Meet Sam, Our Security Guard and Friend

By Kayla Brogan

My mother used to say, “You have to make lemonade out of lemons, as bitter as they are.” This is emblematic of Sam’s entire attitude as he navigates a sometimes-challenging workday as a security guard at White Plains High School. He can take a tough day and turn it into something sweet.

For the past two years, Sam has filled the halls of White Plains High School with positivity, always greeting everyone with an infectious smile and an uplifting word.

Originally from a mountainous region in Kenya, Sam’s journey to the U.S. was both exhilarating and challenging.

“I moved here in October 2019, just before COVID hit. It was a big change. I came with my wife and two kids, hoping for greener pastures. But right after we landed, the world changed. The pandemic hit, and everything got a lot tougher. Getting a job was tricky, and we couldn’t go home because of flight cancellations.”

Despite the challenges, Sam remained optimistic. “We moved here for my kids to have better opportunities, and for a new adventure. Traveling to new places lets us learn so many new things.”

Sam values his interactions with students as his favorite part of the job. Coming from a background in public relations and hospitality management, he says this has shaped his enjoyment for connecting with people.

His typical day starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. During that time, through his role as our security guard, he supports students and works closely with administrators. “We’re all here to work together,” Sam explains. “It’s a team effort, and I’m just happy to be part of it.”

Throughout his day, he often finds himself inspired by the students he interacts with daily. “When I see students who are focused and sincere about schoolwork, it really touches my heart,” Sam reflects.

His advice to students is clear: “If I could do it all again, I would have been more serious about my education. Once you reach a certain point in life, your mindset changes, and that’s when you start to see a clear direction for your future. You have to make the most of every opportunity, because once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Sam also shared his secret to staying positive throughout the day. He explained that you should leave each problem where it is rooted and solve it there. When you bring problems out of where they are meant to be left and mingle them with others, it causes havoc.

When Sam isn’t working at White Plains High School, he spends his time indulging in his passions. Fitness plays an important role in his life, and he enjoys staying active. Traveling is another one of his great loves, and he cherishes the opportunity to explore new places and cultures with his family. He also considers himself an extreme extrovert—always eager to meet new people and engage in lively conversations.

During our conversation, Sam mentioned that in Kenya, there are more than 60 indigenous languages. However, the official languages are Swahili and English, which serve as a unifying force so everyone can communicate effectively. This is symbolic of the ways in which Sam can make anyone at White Plains High School feel truly welcomed.