Name: Sam Brandes
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Major: Environmental and Natural Resources Minors: Political Science and Communication Studies
Favorite place for lunch (on campus or in town): YourPIE! It’s like Subway, but for pizza…and I would spend all of my money there if I didn’t have a sliver of self control.
Favorite spot on campus: Definitely would be the corner of the fourth floor of Brackett Hall – there is a really nice spot with tables and chairs under the windows that overlook the Reflection Pond and Cooper Library.
Favorite question on a tour: “What is your favorite thing about Clemson?” There are so many things that make Clemson special, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be the community. The “Clemson Family” isn’t just a cliche phrase we say on tours, it truly is a real thing. Everyone is smiling and friendly no matter where you go. The entire campus is dressed in orange on Solid Orange Fridays before a home football game. And more times than not, you’ll even have professors end their emails with a “Go Tigers!”. It’s amazing how much passion pulses through campus on a daily basis, and this makes us at Clemson unlike any other university in the country.
Clubs and Organizations you are involved in on campus: CUSG (shoutout Senate and Agricultural Affairs), Clemson Honors College, FCA, Howell Pre-Law Society, Agribusiness Club, and CUGA!
Hobbies: Visiting National Parks with my family! I love packing a bag, getting in the car, and exploring all the beautiful sights our country has to offer. It’s my goal to one day visit every park. I even have a bucket list of all the hikes I want to hit!
Advice for jumping into college life: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Join a club, try new things, and never say no to a potential opportunity. The transition to college isn’t always easy, but getting involved on campus is the best way to learn about yourself and explore what you’re passionate about.
Advice on how to choose a college: Find somewhere that you can call home – not just for four years, but for life. No matter where you go, make sure that after you leave, you are proud to say “I went to…”. College should be the place where you’ll form lifelong friendships and make some of your best memories, so find the place where you feel like you can be a part of the community.
Fun fact about yourself: My blood runs orange – I’m a fourth generation Clemson student (and a third generation CUGA legacy)!