After studying at Wake Forest University and spending a few years in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sam Shapiro’s ʼ18 latest adventures have landed him in New York. Sam enjoys exploring new cities, hunting down great restaurants, catching concerts with friends and, of course, never missing a chance to cheer on the Vikings and Timberwolves.
Q: What is your proudest achievement?
A: Continuing to support a community in Haiti through a nonprofit I founded [Sprint to Cite Soleil] nearly 10 years ago. I started the organization when I was a junior at Blake!
Q: If you could live in a different country for a year, which country would you choose?
A: I took seven years of Mandarin at Blake and have never traveled to a Mandarin-speaking country. Maybe Ms. Jin can give me a quick refresher, and I could live in China.
Q: What's your favorite family tradition?
A: My family has gone up to Lake Vermillion every year for the past 18+ years. I always look forward to fishing, being on a boat and being surrounded by the fresh air.
Q: What is the best prank you've experienced or planned?
A: Pop-Its under the toilet seat. My mom hates it. My three brothers and I think it's hilarious.
Q: If you could take one prop from any movie set, what would it be?
A: The Tablet of Ahkmenrah from “Night at the Museum”
Q: In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
A: I've always enjoyed trying new things. I've moved to two different cities since graduating college and have tried new activities like guitar and watercoloring (although not very well) in the past two years.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Not a traditional concert, but my brothers and I saw a jazz band in New Orleans recently that was so much fun to watch perform.
Q: If you could have the answer to any question, what would it be?
A: Will the Vikings ever win the Super Bowl? If not, I’ll be looking forward to getting my Sundays back.
Q: If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
A: Since moving to New York, I've enjoyed walking in Manhattan and listening to music or a podcast. I'm often asking family/friends for new artists/podcasts, so I always have something new to listen to.