Sam Thomas: Senior Year

Welcome back to Desiderata's Sim State Uni.

Only three of the original playables are left here at the large dorm with 14 rooms: Sam Thomas, Jack Kim and Ty Bubbler, Sam's boyfriend. The others have either graduated or moved to one of the two Greek Houses on campus. 

To make things a little easier for the three remaining students (all Seniors), I move them to a smaller dorm of only 8 rooms.

We last saw Sam Thomas at her dorm last year in August, when I was playing Jimmy Phoenix through his Junior Year.

After their arrival, they need to do some skilling. When Sam has finished, she rings some of her friends to let them know about their move, and is then off to class. 

Ty may not come across as the most academically accomplished of students, but this semester he is the first one to complete his Term Paper and will now be left pretty much to his own devices. 

The proud shoulder pat says it all: Sam has just finished her Term Paper, not long after Jack Kim on the other side of the wall behind her bed has handed in his. She is majoring in Psychology and one day wants to be The Law.

According to her Maxis-written bio, she "makes friends with boys far more easily than she does with girls: she just doesn't understand why girls are so 'weird'. She enjoys baseball and Chinese food."

The next day, Sam wants to throw a party, and because she has also been wishing to join the Greek House (she was a Pledge as far as I remember, last time I played the Sorority), what better way to do that by inviting her "sisters" over. 

Heather Huffington and Tiffany Sampson are here, as are Brittany Upsnott and Alegra Gorey; only they are still outside on the porch and therefore not in the picture. The party is a success, and for the remainder of her time at college, Sam has all the privilege that comes with being part of a Greek House.

Although Sam and Ty have been an item almost from the very start of their Freshman Year, they have showed precious little interest in each other. Now, though, Sam surprises me by hugging her boyfriend romantically on her own initiative. The dorm cook has seen it all before, of course, and just continues to do her job. 

The next day, I catch Jack talking animatedly to NPC dorm mate Vamsi Simpson. If I remember correctly, she is a relationship with Kevin Beare and his 3-bolt-love. Turns out that Jack has 3 bolts for her, too! 

I don't know how this happened, but somehow I wasn't aware of Sam needing another creativity point. With only 15 hours before the end of term, I quickly send her to the easel on the balcony, and since it is autumn, it doesn't take her long to get that point. 

The next day, Ty can congratulate his girlfriend for having passed her end-of-term exam with an A+ just like himself and Jack. All three have their names on the Dean's List once again, something I didn't really expect for Sam after her very late completion of the required skills. 

Ty has to go to class right away, but Sam and Jack have time to reward themselves with a pile of pancakes and talk about what's going to be required of them now, during their very last semester. 

Sam needs a cleaning point, and can make herself useful at the same time - NOT by throwing the leaves about, but by raking them into neat heaps, of course.

And while Ty has beaten her to it once again and handed in his Term Paper before anyone else, she is not far behind.

Brittany Upsnott, one of her best friends and co-founder of the sorority where Sam is now a member as well, comes visiting on her own accord the next day.

Now that Ty can mostly do as he pleases, I worry about him: He is almost always at the computer in Sam's room, neglecting all his needs and going only to the bathroom or having a meal when it becomes really urgent. He does not miss classes, though.

Sam feels ready to tackle her final exam after a good night's sleep.

In the cafeteria, Jack waits for Vamsi to finish her breakfast. Having someone hovering over me like this would definitely creep me out!

Ty and a fellow student complain about how cold it is in the cafeteria, both of them wearing their winter coats for their meal. Jack doesn't seem to feel the cold - he is only in slippers and his bathrobe.

To calm any pre-exam nerves they may have, Sam and Ty engage in a game of darts.

Jack and Vamsi prefer dancing.

"We'll always remain best friends, won't we, Ty?" Ty wonders what Sam is trying to tell him.

All three of them have passed their final exam with flying colours!

Sam has graduated Magna Cum Laude in Psychology, Jack Summa Cum Laude in Literature, and Ty Summa Cum Laude in Philosophy.

Sam's sorority sisters are all invited for her graduation party.

A pensive Sam checks whether her taxi has already pulled up.

It arrives at nightfall, and Sam is waved good-bye only by Jack - Ty was so exhausted he went to bed already.

Sam has now moved to her own place in Desiderata Valley, where we are sure to see her again.

Ty's turn will come in the next round, when I will be at "B" on my alphabetical list.

Jack and Vamsi are just friends - so far. We all know what can happen when spring comes round, especially with three bolts...!