I Belong: Meet Sam

Sam and her pup, Sassy!

Meet Sam (she/her) | Senior TAC Coordinator

My legal name is Samantha, but I prefer Sam (she/her). I was born in Orange County, CA but basically grew up in “Little Arabia.” Let me tell you why I say that. I am Palestinian and Catholic. Growing up, Middle Eastern friends and family surrounded me; I shopped in Middle Eastern stores, spoke only Arabic, ate Middle Eastern food, watched TV in Arabic, and went to a Middle Eastern Church. I love my culture but knew I was missing much more.

I began my first American Elementary School and was quickly exposed to different cultures, beliefs, values, sexual orientations, etc., and I felt scared but excited. When I went home from school, my family told me I wasn’t allowed to hang out with the people I met, I shouldn’t believe anything people said, and at times, even the teachers were wrong. It felt terrible because I loved school and learning. The teachers were kind, but the kids at school were not. They made fun of my accent, how I dressed, and the food I ate. Years passed, feeling like I didn’t fit in, so I decided to focus on school and work and tried hard to be like everyone else in my family.

During college, I met someone who encouraged me to be me. She was patient and wanted to learn who I was. We spent hours discussing me - what I wanted to do in life, my relationships, what I liked to do, and who I wanted to be around. I knew I loved being around her, but being anything other than heterosexual was wrong, according to my family, friends, and everything I learned growing up. She introduced me to LGBTQ+ and its meaning, and I met her friends and family. They were so free, open, and loving. I realized I am bisexual and decided to be in a relationship with her. Being around her family and friends made me feel free and gave me a sense of belonging. Although it was scary, and my family was unsupportive about my relationship, I moved to Arizona and started a new chapter of life with her.

Sam's pup, Sassy, in her Pride bikini 🥰

I started working for PetSmart in November 2021, and my supervisor and entire team immediately made me feel supported, loved, and safe being myself. Working for PetSmart, I conduct several phone interviews, which allow me to tell candidates about the Associate Resource Groups, how I feel like I fit in here, and why. Last year, I shared my coming-out story during a PAW event, which was riveting and frightening. I knew there was a possibility that some may be in a similar situation I was in, and I wanted everyone to understand that no matter what background you come from, PetSmart is for you, and you’re not alone.

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The Belonging Program’s “I Belong” Series harnesses the power of empathy through storytelling. This series is intended to give associates a greater sense of understanding, a bridge to gain new perspectives, and a way to build connections to each other.