Yanna Marie Samillano Flor

Triton College student Yanna Marie Samillano Flor is a natural born leader – she’s the founder of several clubs at Triton College and a member of the college’s Scholars Program.

She noted that Triton has opened the door to several leadership opportunities, and she looks forward to continuing to grow into the future.

“After I graduated from East Leyden High School in 2024, I had my sights set on Triton,” she explained. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”

Upon arriving on campus, Samillano Flor became heavily involved in Student Life and immediately joined Model United Nations (UN) and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).

Through PTK, Samillano Flor has traveled to Baltimore and will be heading to Los Angeles next month. She enjoys traveling to new places and says her activities have strengthened her time management skills.

“I’ve had really great opportunities with the organizations that I’m involved in,” she said.

She also started the Asian Culture Club, which won Club of the Year. She wanted to wanted to connect more deeply with her Filipino heritage, especially since she didn’t grow up speaking Tagalog.

 In addition, she founded the Psychology Club, which has since evolved into the Research Club.

Beyond her involvement in student organizations, Samillano Flor is also a social media influencer for Triton College. Employed by the Marketing Department, Samillano Flor creates photos and Instagram reels for Triton’s social media pages. 

Academically, Samillano Flor received a full-ride scholarship to Triton College through the Scholars Program. She said she loves her cohort and the rigor of the environment. She credits Dr. Michael Flaherty, director of the Scholars Program, with much of her success.

“He’s a great instructor,” she noted. “I loved all of my classes, especially my Shakespeare course.”

Before taking Dr. Flaherty’s classes, Samillano Flor said she sometimes found books and texts confusing. Now, she feels engaged when reading novels and is captivated by the commentary he provides.

Through her courses at Triton, Samillano Flor has found her calling. She hopes to pursue a career in psychology and aims to become a high school counselor.

“I really wanted to stray away from traditional Filipino expectations of going into the medical field,” she explained. “Instead, I decided to pursue a career of psychology and education.”

After she graduates in May, her university goals are set high. Although she has applied to some “safe schools,” her ultimate dream is to attend Georgetown University or Northwestern University.

“I don’t think people realize how many opportunities community colleges have to offer,” she said.