We recently connected with Briana Savage and have shared our conversation below.
Briana , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
“I don’t care what you decide to pursue, but whatever you do, remember to do your best in it,” my grandfather’s words constantly replay in my head on a daily basis, despite his passing in 2018. The original “Dr. Savage”, my grandpa, was a surgeon and positively impacted the lives of countless people. I would listen to his stories of overcoming hardship in the small town of Macon, Georgia; driven by the dream of providing a better future for his family. I enjoyed looking at his wall of awards, and combing through the articles and books he was a contributing author in, hoping to do something not only I could be proud of but that he would be proud of as well.
My path has been far from linear. Growing up I did well academically in all areas, so I never leaned towards a specific subject in school. My family constantly encouraged me to pursue a career in law, so I found myself telling everyone that I dreamt of being a lawyer. I remember writing that down for every career related school project, journal, and assignment. Subsequently, I pursued a major in Political Science at UCLA, and later picked up a double minor in Education and Public Policy. Following graduation, I took the LSAT and gained admission into Howard, Loyola Chicago, and University of San Francisco’s law programs. However, I didn’t feel fulfilled.
I began to reflect on my life experiences and realized I found the most joy when I was helping others reach their goals. Substitute teaching for LAUSD and mentoring students through UCLA organizations throughout undergrad were sources of my fondest career related memories. Reflecting and being honest about what made me happy led to my pivot into education, receiving my Master of Education from USC Rossier School of Education and currently pursuing a Ph.D from the UCR School of Education.
My path has given me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with amazing students, colleagues, and faculty members nationwide. Beyond the degrees and day-to-day work, I am able to provide guidance and support to students who are trying to find their own purposes and paths. I wake up everyday grateful to feel rewarded by my work because it is purpose-driven. Through each obstacle and time of adversity I think about my grandfather’s words, and I smile.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At the moment, I am a 4th year Ph.D student in the Higher Education Administration Policy at the University of California, Riverside. I have multiple jobs within K-12 and postsecondary education, including working as an LAUSD long-term substitute teacher for seven years, a USC Bovard Scholars Classroom Support Coordinator for five years, a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UCR for two years, and doing private consulting on the side.
Currently, I am also a Research Associate for the UCR Center for Athletes’ Rights and Equity, where I work on projects focused on equity issues within intercollegiate athletics. These projects range from analyzing the racialized and gendered experiences of Black college athletes to identifying racial and gender biases within college athletics administration.
Once I graduate, I will be seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at a research focused university and will be exploring ways to use my research and education experience to start my own business. . . details soon to come!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would definitely have to say my ability to adapt to situations has been very beneficial to my journey due to the uncertainty of where I was headed. Along the way I was able to pick up many transferable skills, and also serve in a variety of roles because of my versatility. I would also have to say my ability to network has helped me make strong connections with people in all areas of life. I am grateful for my community and would not be where I am today without them. Lastly, my drive/passion is what keeps me going regardless of what is thrown in front of me. There have been numerous times where I have wanted to quit, or have felt like I have had the weight of the world on my shoulders, but the passion I have pushes me to continue on (with the help of the many people who remind me of who I am and what I am trying to accomplish).
As someone who is constantly asking for advice or perspective from people who are blazing their own trails within my field, but also beyond my field I would say my biggest piece of advice is to listen to other people. You may not always use every piece of knowledge that they give, but listening to people who are in positions that you wish to be in, or who have qualities/traits that you would live to develop goes a long way. The knowledge other people can provide is truly invaluable and the connections you make can last a lifetime.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Great question! My parents have been a very big part of my journey. For starters, my mother is one of the strongest people I know. As a first-generation student who earned her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA, Master of Arts in Education from Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Doctor of Education from USC Rossier, she pushed me and my siblings to go to college and be involved in organizations from an early age. She is the rock of our family, and has shown me what it means to be resilient, caring, and supportive. Without her guidance and love, I would not be where I am today.
My father is also amazing, and has shown me unconditional love throughout my life. Coming from a college educated background, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and his Masters in Business Administration from Cal Poly Pomona. He always pushed me to play sports, excel academically, and have confidence in my abilities. Growing up he would always say, “the only thing that can stop you, is you”, and I carry that with me to this day.
Lastly, I cannot talk about my parents without acknowledging my stepfather. He has been in my life since I was 5 years old and has treated me like his daughter. I appreciate his support and presence in my life, as he has served as an additional source of encouragement and love. He also pushed me to excel in school and set a great example by receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Tuskegee University, and Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
I am blessed to have three amazing parental figures in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: brianasavage.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/besavageee
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/besavageee
- Twitter: twitter.com/besavageee
