Sammi Spaniol has always had a keen eye for design and a knack for the technical side of construction.
So, it’s no surprise that she chose to major in interior design and construction at Missouri State University.
This December, the 22-year-old senior will graduate with her degree, having already made impressive strides both in and outside the classroom. Balancing a full-time job, pursuing her passions and preparing for the next chapter of her life, Spaniol is ready to take her talents to the east coast and begin her career in the design world.
Expanding expertise in design and construction
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Spaniol chose MSU after instantly falling in love with the campus during her first visit. She toured the university during her junior year of high school, and from the moment the tour began, she knew it was the right fit.
One of her proudest achievements during her time at MSU was the successful completion of her senior showcase in interior design. This was a culmination of her years of hard work and creativity.
“I built an 8×10 room and picked out every little detail to bring the look together. The pressure and stress of the project was a character-building moment, but it allowed me to see what it may be like in the final stretch of a design project in my future career,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, Spaniol’s college experience was further enriched by her education abroad experience.
“I studied abroad in Europe in the summer of 2022. I went to multiple countries! It was an absolutely amazing experience. I particularly fell in love with Croatia,” she said.
During the trip, she created unforgettable memories, exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii and sailing through the stunning waters of Croatia.
“The trip helped me shape my career path because it showed me how much a building’s design can mean to so many people,” she added.
Work-study balance
Balancing her studies, full-time job as a spa receptionist and extracurricular activities have helped Spaniol to master the art of time management.
At Missouri State, she participated actively in several student organizations. These include Interior Design Society, Construction Club of Missouri State and Women in Business.
“My extracurricular involvements have helped me make connections in the industry and allowed me to attend workshops to further my skills,” Spaniol said.
Looking toward a future of possibilities
With graduation on the horizon, she has her sights set on moving to the east coast, where she hopes to begin her career in interior design and construction. While she is still seeking full-time employment, she is eager to bring her unique perspective and experience to the professional world.
For those still on their college journey or just beginning, Spaniol offers a simple but powerful advice: “Don’t take your time in college for granted. It goes by in the blink of an eye!”