Sam Yuzbashev

Samuel Yuzbashev has proven the power of asking one simple question: “What if?”

In the first week of his first year at Virginia Tech, he saw a poster advertising Undergraduate Student Senate elections. He was shy, and he didn’t know much about Virginia Tech or the senate, but he wanted to get involved — and he was curious.

He stepped out of his comfort zone to run for vice president of finance. He won.

Sam’s “What if?” opened the door to countless friends, mentors, opportunities, and learning experiences that have shaped who he is today.

Sam said, “Curiosity is the spark that keeps life exciting. It's what pushes me to dig deeper, ask better questions, and see the world from new angles. It’s not about wanting to know more, but about wanting to understand why.”

As a Student Fellow in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Sam’s curiosity contributes to a culture of empathetic growth, support, and innovation.

Whether coordinating campus engagement initiatives, assisting in policy research, working with foundation funding, helping with Student Affairs scholarships, or supporting administrative planning, Sam approaches every assignment as a learning opportunity, asking questions to understand how it impacts those around him.

A nominator said, “Sam has shown a fearless and proactive attitude, asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback, and continuously looking for ways to learn more about the student affairs field.”

Sam’s questions have helped those around him reflect meaningfully on their roles. By striving to understand those around him, he in turn helps them better understand themselves.

“His innate curiosity has not only fueled his personal growth but has also positively impacted the rest of our team and his peers,” said a nominator. “Sam brings fresh perspectives, a hunger to understand complex systems, and an enthusiasm that is both admirable and contagious.”

To help his office manage scholarship recipients for an event, Sam created a Canvas course, complete with documentation, modules, timelines, response mechanisms, and links.

Though Sam had never created a Canvas course before, the success of the course led to the office being featured at a universitywide training. And as a result, Sam worked with the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design to develop their own course.

Sam’s curiosity is inspired by his dad, who taught him to “pay attention and ask questions.”

This phrase reminds Sam to stay open and engaged, lean into complexity, and remember that there is always a deeper story to be found.

Sam is a senior studying Management Consulting and Analytics in Pamplin College of Business. After graduation, his professional goal is to run his own business in the finance or consulting industry.

He hopes that his career will also help him build a life where he can “document the stories of people from the farthest corners of the planet and share those powerful human experiences with the rest of the world.”

For embodying the spirit of lifelong intellectual growth in pursuit of understanding, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for COMMIT TO UNWAVERING CURIOSITY to Samuel Yuzbashev.