Meet Miss Auburn-Opelika USA

Introducing Samantha Sims, the Miss Alabama USA contestant representing Auburn-Opelika this January

Tell us about yourself, where are you from?

My name is Samantha Sims, I am from Cartersville, Georgia, 45 minutes north of Atlanta. I am a senior at Auburn University majoring in communications with a double minor in marketing and international studies. I am currently signed with SELECT Models Atlanta, and I was most recently chosen as a Jovani It Girl semi-finalist. During this past year, I have also modeled for designers such as Jovani Fashions and Rachel Allan. I placed in the top 15 at the Miss Georgia USA 2020 pageant. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern for two companies, MELT Atlanta and Atlanta Eats. MELT Atlanta is a sport, entertainment, and culinary marketing firm and Atlanta Eats is a best of Atlanta food and dining Emmy-nominated television show. I am blessed with wonderful parents, Chris and Michele Sims, and my younger sister, Alexandra, who doubles as my best friend and my roommate. Lastly, I am now a "dog mom" to the sweetest Yorkie Terrier named Harlow! She currently lives with me in my apartment in Auburn.

Why did you choose Auburn?

The love I have for Auburn University has been instilled in me ever since I was a little girl. My dad, aunt, and uncle all graduated from Auburn University, and I was born the day before the 1999 Iron Bowl! In pure Auburn fashion, my parents dressed me in an Auburn cheerleading outfit to watch the game in the hospital. To say that my family members are big Auburn football fans is an understatement! From the moment I was born, I was destined to wear orange and blue.

What groups/organizations are you a part of here in Auburn?

Most recently I was named Top 20 for Auburn University's Miss Homecoming and Top 20 for the role as Miss Auburn. I have also held other leadership positions on campus such as assistant director of Miss Auburn University under the Student Government Association Cabinet and assistant director of Miss Panhellenic under the National Panhellenic Council. For my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, I have served as the director of Big Man on Campus for the past two years. Big Man on Campus is Auburn Pan-Hellenic’s largest philanthropy event and is an all-male beauty pageant that has raised over $200,000 for the National Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Foundation under my leadership. Additionally, I also served as assistant new member chair and currently serve as chaplin for the sorority.

What are your goals after graduation?

After graduation this December, I plan to pursue a law degree in sports and entertainment law. My focus will be on contract law and, ideally, I would use this degree to work with athletes, athletic teams, or entertainment artists.

What are some of your hobbies?

My favorite hobbies include cooking, exercising, and singing. Exercising and cooking go together for me because I am very passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Cooking is almost therapeutic and I enjoy it the most when I get to cook with my mom. Some of my most requested recipes are, my "Very Berry '' Blackberry Cobblers, Copycat Amsterdam Rum Salmon Salads, or Gingersnap cookies around Christmas time. As for singing, ever since I was able to talk, I have always loved to sing. You can find me the majority of the time listening to one of my favorite playlists or humming a tune to a song. When I was in high school, I received a scholarship for winning the talent portion in the Distinguished Young Women pageant. I also won other awards such as 1st Place in Georgia's Girl Soloist and one of 50 chosen for the Oklahoma City University 3-week Musical Theatre Intensive.

Do you have any advice for young girls?

There is a difference between being complacent and being content. Always appreciate your achievements and even your failures; they have defined the person you are. My point is to never “peak,” you’ve achieved a goal. Never stop learning and pushing yourself.

Do you have a mantra or a favorite quote you live by?

Something that I strive to live by each day is Philippians 4:7, “Peace that surpasses all understanding.” This verse was prominent in my life last year, especially with all the uncertainty that surrounded 2020. Before 2020, I believed peace was something you received from a long vacation, relationships, accomplishments, or friendships. Peace cannot be found in worldly desires. The temptation is great, but the emptiness is greater. We are tricked into believing the things of this Earth will be able to truly satisfy the desires of our heart. Peace, specifically inner peace, is only blessed by God. Therefore, I strive to have peace despite my lack of understanding in any situation because the Lord provides his people with strength and blesses them with peace.

What are some of your favorite spots in Auburn or Opelika? (places to eat, attractions, things to do)

I am such a foodie! It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of all our local restaurants in the Auburn-Opelika area, so it is hard to choose just one! However, if I had to pick, I would recommend Amsterdam, Lucy’s, or Hamilton’s. Amsterdam has my all-time favorite meal, the Rum Salmon Salad! Majority of the time, you can find me at Well Red, Coffee Cat, or The Bean sipping on an iced coffee and studying or hanging out with friends! Most importantly, you can always count on me each home game in the fall to be cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium. War Eagle!