Buckeye Roots, Stanford Wings: Meet Sami Pedro, the Ohio student who proved anything is possible

Most people leave Ohio for California in search of sunshine. Sami Pedro is heading there for something much rarer: debt-free education at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. As one of the few students nationwide to land a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University, Sami is proof that you don’t need a coastal zip code to have world-class ambition. In this exclusive interview, we talk about the ‘Golden Ticket’ moment, the application essay that changed everything, and how to stay grounded when you’re suddenly headed for the stars.

First of all, congratulations! A full ride scholarship to Stanford is huge. Please introduce yourself

Hello! My name is Sami Pedro. I’m a Beninese American, and I’m a senior at Westerville South High School.

What’s your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subjects in school are science, especially computer science and physics. Both classes touch on some really interesting concepts, and I think they have a unique ability to make those concepts easily applicable in the real world.

I love getting hands-on in my physics labs and learning the code behind apps I use in my daily life. I also really like the problem-solving that comes with both.

What is one thing you’re very proud of accomplishing in high school so far?

The thing I would say I’m most proud of is just staying consistent throughout all my years. I’m glad to say that I’ve earned all A’s so far, and more importantly, I’m glad I was able to push through all the academic slumps and keep achieving the goals I set for myself.

Have you had any impactful experiences with a teacher or a mentor?

All of my teachers in high school have been very encouraging, especially my freshman-year teachers, who helped encourage my more rigorous course load the next year. I’d also highlight my AP Physics 1 teacher. He was a really nice and supportive teacher, and his class really deepened my love for STEM. He also showed our class Interstellar, which became one of my favorite movies.

Take us back to the exact moment you opened that acceptance notification. Did you scream, cry, or just stare at the screen in silence?

I stared at my screen in silence for quite a bit. Reading that I got in felt a bit surreal. Even after it sunk in, I just felt immensely grateful.

Let’s rewind a bit. When did Stanford first land on your radar? Was it always the dream, or did the dream grow over time?

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I didn’t grow up hearing about many of the college options. Before I started researching colleges in my junior year, I had only heard about Stanford a few times. Once I started researching, I found I really connected with the school and its values. I became drawn to many of its programs, and I really appreciated the innovative culture.

What do you hope to study, and why did you choose the field?

I hope to study computer science. I chose the field because I’m fascinated by how technology shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. I hope I can leverage its many connections to solve meaningful problems in the world.

How has growing up in Ohio shaped your work ethic or perspective in a way that you think stood out to the West Coast admissions committee?

I think that mostly I’ve just been pushed toward a more community-driven mindset. Through volunteering, I’ve come to care deeply about local issues and making my local community a better place. I think that in working to achieve those goals, I’ve gained a work ethic and perspective that I’ll carry with me.

People see the scholarship, but they don’t always see the grind. What did your day-to-day look like while you were working toward this goal?

Most days start around 5 or 6 a.m., when I will get ready for school. After school, I’d head to bowling practice, a club meeting, work, or sometimes all three. When I got home, I’d find time to do my homework and maybe read or tinker with my laptop. During college application season, I used any spare time I had to work on writing my essays.

What was the hardest part of the journey, academically, emotionally, or personally?

During application season, balancing time for academics and essay writing could be challenging. I had to really plan my time carefully if I also wanted to avoid getting burnt out.

And on the flip side, what kept you going on the days you wanted to quit?

Having support throughout my journey was really helpful to me. My friends who were going through the same process were very encouraging. I also found online communities to turn to, and my college advisor, whom I got through the Matriculate program, was also extremely helpful.

Every journey has its hurdles. What was the biggest “no” or “you can’t do that” you had to overcome to get to this “yes”?

I think my own self-doubt was the biggest hurdle. Sometimes my goals would feel so far out of reach, especially when I went online and compared myself to others who have done so many impressive things. I had to learn to trust my own abilities and push forward.

Beyond the GPA, what was the most “you” part of your application? Was there an essay or a project that truly captured your voice?

I think my general personal statement was the most “me.” I centered it around being an adventurer, and I explored the ways I’ve approached academics and life in general with curiosity. I think my rough draft, especially, felt very authentic and reflective of who I am.

They say it takes a village. Who are the people in your Ohio community who kept you grounded when the pressure was high?

My mom, my brothers, my friends, my counselors, and my teachers. All their support really meant a lot to me.

What’s the one thing from Ohio you’re definitely packing, and what’s the one thing (like maybe 6-inch snowfalls) you’re happy to leave behind?

One thing I’m definitely packing is my journal. I actually wrote one of my Stanford essays about it, which was pretty fun. One thing I’m happy to leave behind is ten-minute car rides being hour-long walks. I’m glad Stanford is in a much more walkable area, and I’ll be happy to walk and bike around campus. When it comes to snow, I think I’d probably actually miss that.

You have four years at one of the best institutions in the world. What’s the “big problem” in the world you hope to solve by the time you graduate?

I’d hope, by the time I graduate, I’ll have been thoroughly equipped to address the climate crisis.

What would you say to a high school sophomore in a small Ohio town who thinks a school like Stanford is “only for other people”?

I would tell them that Stanford is for anyone who allows themselves to dream boldly and is willing to put in the effort to make their dreams come true.

How has your definition of “success” changed from your freshman year of high school to now?

As a freshman, I defined success mostly in academic terms. Now, I still strive to achieve academic success, but I also strive to do anything that will make me the best version of myself I can be.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing young people today?

Our world is still plagued by many social inequalities and injustices that get amplified digitally. For young people, this can be especially overwhelming, as the age of the people who hold power in society gets older. The challenge is to find ways to create a better future despite this.

Thank you for sharing. What’s one thing you wish adults understood better about teenagers?

I wish adults understood that teenagers need both freedom and support. We need room to explore who we are, but we also need guidance and encouragement to help us.

There are teens reading this who dream big but doubt themselves. What would you say to them?

I would tell them to believe in themselves and trust that they are more capable than they realize. I would also tell them to set smaller, more intentional goals that help them move toward their big dream.

How would you describe yourself in five words or fewer?

Curious. Aspiring. Empathetic. Reflective. Content.

Quick facts

• Favorite Food: Fried Rice
• Favorite Fruit: Mango
• Favorite Color: Purple
• Favorite Animal: Jellyfish
• Morning Person or Night Owl: Night Owl
• YouTube or TikTok: YouTube