Student Spotlight | Savannah Kilgore
School of Public Health
My road to college was non-traditional.
When I began my academic journey with the University of Memphis in the Spring of 2023, a close family member had just relapsed. I felt lost, floating through the world as I grappled with a new, frightening reality. But, that first semester saved me, not through some grandiose act, but by showing me consistency and time could beat circumstance.
Beginning in Fall of 2023, I became a Resident Advisor (RA) and absolutely fell in love with the students. They were from all over — all came from different walks of life — yet here they were, coalescing at the UofM as though it were a beacon for change.
My Favorite Part of the Job
My students were, by far, my favorite part of the job. You get the chance to meet so many new people from different walks of life. Not only does it broaden your horizons of the outside world, but it teaches the beauty of connectedness. Every one of my students was at college to better themselves and explore the world—they taught me that opportunity shouldn’t be overlooked or taken for granted.
One of my best RA stories comes from our building events.
I worked in the Living Learning Center (LLC), and we held a field day during fall. It was wonderful to see residents come to the event and meet new people. There was music, volleyball, tug of war, pies to the face and so much more. A close second would be an event another RA and I held right before Thanksgiving. We invited our floors to make hand turkeys and at the end of the programs our whole wall was covered in turkeys!
The journey didn’t stop there, though.
What Motivates Me
My biggest motivator is helping people.
During the Summer of 2023 I confided in one of my professors that I was struggling with picking a major — something a lot of students deal with. He wanted to help and so we sat down and hashed it out. Ultimately, we got down to core values and helping others was what I wanted to do; he told me that no matter my major I would find a way to help those who needed it.
Later on, that summer he introduced me to Dr. Marian Levy who was kind enough to have a meeting with me where we discussed my future major, public health.
The UofM School of Public Health encouraged me to think big and look for the invisible threads that shape individuals’ health — homes, income, education, community — and dare to make a change.
Making an Impact in the City
It was through the School of Public Health that I got to flourish through internships and undergraduate projects. My advisors really cared and poured into me.
Food insecurity has always been an issue close to my heart — and in the Summer of 2024 I was lucky enough to work with the South Memphis Farmers Market. They tackle food insecurity in the 38016, 38126 and 38019 zip codes through their store and mobile grocer.
So many areas in Memphis are considered food deserts — they need access to food, desperately. Everyone should have the opportunity to eat.
Then in my senior year SPH introduced an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program. I took a leap of faith, applied, and was accepted.
The most impactful lesson that I’ve learned through the UofM is that as long as you have the drive to keep going, doors will open. So much of life is full of nuanced complexities —which option to choose, are you making the right decision, is something going to play out the way you want — but through the UofM I’ve internalized the lesson of grit and time. As long as you’re willing to keep going, doors will open. It may not be the ones you are expecting but never let your hesitation rob you of an opportunity that could change your life for the better.
Looking Back with Gratitude
As I approach my senior semester for my Master of Public Health degree, I look back on my journey at Memphis with gratitude.
Much like my RA role, earning my bachelor’s and master’s has been gratifying in ways I cannot yet fully express. As I wrap up my time with the University, I am honored to say that I can tell that scared kid starting college that it will all work out.
College is what you make of it, and even if things seem to be going belly up, just give it a bit of time to work itself out.
Make the most of your time here, enjoy it, live it. It’ll pass by quicker than you think.
