We all make important decisions in life that shape who we become
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was attending Southern Union State Community College. It was launchpad to help me graduate from Auburn University with a mechanical engineering degree and to work for a company and career I love.
The path to get where I’m at today was never easy. See, I was diagnosed at an early age with a learning disability and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I struggled with it throughout school and in my social life. It took me longer than my classmates to understand and comprehend certain materials. It took me longer to finish tests. My confidence was easily wavered.
One thing that always interested me was STEM-related subjects and activities. As a sophomore in high school, my family moved from Alexander City, and I enrolled in Opelika High School. I got involved with BEST Robotics, and that continued to increase my interest in science and engineering, and more importantly, my self-esteem.
I was fortunate enough to earn a STEM Makers scholarship to Southern Union from Opelika High, and I believe that’s when my path towards an engineering career blossomed. The instructors, classmates, courses and atmosphere at Southern Union made me believe I could succeed and accomplish anything. Because of the instructors, I developed my critical thinking and math skills. I’m not the engineer today without the positive influences garnered from Southern Union.
I’ve also been blessed with a strong support system. I’m a first-generation college student, and my family has always motivated me to finish. Education is important to my family, but life obstacles and hardships seemed to get in the way for others. I didn’t want that to be my story.
Last August, I was honored to meet NBA Hall of Famer and former Auburn star Charles Barkley at Southern Union’s Opelika campus. A handful of current students and graduates were asked to share their Southern Union and personal experiences with him. When it was my turn to speak, I got emotional, choking up for a few seconds. It wasn’t necessarily because I was speaking in front of Charles Barkley. It was because Southern Union laid the foundation, and my family was proud of me for achieving those goals. All positive emotions came rushing back when I set foot on campus and reflected.
From Southern Union, I transferred right up the road to Auburn University to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. I used all I learned from Southern Union to help me flourish at Auburn. I would have struggled if I tried to make the direct transition from high school to Auburn. Southern Union helped bridge that gap. While pursuing my degree, I earned an internship and worked three jobs at one point to help pay my way through college.
I have worked for RoviSys, a leader in automation and information solutions, since earning my mechanical engineering degree from Auburn in 2023. We work with a wide range of industries and offer solutions tailored to each client’s needs, focusing on innovation, reliability and measurable results. I work on the building automation side where we design and implement smart control systems for both new and existing industrial, commercial and mission-critical facilities and for new construction.
While my main office is in Peachtree City, Ga., I work on the road sometimes for weeks at a time, including at a recent job in Mississippi. I love being a part of a team that finds solutions to the projects we are assigned.
No matter what career path one chooses, it’s important to make a difference. I grew to understand that at Southern Union, and it changed my life. The obstacles that I’ve overcome have clearly made me stronger. We can’t personally impact everyone in the world, but if you positively influence one person in your path, they can ultimately impact 10 other people. One of my goals is to be an inspiration and share my story, whether I’m working on a project in Mississippi or presenting to Charles Barkley. That’s what we must do to make the world a better place. We are here to find our niche, stay humble, and make a positive difference.
Inspired by Savanna’s story? Discover how Alabama’s colleges can help you write your own. Find a community college near you at https://www.accs.edu/community-college/find-college/
