Today we’d like to introduce you to Samaria Sims.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Samaria Sims. I am 22 years old and from a small town in Kentucky, Hopkinsville. Growing up, I’ve always been passionate about education and dance. Education has always been the foundation of my goals in life. I graduated in the top ten of my senior class and was a honors student. In addition I was recognized for perfect attendance from kindergarten to high school.
Dance has always been a major part of what kept me focused academically. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, trained in ballet, tap, hip-hop, and more. I did competitive dance team as well. I give thanks to Brooke Bailey Dance Addiction and Arts N Motion for shaping me not only as a dancer but also as a person.
I had the privilege of being on the Western Kentucky University Dance Team during undergrad while pursuing a degree in Public Health with a concentration in Occupational Therapy, along with a certificate in Health Education and Promotion. It was a major accomplishment for me to complete my degree in just three years.
Ever since I started dancing, I hoped to continue it after undergrad. However, I knew education was still important to me because I wanted to work in a field where I could serve people holistically. I was accepted into the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN, for Occupational Therapy—and I still wanted to keep dancing.
After graduating from undergrad, I auditioned for several teams but didn’t make it. It was discouraging and painful because, after all those years of dancing, I questioned whether I could continue professionally. But something told me to try out for the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team, also known as the Grizz Girls. I auditioned prior being accepted into the OT program—and I made the team for the 2024–2025 season! I had a wonderful experience as a rookie on the team.
Now, I am about to begin my second year in the MOT program this July and hope to try out for the Grizz Girls again. Many people ask how I manage school while dancing professionally, and my first answer is always, “But God.” The Lord gave me the gift of dance to share with others and to inspire. Dancing keeps me focused and grounded.
Dance has shaped me in so many ways. Dance and education have been part of my journey all these years, and it continues to be part of me. One phrase that I keep in my Instagram bio and say to myself often is, “The best is yet to come.” It’s a long road, but I believe the best is still ahead.
As a small town girl of color who strives for success , I believe in working hard and encouraging yourself. You can do anything through Christ who strengthens you.
How you start determines how you finish. For me, this is my story. I am that person who is still thriving, becoming and growing into a better version of myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Six years ago, I faced a serious injury that required ACL and meniscus surgery, which kept me out of dance for a year. It was an incredibly difficult struggle, both mentally and physically. I had to work hard to regain movement in my knee, and not being able to dance was heartbreaking. But look at me now—I’m still dancing and doing what I love.
During undergrad, I also had to switch majors, which made it a challenging time as I tried to figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to be in the health professions, but I didn’t know what options were out there beyond nursing. One piece of advice I give to anyone interested in a healthcare career is to do your research and shadow professionals in the field. There are so many paths in healthcare that people don’t often talk about. I remember feeling stressed and uncertain about my future, but Occupational Therapy found me—and here I am.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Who Am I?
Graduate Student and NBA Dancer
What Do I Do?
I am a full-time graduate student pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy and a member of the Grizz Girls, performing at NBA basketball games.
Specialization:
I do not currently specialize in any particular area.
What I’m Known For:
I’m known for being a hard worker, someone who genuinely cares about others, and someone who always reaches for the stars. I share my life mainly on Instagram and I post regularly on there because I had people to tell me that they love reading my captions and overall focus on my page.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of being able to do what I love every day—studying in a profession rooted in client-centered care while also performing in front of large audiences.
What Sets Me Apart:
I’m actively involved in my community through volunteering at various events and giving back. I’m also highly organized and able to balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
How do you think about luck?
I’m not someone who believes much in the word “luck.” For me, it’s all about God’s blessings, love, grace and mercy. I am a person of faith and recognize that life comes with both good and bad days.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: samaria_sims
- Facebook: samaria.sims
- Youtube: SamariaSims01
