In Life as in Photography, Good Fortune Plays a Part in Success

By Tom Porter

Samantha Roy ’20 is a neuroscience major and a visual arts minor with a particular interest in photography. The study of traditional photography, she says, has taught her a valuable lesson: chance often plays a role in successful outcomes and people need to accept that while still being proud of their achievements.

Roy made these comments during a TEDx talk she delivered in October 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The talk was titled “Accidental Photographs: Taking Ownership of Chance.” The event was sponsored by the insurance company MassMutual, with whom Roy interned last summer. Roy was invited to speak at the event after winning the MassMutual intern speech competition.

Last summer, she also received a McKee Photography Grant allowing her to pursue an independent project. This coming semester, Roy will take Professor of Art Mike Kolster’s documentary photo class.