Student Spotlight: Savannah Jones

 

 Savannah Jones

It isn’t by luck that graduating senior Savannah Jones was born and raised in Savannah, GA, and chose to attend Savannah State University. “Mass Communications has always been a passion of mine,” she said, and she wanted to attend an HBCU with an accredited Mass Communications program. 

“I was meant to be here,” said Jones.

As an undergraduate, who worked with the University radio station, WHCJ 90.3 FM, Jones has hosted campuswide training opportunities on podcasting and interviewed a variety of people to highlight on the program “You Can Get Anywhere from Here.”

“Savannah Jones has overcome tremendous hurdles to make sure she graduates, but also has taken a lot of initiative to be the best example to her fellow classmates, campus, and community,” said Nicole Wiggins De’Costa, special projects assistant for WHCJ 90.3 FM. “There is a lot that makes her amazing as a person and a student; however, her leadership skills are the one thing that stands out the most.”

Jones balanced working a full-time job with being a full-time student and a communications intern. In June 2021, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and recalled several moments where she felt she could not move forward, but she was determined to reach her academic goal: graduation. On December 10, 2021, Savannah will earn her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.

 

Jones is a work study student at the University radio station, WHJC 90.3 FM, and a former intern for SSU's Office of Marketing and Communications.

Hometown:

Savannah, GA

Degree Objective:

Mass Communications: Multimedia and Digital Communications

Interesting Fact:

I can roll with the punches in life.

 

Savannah Jones aspires to work in radio broadcasting upon graduating in December.

How did you choose to come to Savannah State University (SSU)?

What attracted me to Savannah State is the fact that it is an HBCU and has an accredited Mass Communications program. I have been happy with that decision thus far.

Why did you choose to be in the Mass Communications program?

I’ve always had a passion for it. My concentration is Multimedia and Digital Communications, where we learn to edit video and audio. I’ve had opportunities to switch to another major but the Mass Communications department has always been so supportive in helping its students.

What career-ready skills have you acquired so far?

I have learned how to edit audio and video using different software, how to shoot using professional recording equipment, and how to be a professional in the media environment, amongst other things.

What are your career goals?

My career goals are to be working successfully in the media world. Especially interested in radio and music. I am currently looking to work in public broadcast radio to be specific.

What surprised you about SSU?

How dedicated some of the faculty and staff are to seeing us as students prosper.

What are your top SSU highlights?

The homecoming experience pre-COVID and having my own radio show.

 

 After transferring SSU from North Carolina A&T State University, Jones said “I was meant to be here, I just didn't know it yet.”

What is one of the greatest obstacles you’ve overcome?

Earlier this year , I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I had been sick for months and had no idea what was wrong with me. I was very weak and in a lot of pain constantly. Because of this, I was unable to graduate in May. I got very discouraged about school and definitely thought about giving up. I was able to persevere and finish strong this semester.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

If I could give my freshman self advice, it would be to come to Savannah State, to begin with. I transferred here from North Carolina A&T State University for my sophomore year. There are many great resources and people here at Savannah State that many Savannah natives don’t know about. I would also tell myself that time management is key and always make a to-do list.