Marketplace Talent Search
Future CEO Stars Magazine - November 2008
by Samantha Riehl

ceo-samantha.jpgWe are all born with a passion, a passion that drives us to be our true selves. For me, Samantha Riehl, that passion has been music. Growing up on a dairy farm in the rural town of Raleigh, North Dakota, I always wondered how I would ever see my dreams come to pass. I wanted to make a collision with the lives of others through the songs that I write and the message that is spoken through those songs.

One thing I've learned is to never let any opportunity go to waste. When I was younger, I was always fearful when it came to signing in front of people. My parents had to practically force me to sing for special events at church. It wasn't necessarily the fear of making mistakes, but instead I felt I was showing off. This may sound strange, but even at that young age, I knew that music was more than a tool for entertainment.

As time went by, however, I realized that if I wanted to touch others, I simply needed  to learn how to sing while not letting my pride get in the way. I have always been a very competitive person, and I am sitll working on humility. But my advice to others is to never let a good opportunity pass you by. If you maintain a humble attitude, the things that you do will shine brighter than if you do them with a prideful heart. The gifts we possess should never be thought of as a means to make ourselves look good. Instead, they should be seen as a way to impact and to serve others.

With this attitude in mind, I have experience many great opportunities. A couple of them include Marketplace for Entrepreneurs and Marketplace for Kids. I was a finalist in the 2007 Marketplace Talent Search which is a statewide vocal competition that promotes entrepreneurial success. This competition proves that North Dakota has some very talented people and Marketplace Talent Search shines a spotlight on these participants. It is a program that wants to help turn people's dreams into reality. I also taught a composition class on how young people can turn their talent into successful entrepreneurial activities at a Marketplace for Kids Education Day.

Being a part of these experiences has given me the confidence that I do have the ability to be whatever I choose to be. My passion is music and I love songwriting, however, not wanting to make my passion my obligation, I am now pursuing an Accounting degree at Jamestown College, in Jamestown, North Dakota. In my opinion, fame is not worth chasing after. Instead, my goal is to collide with others in a way that will leave a lasting impact. One doesn't have to be famous to make a difference.

I am still pursuing my musical career on the side which has included producing a demo CD and singing at small events in Kansas City and Seattle. Every opportunity is a chance to make a difference. Don't pass them up. Whatever the future holds, God only knows, but I am ready for the adventure.

Life is too short to be ordinary. Run after your dreams and don't let anybody tell you they are too big. After all, I'm just a young girl from a dairy farm and I can honestly say that I have found success in my dreams.