My first time in Savannah, Georgia to receive my Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience from Savannah College of Art and Design.
When I transferred from St. Louis University to the University of Kansas in 2015, my double major in Marketing and Studio Art skimmed into just Marketing. It’s just made sense with the way that credits transferred. Marketing was always more of my backup, “be smart” degree while art and design was the passion. I hatched a plan:
1. End undergrad strong at KU and have the best possible season
2. Graduate in December 2015
3. Go on tour with my future agency in January to look for a job playing (the dream)
4. Look into Graphic Design masters possibilities
Spoiler: I didn’t get a job (playing) in January and ended up taking some time off, working and living in Lawrence with the lease still on my house, and basically being a student without actually taking any classes (it was awesome). I decided to walk the Hill for graduation in May.
After a lot of soul searching and research that spring, I talked to several friends who had attended Savannah College of Art and Design who had absolutely LOVED it. I found out they had an eLearning (online degree) program and was in. Even though I’d failed to secure a pro job in January (mid-season), I was still optimistic that I could find one over the summer (between seasons). So, my education had to be flexible. I had to be able to do it from anywhere in the world. My first quarter was Summer 2016.
Fast forward two years, too many sleepless nights, the toughest education program I’ve ever been through, professors who pushed me well beyond my comfort zone, painful growth in self awareness, and I’ve completed my entire masters without having ever stepped foot in Savannah, Georgia. After it all, and hearing about how incredible the graduation ceremony and city are, I knew I had to go to graduation. My wonderfully supportive parents took me down as a graduation gift and to celebrate with me.
My parents are the ultimate smart travelers. Utilizing their many Southwest points, they determined that schedule and price-wise we would fly into Charleston and drive two hours down to Savannah in a rental car. We stopped at a hotel along the way where the front desk worker graciously allowed us to change in their restroom, and went straight to the reception for eLearning students. I got to meet classmates, professors, advisors, and even the Dean for the very first time. All these people I’d had so much interaction with online and who had built so much of who I feel I am now as a designer, and I’d never even seen them face to face. It was pretty cool. We headed to the undergrad Senior Show for Graphic Design students and got to check out some of the impressive work they were doing. Then it was a stop by at our lodging, Suites on the Bay, and dinner at Tubby’s on Factors Walk following a spectacular sunset. Savannah is full of life, southern charm, history, fresh seafood, live music, and art students. What a combination.
SCAD’s graduating class this year is the biggest it’s ever been, so the school broke the ceremonies into two groups on two different days. A little background on SCAD: Founded in 1978 by current president Paula Wallace, the school is anything butconventional. What else do you expect from an art school? What’s really incredible is the rapid growth of the school to campuses worldwide, growth of its’ programs, and 99% graduate employment rate.
So, we wake up at 6am and get ready for ceremony number one. It felt more like a concert/performance than a graduation. We had wonderful singers, entertaining speakers, and even a surprise under our seats. But the biggest surprise was our guest speaker, HILARY SWANK. Four rows away from her, I got to hear her inspirational story about coming from a trailer to winning Oscars. She is one amazing woman. Well, we got our degrees “conferred”, switched our tassels from left to right, and were finished by 10:30. What a start to the day.
I picked our first celebratory brunch spot: The Collins Quarter. Aussie-style food and contemporary decor made this place one of the coolest spots in Historic Savannah. Mimosas and great food started our exploration of Savannah.
My mom had done a trolley tour of San Diego, and suggested the same for Savannah. Well worth it. We went with trolleytours.com where we could hop on and off whenever we felt like. We learned about the quirky (sometimes dark) history of Savannah (one of the original 13 Colony towns), saw unbelievable architecture, discovered Savannah is exempt from open container laws, found out there are more than 22 park squares in Historic Savannah, and finally hopped off at our dinner spot: The Olde Pink House. The mansion was built in 1771 for James Habersham Jr., who was one of Savannah's most important early cotton factors and founding-family members.
While it was a great meal, we kicked ourselves a little bit for not taking advantage of the Seafood Fest happening down on the river. Live music, fireworks, and tons of people made the night exciting. We also stopped in River Street’s Candy Store to get the best pralines in the entire world. Half an NBA final game later, we were fast asleep in our room.
Saturday morning was the less exciting ceremony: we got to hear everyone’s name who was graduating. I was in the second, and fairly small group: Master of Arts in Communicative Arts (where GDVX is housed). The BFAs that followed us came to a quick realization: they were walking across a stage, a camera pointed at them, and they had about 10 feet before they shook the Deans hand to do whatever they wanted. From throwing arms up in triumph to tossing confetti out of hats to selfies with the Dean, things got pretty interesting and downright hilarious. The antics and exciting outfits of art students (showing under their robes and through their shoes) made the ceremony more than just a drone of a million names. After it was over, things finally got real. A sense of relief and a giant smile later and it really hit me, I’d done it! I’d made it through and was joining a massive and supportive network of alumni worldwide.
We took some graduation pictures and went to brunch number two: this time at Vic’s on the River. Three Belinnis, crawfish beignets, a peach salad, oysters Rockefeller, and fried chicken had us sitting fat and happy. Our flight out of Charleston just before 6pm limited our time so we had to pick and choose our day. We’d been by Jones Street several times on the trolley, but I wanted to explore a little more. Quoted as the most beautiful street in North America, I wish I could’ve taken the time to walk all the way up and down it. But we drove slowly and got out at a couple different places. Much to my Dad’s dismay, my mom and I found an adorable boutique called One Fish, Two Fish. The last stop on the way out of town was the infamous Leopold’s Ice Cream shop. I tried the “Savannah Socialite” flavor (aka lots of chocolate) and was in heaven. Not a bad way to end an incredible trip.
Savannah is a gorgeous city so rich in culture and history. I wish I had actually lived there during my Masters! However, I’m so grateful for the time I did get to spend there and I know I’ll definitely be back. In the meantime, you can find me utilizing my Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience as I build my freelance business while continuing my professional volleyball career.
