Journeys With Sam

Origins: Journeys with Sam was founded in late 2004 by Katie Granger, who also served as the organization's first president. Named after the documentary Journeys With George, the organization was founded to provide students a fun, experiential way for students to learn about politics. The first trip organized under the auspices of Journeys With Sam was to Washington, DC, to see the 2005 Presidential Inauguration.

Previous Trips: As noted above, the first Journeys trip was to see the Presidential inauguration of 2005. Students arrived in DC to find near-blizzard conditions, but they braved the cold--spending more than six hours in 20 degree weather to see the 55th Presidential Inauguration. Although the conditions resulted in a twenty-four hour delay--much of it, apparently, spent in the airport bar--the students enjoyed themselves and experienced a part of history. They have followed the first trip with return trips to Washington, DC and several trips to Austin, Dallas, and Galveston.

Spirit of the Organization: The organization is founded on the principles of group learning and fun. The organization provides the opportunity to travel at affordable rates, but it provides much more. Importantly, it provides the opportunity to make enduring friendships, gain new experiences, network, learn more about politics, and even try new foods. We hope future members share in the success and fun of the past members.

The Future: In addition to the trips planned to Washington, DC and San Antonio, the organization has high aspirations for the future. Trips to Presidential Libraries in California (Reagan and Nixon), New York (FDR), Massachussetts (JFK), Kansas (Ike), Missouri (Truman), Illinois (Lincoln), Michigan (Ford), and Georgia (Carter) are on the radar. Further, the organization hopes to solidify its relationship with the New Politics Forum, the SHSU Junior Fellows, and perhaps coordinate trips with students from other universities.

Faculty Advisor: Mike Yawn (936.294.1456)
Incoming President: Amy Kirker, Fall 2007
President: Amy Jacks, 2006-2007
Past President & Founder: Katie Granger, 2005-2006