Sam Patterson – Class of ’05

Sam Patterson – Class of 2005
College: University of Missouri – Kansas City (2011 -2014)
Degree: B.S. in Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science Minor
Profession: Data Analyst at Clearwater Analytics in Boise, ID

My name is Sam Patterson, and I’m a UA alum from the class of 2005. My time at University Academy was an amazing experience, with excellent teachers, unique opportunities to take advanced classes, and the chance to spend a month studying abroad in Japan. It was also a place where I developed lifelong friendships.

After graduating from UA, I spent some time pursuing a Computer Science degree at Carnegie Mellon University and Mizzou, but each time I had issues attending class regularly. In 2011, I decided to pursue a Math degree at UMKC, and in 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics and a Minor in Computer Science.

While at UMKC, an old friend from UA advised me to get in touch with David Rucker at Friends of University Academy (UAF) about the College Incentive Program. Not only did I get help paying for college, but David kept in touch with me and helped me with my job search process as well. In 2013, I started volunteering occasionally at Friends, and also started to volunteer as a math tutor at UA. In 2016, David offered me an internship at Friends to help them analyze data. I created forms to organize intervention efforts and to show the relevant numbers in a variety of ways for decision-making, as well as to help with data organization and consolidation. I’ve been able to use this experience to help land a new job as an Internal Data Analyst at Clearwater Analytics in Boise. The skills I develop at Clearwater will be invaluable in both building a career in analysis and continuing to volunteer on behalf of Friends of UA.