Sam is a Maitripa College MDiv alumnus. He also holds a BSBA in Accounting and a Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

He was first introduced to Buddhism after reading a book he thought asked him to meditate—however, it did not. After this experience, he became interested in understanding how his mind worked. In 2015, following a recommendation from a friend, Sam started going to Shantideva Center in New York City. Ever since Buddhism has been an integral part of his life. He learned Classical Tibetan Buddhist language from the late Dr. Bill Magee at Maitripa College and has felt passionate about the study of Tibetan ever since.