Picture a young girl, standing on the edge of a bustling amusement park, the laughter of her friends echoing around her as the smell of cotton candy fills the air. It was supposed to be a day of fun at Six Flags, but for Sam Lander, it became a pivotal moment. In eighth grade, she got caught smoking pot on a school field trip. That incident didn’t just bring the roller coasters to a halt; it set off a chain reaction of conflict with her parents, particularly her mother.
It was a moment that would shape her teenage years, a moment that felt like the world was closing in on her. Growing up in Saint Louis and Clayton, Missouri, her childhood was filled with love and support from her father, a doctor, and her mother, a teacher and artist. Sam had an older brother, and while her upbringing was generally positive, it wasn’t without its challenges. Family issues loomed large, creating a backdrop of tension that often overshadowed the good times.
As she navigated her school life at Clayton High School, she found herself moving between different social circles friends who were skaters, athletes, and preppy kids. But beneath the surface, Sam was grappling with her identity and the pressures of adolescence. But it was during this time that she began to experiment with substances.
Drinking in seventh grade and smoking pot in eighth grade became a way to escape, a misguided attempt to fit in and find herself. The conflict with her parents deepened, especially with her mother, as they struggled to understand her choices. This ongoing battle created a chasm between them, leaving her feeling isolated and misunderstood. Each confrontation felt like a storm brewing inside her, pushing her further into a world where she would feel comfortable, even if it wasn’t healthy.
As Sam faced the fallout from her actions, a realization slowly began to dawn on her. She recognized that the substances she turned to for relief were not the answer. The turning point came after that fateful day at Six Flags when she decided to redirect her energy. She embraced rowing and academics, pouring her heart into her studies and athletics.
It was a shift that not only changed her trajectory but also led her to achieve a 4.0 GPA by graduation. The acceptance letter from the University of Michigan was more than just a piece of paper; it was a symbol of her newfound focus and determination. Her time at Michigan opened her eyes to the vibrant music scene around her. It was there that Sam discovered her passion for DJing, an art form that allowed her to express herself and connect with others in a way she had never experienced before.
The beats and rhythms became a soundtrack to her life, a way to channel her energy and creativity. Moving to Los Angeles, she stepped into a world where she could fully embrace her identity as a DJ. The city’s pulse matched her own, and she found herself thriving in an environment that celebrated diversity and self expression. Now, as a successful Female DJ in LA, Sam Lander carries a message that resonates deeply with her journey.
She encourages others to confront their fears and live life to the fullest without relying on substances. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of what it means to truly embrace life. “I want people to know that they can overcome their fears and live authentically without substances,” she shares, a mantra that has become central to her mission. Reflecting on her journey, she recognizes the importance of the challenges she faced.
Each struggle, from her teenage conflicts to her battle with addiction, has contributed to the person she is today. The lessons learned along the way have fostered a sense of purpose that fuels her passion for music and connection. Sam Lander stands as a reminder that our past does not define us; rather, it is what we choose to do with our experiences that shapes our future. As she continues to share her music and message, she inspires others to embrace their journeys, no matter how winding they may be.