Sam grew up in Grover Beach, California, and spent much of her childhood immersed in outdoor activities. She graduated from University of California Davis with B.S. in Environmental Science and Management with an emphasis on Natural Resource Management. While in school, she worked at UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardens with the Urban Tree Stewardship team, where she gained appreciation for field work and nursery management. After school she spent a year working for California State Parks at Pfeiffer Big Sur. Some of her hobbies include surfing, crafting and hiking.