The Student Storyline

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Callista Gilbert, a Savannah Technical College student whose journey through dual enrollment is a story of opportunity, confidence, perseverance, and discovering the power of getting an early start.
Callista began taking classes through Savannah Tech's dual enrollment program during the fall semester of her senior year of high school. Her coursework included public speaking, economics, psychology, and English.
Although she was initially nervous about taking college-level classes while still completing high school, Callista quickly discovered that she was more prepared than she realized. She earned As and Bs in her Savannah Tech courses and encourages other students considering dual enrollment not to overthink the experience and to believe in themselves.
One of the classes that had the greatest impact on Callista was public speaking. Initially shy and nervous about speaking in front of others, she credits her professor, Professor Sherman, with helping her become more confident and comfortable in front of an audience. His encouragement—and his honest advice about keeping her speeches focused and appropriately timed—helped Callista recognize that she was a strong speaker.
That confidence eventually led Callista to take on a challenging and sensitive topic for one of her class speeches: the risks associated with premarital sex. Although she was initially concerned about how her classmates would respond, she ultimately saw them become engaged with the conversation. The experience taught her the importance of speaking with intention, encouraging others, and not being afraid to address difficult topics.
Callista also discovered just how valuable her Savannah Tech credits would be after graduating from high school. While attending the University of West Georgia, she learned from her academic advisor that her dual-enrollment coursework would allow her to enter the spring semester with sophomore standing. The realization showed her just how much Savannah Tech had helped accelerate her college journey.
Her dual-enrollment experience also contributed to an impressive academic achievement. Callista says her high school GPA increased from a 3.7 to a 4.1 as a result of her college coursework.
After three semesters at the University of West Georgia, Callista transferred to the College of Coastal Georgia in January 2025. Along the way, she explored several different majors, including cybersecurity and human resources, before finding her direction in public administration.
Callista's interest in public administration comes from her commitment to ethics, honesty, transparency, and making decisions that positively affect other people. Her long-term goal is to work for the government or a county and use her career to help make a difference in people's lives.
Her education has already opened doors to professional experience. After transferring to the College of Coastal Georgia, Callista earned her first internship with the Glynn County Board of Commissioners, working in the Human Resources department. The experience gave her an opportunity to apply what she was learning while gaining valuable insight into the professional world.
Callista encourages other students to put themselves out there and pursue opportunities even when they feel nervous or uncertain. She emphasizes the importance of gaining as much work experience as possible and building relationships along the way. She also recommends asking for recommendation letters from employers and supervisors, explaining that every job and every experience can help shape the next opportunity.
One of her biggest messages is that students shouldn't underestimate the value of where they are right now. Whether it's a first job, an internship, or an opportunity that doesn't seem directly connected to a future career, Callista believes those experiences matter. They build skills, confidence, relationships, and character.
Looking back, Callista says she didn't immediately understand how much Savannah Tech's dual-enrollment program was helping her. It wasn't until her high school graduation—and later when her college advisor told her she could become a sophomore—that the full impact really sank in.
For Callista, Savannah Tech helped give her a head start, increased her academic opportunities, and gave her the confidence to step outside her comfort zone.
And her message to anyone who has ever been underestimated is one of the most powerful parts of her story: don't worry about proving yourself to other people. Be yourself, keep moving forward, and let your accomplishments speak for you.
Her journey is still being written, but Callista is already looking ahead to a future in public service—where she hopes to use her values, her education, and her commitment to others to make a positive difference.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannatech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:39 Meet Callista Gilbert
01:12 Dual Enrollment Start
01:50 Public Speaking Breakthrough
02:36 Managing College Workload
03:38 Finding Her Major Path
05:14 Tough Speech Challenge
08:23 Mentors Who Matter
09:30 Dual Enrollment Advice
10:41 Transfer And First Internship
11:31 Internship Tips And Kindness
13:49 Government Career Goals
15:19 Savannah Tech Reflections
17:22 Words Of Encouragement
18:42 Wrap Up And Subscribe

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Indigo Lovett, a Savannah Technical College graduate whose journey from a production assistant student to working on major film projects is a story of determination, creativity, opportunity, and turning a lifelong passion into a career.
