Elizabeth Samer is the 2024 recipient of the Tom Illick Memorial Scholarship.
LVRR: What college will you attend and what is your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
ES: I will be attending Thomas Jefferson University and I will be majoring in Exercise Science in the 3+3 Physical Therapy program. I do not plan to run competitively in college but I do hope to start a running club at Thomas Jefferson.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
ES: I started running at age 3 in the LVRR kids race since my parents encouraged us and my other siblings were running the kids races as well. I continued to run for fun with my dad in our neighborhood as I got older, and continued to race in the LVRR kids races until I aged out!
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
ES: My greatest accomplishment in my running career was winning a team medal at the Carlisle High School Invitational. It was such a fun and challenging course and it was an awesome team bonding moment.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
ES: When I started cross country as a freshman I had previously come from a catholic school so I did not know anyone on the Emmaus XC team. I was really nervous about making friends and debated about even going to the first summer practice. I had also never run completely on any team before and I had no idea what to expect. On the first day I was super nervous but through the kindness of the coach and other girls on the team I felt very welcomed. I am so happy that I took this leap of faith to try something new. By stepping out of my comfort zone I have been able to make many amazing friends and fond memories along the way.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
ES: My parents have definitely been my most influential role models. In regards to running, my dad has been my biggest role model. He is the one who got me into running and helped me get consistent with running especially during the lockdown. He would motivate me every day to run with him during COVID. Running was my favorite way to spend quality time with him. He has always motivated me to get out there even when it was really cold or hot.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
ES: People might be surprised to know that I enjoy sewing. My grandma has taught me most of what I know about sewing. I also took sewing in high school which I enjoyed very much and helped me get even better
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
ES: Rewarding. To me running is very rewarding because after all of the hard work and perseverance needed to finish a run I always feel a strong sense of fulfillment. I love looking back and remembering how I didn’t want to start the run but after it’s over I’m always happy that I started.
LVRR: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
ES: In 10 years, I hope that I am a practicing physical therapist or doing something else that I love. I also hope that I still run for fun and in races. I would also love to travel the world and visit new places!
LVRR: Is anyone else in your family a runner?
ES: In my family my dad is the only other runner. He started running in his early twenties and has continued running ever since. He has run one marathon a few years after college and has run many half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks in his life.
LVRR: What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t do yourself and why?
ES: I love watching the 3200m track race. I love this race because my friends are usually in it and I love cheering them on at every lap.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
ES: I did the 5k in cross country as well as the high jump, long jump, and triple jump in Track and Field.
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
ES: My favorite pre-race meal is pasta, especially during our team pasta parties. For the morning of the race I like to eat a bagel with peanut butter and sliced bananas on top. Lastly, after a race I always look forward to a warm home cooked meal.
LVRR: What are three activities you enjoy doing apart from running?
ES: Apart from running, three things I enjoy doing are sewing, lifeguarding, and baking/cooking.
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have you participated in?
ES: I was part of my high school’s Science Olympiad competition team, Global Citizens Club, Hornet Ambassador and National Honor Society. I was a Student Government Association member all four years of high school including the freshman liaison junior year, and the school board liaison senior year. I have been a member of St Thomas More church’s youth group and teen choir throughout highschool. I volunteered at a St Luke’s Physical Therapy outpatient clinic for a full summer. I worked at Fuel Nutritional Smoothie Cafe and am now currently a lifeguard at Wild Water Kingdom in Dorney Park.
