Samantha Kaufman encourages students to ‘be intentional’ at First-Year Convocation

Samantha Kaufman, ’25, delivered an inspiring speech to the incoming Class of 2029 during Buffalo State University’s annual First-Year Convocation on August 22.

“If I could give you one piece of advice for your time here, it would be this: be intentional about how you use it,” Kaufman told students. “College will go by faster than you think. In four years, you don’t want to look back and realize you stayed in the same lane the whole time. Take the class that has nothing to do with your major but everything to do with your curiosity. Join the club even if you don’t know anyone in it yet. And when you feel stuck, remember that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.”

Kaufman addressed a full auditorium in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall for First-Year Convocation, the Buffalo State tradition that officially introduces and welcomes its newest students to the campus academic community.

Kaufman graduated from Buffalo State in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in earth science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Buffalo State in order to become a teacher. During her undergraduate career, Kaufman excelled in academics as a member of the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program and in athletics as a goalkeeper for our NCAA soccer team. She conducted field work through her Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship, worked as a teaching assistant and academic tutor, and served as president of the Astronomy and Geology Club. 

Following is the full text of Kaufman’s speech:

“Hello Bengals!

It’s such an honor to be here today, and honestly, a little surreal. Four years ago, I was sitting where you are—excited, nervous, and wondering what college would be like, asking myself, “Am I ready for this?” Today, I’m honored to be back to welcome you into this amazing community.

My name is Sam, and I graduated from Buffalo State this past spring. I majored in Earth Science, and I am continuing my education here to become a teacher. When I think back on my time here, I realize that Buffalo State didn’t just give me an education—it gave me the space, the people, the support, and the challenges that shaped who I am today.

When my college journey was just starting, I had two things on my mind—passing my classes and playing soccer—and I thought it was going to be as simple as that. Classes were harder than I expected. Soccer took up all the free time I thought I would have. I felt out of place and wondered if I’d ever find my people.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that the most important parts of my college experience weren’t always the things I had planned for—they were the unexpected moments where I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. 

Never would I have thought that I’d join the Astronomy and Geology Club and later become president. Never would I have thought that I’d take a weekend trip every semester to study rocks in various states and create friendships that I know will last forever. And I certainly never thought that I’d be proud to be part of the “weird and nerdy” group that loves to talk about rocks all the time.

In the long run, these moments gave me the most unexpected opportunity—one I will forever be grateful for. In the spring semester of my third year, my professor approached me and asked if I wanted to do research with him for the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship program. At first, I almost didn’t do it. I was convinced I wasn’t ready, or that I wouldn’t be able to do it. But I said yes—and that yes ended up changing everything. I was able to travel to Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, where I conducted field work and collected rock samples. These samples were brought back here to be processed and analyzed. With the data collected, I presented my research for the first time at the Geological Society of America conference this past March. There are a lot more details that I won’t bore you with, but I think you get my point—I learned more in that one experience than I could have imagined, not just about the topic, but about myself.

And that’s the thing: Buffalo State is full of “yes” moments. They won’t all look the same. Sometimes they’ll come as a professor who challenges you to think differently. Sometimes it’s a class you didn’t expect to like but ends up sparking a new passion. Sometimes it’s an opportunity that scares you just enough to know it matters —like the speech I’m giving you right now.

If I could give you one piece of advice for your time here, it would be this: be intentional about how you use it. College will go by faster than you think. In four years, you don’t want to look back and realize you stayed in the same lane the whole time. Take the class that has nothing to do with your major but everything to do with your curiosity. Join the club even if you don’t know anyone in it yet.

And when you feel stuck, remember that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Talk to your professors, your coaches, your advisors—they only want to see you succeed. Our community here at Buffalo State offers so much support in whatever way you need it. Who knew that President Durand would come to watch my team play two years ago—and that she would become such a large part of my support system?

Buffalo State will give you so many tools—but you’re the one who decides how to use them. The students who get the most out of college aren’t the ones who have the easiest time; they’re the ones who show up, stay curious, and keep trying even when it’s hard.

So, as you start this journey, know this: you belong here. Every single one of you has something unique to contribute to this community. The road so far hasn’t been easy, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get where you are today. The next few years will challenge you, inspire you, and maybe even surprise you. You’ll make mistakes, but you’ll also make memories, friendships, and achievements that will stay with you long after graduation.

I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way. Welcome to Buffalo State.

Thank you.”