ABOUT SAVANNAH
- From Morrow, OH
- Member of the Class of 2029
- Majoring in aeronautical studies
- Tour Guide
- Cadet in the Air Force ROTC
There are so many things to experience at Kent from academic internships to fun activities going on around campus. It isn’t hard to find something to do or ways you can expand your network and skills.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I'm in the Aeronautical Studies program and a member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) here on campus. I am a very busy person that starts their day before dawn and doesn’t end till well after dusk. I enjoy reading and being outside when I’m free. My roommate and I enjoy taking trips to 7 Brew Coffee, bookstores and parks when we get the chance. There’s always something going on around campus or downtown if we’re looking to explore something new.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
I chose Kent for a variety of reasons, the first of which was academics. While I was unsure as a freshman whether I wanted to major in engineering or flying, both programs were highly credible at Kent State.
Next was the campus. Growing up with a father who was very outdoorsy, I greatly enjoy green space, something Kent has a lot of.
My third reason was financial. The low in-state tuition combined with the numerous scholarship opportunities meant that I could actually afford college without too much stress.
Out of all the colleges I looked at, Kent had the lowest tuition costs. It was then made even lower after FAFSA, Kent scholarships and external scholarships.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
Kent State started to feel like home towards the middle of my first semester. At this point I had already made a few friends through clubs and ROTC. Being a part of ROTC has been like having a second family. Everyone has each other's back and morale events are always a blast. I even met my very best friend through ROTC. We’re currently roommates, go on hiking trips down at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and take our 7 Brew trips to the bookstore across the street together.
I was joined Flight Team freshman year. I remember attending the first meeting, feeling out of place and wondering how on earth I was going to get to the airport without a car. Fortunately, another student a year above me offered to drive me to the meetings. After a couple weeks of fun practices and late night dinners at Rosie’s Diner, we became great friends who continue to hang out even outside of Flight Team.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
In ROTC, we get very hands-on with our material. Around Easter last last year, we were learning about navigation and using a map and compass to find coordinates. Our instructors added a fun spin to this lesson by turning it into a competitive Easter egg hunt.
We were split into four groups and whoever found all of their eggs and returned to the classroom first won. We were running all over campus, practicing different tactical procedures along the way in order to win. The winning group was rewarded a pack of energy drinks to share. It was a ton of fun.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
Within ROTC, we have something called cadre. They're the active AF Officers that teach our military courses. I have learned so much from them, not just regarding the military, but about life and growth as well.
Thanks to them, I have grown from an introverted and anxious freshman into someone with far more confidence who is willing to take risks and able to stay on top of things. I am forever grateful for the valuable lessons they have shared and will never forget them.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
One of my favorite memories at Kent State was hanging out with my friends on the stairs outside in the courtyard of Allyn Hall my freshman year. The sun high in the sky on a hot day with the cool breeze blowing by, our Starbucks orders in hand with some snacks as we soak in the sun and sounds surrounding us before turning the speaker up a letting the music play. It's such a simple joy.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
I plan on pursing a career in the military after I graduate from Kent. I am currently a cadet in the AFROTC on campus. Upon graduation, I will commission as an AF Officer. As I wish to fly for the AF, I decided to major in Aeronautical Studies and expand my knowledge on the world of aviation.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
It’s easy to get to and from classes. The housing is in wonderful condition and includes more than what some other universities offer. The community is great among students and faculty. There is always something going on if you’re looking for something to do. The academics are highly credible and push you towards a standard of excellence that will set you up for success after graduation.