Indigo studied through the Savannah Film Academy, completing the Production Assistant program and gaining hands-on experience in areas including production, scriptwriting, locations, casting, food styling, gripping and gaffing, lighting, and production design.
For Indigo, Savannah Tech provided the foundation she needed to begin navigating the film industry. With guidance from her instructor, John Grace, she learned not only the technical skills needed on a set, but also how to find opportunities and build relationships within Georgia's film community.
After completing the program, Indigo used resources such as ProductionHub and industry networking opportunities to find her first major paid production. Her willingness to take on different responsibilities helped her quickly move beyond the traditional production assistant role and into assistant directing.
Indigo also gained experience through internships and spec projects, including a Tiffany & Co. spec ad, where she worked in production design. The project allowed her to use skills she had developed outside of the classroom, including an eye for styling, set design, lighting, and creating the visual details that bring a production together.
Her advice to anyone trying to break into the film industry is to be willing to start at the bottom and take advantage of opportunities as they come. Indigo emphasizes the importance of following industry resources, connecting with organizations and film communities, and being willing to work in different roles—including production assistant, talent, crafty, and other entry-level positions—to build experience and relationships.
She went on to work on the feature film Holy Ghost, a thriller filmed in the Augusta and Lincolnton areas. Indigo assisted with casting and hiring talent and crew while also taking on responsibilities that allowed her to put her Savannah Tech training into practice. The experience taught her valuable lessons about leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and what it takes to keep a production moving.
Indigo also helped bring additional Savannah-area talent and crew into the production, including SCAD students and other local professionals. When production challenges arose, she relied on her network and the connections she had developed through Savannah's creative community to help find solutions.
One of Indigo's biggest challenges came before she ever entered the industry. When she began her Savannah Tech program, she had a six-month-old baby and was balancing school with motherhood. She traveled from Hinesville to Savannah for evening classes, often attending from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., while also managing her responsibilities at home.
There were times when she wasn't sure she could make it to class, but with support from her instructor and determination to finish what she started, Indigo completed the program, earning her certificates as well as her OSHA certification.
For Indigo, the hands-on nature of Savannah Tech's training was an important part of preparing for the real world. She says students gain practical experience with equipment, lighting, camera work, script formatting, protecting talent, and the many responsibilities that come with working on a production set.
Today, Indigo is taking her filmmaking journey even further. She is writing a screenplay inspired by two of Flannery O'Connor's short stories, with plans to combine them into one film. Drawing on her love of Southern Gothic storytelling, she hopes to film much of the project in the Statesboro area and bring the story's settings and time periods to life on screen.
Indigo plans to be involved throughout the entire production process, from writing and directing to working with the cast and crew. One of her biggest goals is to secure enough funding to properly compensate everyone involved and create the film she sees in her imagination rather than settling for a version that feels incomplete.
Her advice to aspiring filmmakers is simple: start at the bottom, stay in your lane, work hard, and make sure people remember you for the right reasons. Every opportunity can become another step toward the career you want.
Looking back, Indigo says Savannah Tech gave her something she had wanted for much of her life. She had always written and created poetry, but she never expected that taking a production assistant class would open the door to a career in film and give her the opportunity to turn her hobby into a profession.
For Indigo, the journey is still being written—and her goal is to keep putting that passion on screen.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannatech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
Episode-Specific Links:
Featured Student: Indigo Lovett
Featured Program: Savannah Film Academy
Program of Study: Production Assistant
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:36 Meet Indigo Lovett
01:06 Breaking Into Film
02:00 Skills Learned Fast
03:34 Spec Ads And Design
05:18 Finding Gigs And Networking
07:06 Big Project Holy Ghost
10:17 Balancing School And Motherhood
11:48 Why Start At Savannah Tech
14:02 New Script And Southern Gothic
16:32 Funding And Creative Vision
18:05 Climbing The Ladder Advice
19:08 Final Reflections And Wrap Up
20:43 Subscribe And Next Steps

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Iesha Moore, a Savannah Technical College graduate whose journey is a story of perseverance, family, opportunity, and learning to embrace the next step.
