Meet Our Whitties: Sam Cleary '22

Meet Our Whitties is an occasional feature produced by the Office of Communications. It features a Q&A with students from across Whitman College.

Sam Cleary '22, Seattle, Washington

Undeclared major, but most likely double majoring in Film and Media Studies and Politics

What brought you to Whitman?
I really wanted to have relationships with my peers and professors. I didn't want to isolate myself. I'm also a filmmaker, and the Film and Media Department was a large draw. It was better than the other liberal arts schools I looked at.

What is the best class you've taken?
Ancient Mediterranean History with Assistant Professor Sarah Davies. I really like the level of depth and the nuances of the class, especially the fun and entertaining aspects of ancient history. It was a fun and lively class, but also very rigorous.

What do you do for fun?
I like to run and bike; I'm also an avid climber. I also make films in my spare time. The last film I made was about microeconomics and how they relate to the local music store in Walla Walla, Hot Poop. I also love web concerts and going to all the speakers on campus.

How do you connect with the Walla Walla community?
I've engaged in the community making films like the one with Hot Poop. I'm also a paid videographer for the student publication, "The Wire." I recently filmed the Walla Walla Parade of Lights and interviewed local Walla Wallans about the parade and its tradition in town.

I also meet locals while biking and running. I chat with them and get recommendations about paths to go on.

I just got an offer to help lead a civic project, Every Vote Counts. It's all over the country and we're looking to bring a chapter to Whitman. We would like to focus on recently released felons from the Walla Walla prison. We want them to know that, "‘You can vote. You should vote. Your vote counts."

What's your go-to meal at Cleveland Commons?
Pizza and a Caesar salad.

What do you want to do after Whitman?
I am exploring a path in film in Vancouver, B.C., or Los Angeles. I might pursue an MFA because I might want to be a professor and make films on the side. I think I'd specialize in producing and/or cinematography. My dream job would be to work on a show like "Vice News." It's a video journalism show on HBO.

What's your favorite thing about being a student at Whitman?
I feel like I'll never run out of things to do here. Whitman has so many resources. I could just spin a wheel and find a resource here for it. It gives me hope that I can become better and get ready for the real world.