, following family tradition. After a chemistry class did not suit her, she explored other interests, including travel, nature and the outdoors. She found recreation, parks and tourism sciences, which later became the hospitality management program in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A relationship with instructional assistant professor Heather Eden helped her get her first internship, at the Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park, Montana.
At Texas A&M, Huezo joined the Aggie Fish Club and Sophomores Leading and Motivating. She later became one of the department's first student ambassadors. She worked at three hotels, including the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. She credited a hotel operations management course with teaching her how to read a hotel's financials.
Huezo is now guest services manager at The Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs, the largest hotel in town. She oversees the front desk, bell and valet staff and a large team. She recently added sustainability to her role, earning a LEED Green Associate certification and leading green-building initiatives at the 25-year-old property. Her advice to graduates is not to fear the unknown.