Samantha Doucoure ’07

Samantha Doucoure ‘07 enrolled at Milton Hershey School when she was 12 years old from Sunbury, Pennsylvania. She followed in the footsteps of her older brother who enrolled a few months ahead of her.

Like many students, Samantha initially was homesick and reluctant to accept MHS and all that it had to offer. It wasn’t until high school when Samantha found her place.

“I was really having a hard time during my first year in high school … I failed ninth grade and that’s when things really changed for me. I realized I didn’t want to leave Milton Hershey School and I didn’t want to become like many of my peers in my hometown,” she said. “Once I failed, I knew I had to do a lot better. I went from F’s to A’s for the rest of my high school career. I think sometimes you have to get knocked down to really understand you need to apply yourself to succeed.”

Samantha joined several Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) clubs as well as Model United Nations and the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). It was through HOSA that Samantha discovered her interest in the medical field and for helping

people. After taking classes in the Health Science career pathway through the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Samantha knew she was going into the right field. Through the CTE program, she gained real-world experience and became certified as a nursing assistant and trained as an EMT.

After graduating from MHS in 2007, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University and later became a registered nurse. She now works as a cerebrovascular nurse navigator at Geisinger Medical Center where she assists patients in post-surgery life. She credits MHS with developing her passion and early career skills.

“I just love the fact that I can help bridge the gap between the patient and the physician,” she said.

Samantha continues to come back to MHS and mentor students. She volunteers her time to talk to them about her career and the medical field in the hopes of igniting a spark. Knowing firsthand the challenges of being a first-generation college student, Samantha encourages current MHS students to focus on their goals and keep pushing forward.

“I was given such a huge opportunity,” she said. “Having that extra boost of confidence in high school, having the resources to further my education after I left, and knowing I had support from Milton Hershey School, that was a huge impact on my life. I don’t think I would be as successful without Milton Hershey School.”