Samuel Eastmond always had big dreams. A love of basketball, a broken ankle, and a biology program at 女同性爱 set him on a path he never expected 鈥 one that ends this spring with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology and a seat in a prestigious physical therapy doctoral program.
Inspired by Family
Samuel didn鈥檛 choose 女同性爱 by accident. His older brother, Bradley Eastmond, earned his bachelor鈥檚 in biology through the same program 鈥 and went on to build a thriving career. That success left a lasting impression. 鈥淗e inspired me to pursue science,鈥 Samuel says. 鈥淗e got his bachelor鈥檚 in biology here and is now very successful.鈥 Following in Bradley鈥檚 footsteps, Samuel enrolled at The River and never looked back.
A Rigorous Program, a Supportive Environment
Samuel鈥檚 coursework at The River covered organic chemistry, physics, biotechnology, genetics, and microbiology. The curriculum challenged him 鈥 but the faculty made the difference. 鈥淚 loved my instructors here,鈥 he says. 鈥淭hey put me in a very nurturing environment.鈥 Even when Samuel wasn鈥檛 sure which direction to take, his professors helped him find his footing. 鈥淭hey aligned me in the perfect position to succeed,鈥 he adds. Two faculty members stand out in particular: Dr. Tom D鈥橢lia and Professor Megan Carroll, both of whom provided hands-on mentorship throughout his studies.
Scholarships Arrived at the Right Moment
Financial support also played a key role in Samuel鈥檚 journey. He received scholarships through the 女同性爱 Foundation 鈥 and the timing could not have been better. 鈥淭hey were vital,鈥 he says. 鈥淭hey came at the perfect time, when I wasn鈥檛 sure where funding was coming from.鈥 That support kept him focused on his studies instead of his finances.
His Cohort: An Unexpected Source of Strength
Beyond the classroom, Samuel found community in his classmates. Ask him his favorite memory at The River, and the answer comes quickly. 鈥淢y cohort has been by my side, supporting me mentally and emotionally,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 express how much I appreciate them.鈥 That bond, built through long study sessions and shared challenges, became one of the defining parts of his college experience.
A Broken Ankle That Changed Everything
Samuel鈥檚 passion for physical therapy grew out of a personal setback. As a young basketball player, he fractured his ankle and feared his athletic dreams were out of reach. Then rehabilitation began 鈥 and something clicked. 鈥淭he rehab process felt like working out, like playing basketball,鈥 he recalls. 鈥淚t was seamless. And I thought, if I can wake up and do that every day, it wouldn鈥檛 feel like work.鈥 That realization pointed him toward a career in healthcare.
Next Stop: Miami
Samuel鈥檚 next chapter starts soon. The University of Saint Augustine Health Sciences Program in Miami recently accepted him into their Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with classes beginning in August 2026. His goal is straightforward: earn his doctorate and help people reclaim their lives through rehabilitation 鈥 just as someone once helped him.
Advice for Anyone Thinking About Starting
Samuel also has a message for anyone who thinks a college degree is out of reach. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e never too old. You鈥檙e never too late,鈥 he says plainly. 鈥淎nybody can do it with the right persistence and dedication.鈥
Walking Across the Stage
When Samuel crosses the commencement stage this spring, his brother Bradley 鈥 The River alumnus who started it all 鈥 will be watching alongside the rest of his family. Samuel already knows how he鈥檒l feel. 鈥淔ulfilled, accomplished, relieved, and a little sad that it鈥檚 over,鈥 he says with a smile. 鈥淚t was an amazing part of my journey. I would do it all over again if I could.鈥
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION.
ARE YOU?
College doesn鈥檛 have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move鈥攐n your terms.