Iesha relocated to Savannah in 2012 and transferred from Athens Technical College to Savannah Tech, where her credits kept her on track toward graduation. She initially entered the healthcare field before discovering that her passion was more focused on healthcare administration.
As a full-time mother of three while expecting her fourth child, Iesha was also working a full-time job while attending school. Savannah Tech's flexible programs and resources allowed her to continue her education while balancing the many responsibilities of family and work.
One of the biggest challenges Iesha faced was finding reliable childcare. When she worried that she might have to drop her classes, Business Administration professor Stephanie Rhett connected her with Savannah Tech's resource center, where she found assistance with childcare and other resources that helped her remain in school.
Iesha went on to study Business Administration Technology, gaining skills that would prepare her for the professional workplace. She also took advantage of work-study opportunities, allowing her to gain firsthand experience in administrative settings and better understand how offices and departments operate.
Her advice to students is to remain open to opportunities, even when they don't immediately come with a promotion or raise. Iesha says taking on different responsibilities and learning new skills helped her build a stronger resume and develop skills she could carry into future positions.
Iesha graduated from Savannah Tech in 2013, becoming the first of her nine siblings to earn a college degree. Her family traveled from Athens to celebrate her graduation, including her young children. For Iesha, the milestone represented more than completing a degree—it was proof that she could navigate the challenges of work, motherhood, and education and keep moving forward.
Today, Iesha works with Coastal Care Partners, a Savannah-based healthcare agency focused on supporting the aging community through caregiving, nurse care management, and other healthcare services.
In her current role, Iesha helps oversee a team supporting approximately 140 clients and 300 caregivers, with the organization coordinating roughly 30,000 hours of care each month. She credits Savannah Tech with helping prepare her for the leadership, communication, organization, compliance, hiring, onboarding, and time-management skills she uses every day.
Iesha also emphasizes the importance of building a support system beyond family and coworkers. Faculty, staff, financial aid, career services, and other Savannah Tech resources all played a role in helping her move forward. Her message to students is clear: use the resources.
She encourages students to pay attention to emails, attend seminars and career events, ask questions, and communicate with advisors and faculty. The opportunities are there, but students have to be willing to reach out and take advantage of them.
And if you're not sure exactly what career you want to pursue, Iesha says that's okay, too. She originally thought she would become a nurse before realizing that her passion was leading and supporting others in the healthcare field.
Her advice is simple: just start. Talk to your advisors, stay open to new possibilities, and don't be afraid to change direction. Most importantly, show up. Iesha says showing up demonstrates drive, commitment, and the work ethic needed to succeed.
Looking ahead, Iesha hopes to continue growing with Coastal Care Partners while supporting the company's work in the community. She is also looking forward to watching her own children continue their college journeys and reach their next milestones.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannatech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
Episode-Specific Links:
Featured Student: Iesha Moore
Featured Program: Business Administration Technology
Current Employer: Coastal Care Partners
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 
00:00 Welcome to Student Storyline
00:36 Meet Iesha Moore
00:55 Working in Elder Care
01:33 Finding Savannah Tech
02:42 Childcare Challenge
04:02 Business Admin Advice
06:25 First in Family
08:02 Skills for the Workplace
10:06 Building Support Systems
12:29 Leading at Coastal Care
14:16 Advice for New Students
15:49 Whats Next Ahead
16:47 Closing and Subscribe
 

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Danielle Briscoe, a Savannah Technical College graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and two-time Savannah Tech alumna whose journey is a story of resilience, determination, and continuing to pursue what's next.
Danielle's first connection to Savannah Tech came through Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart after she struggled during high school. Through the program's partnership with Savannah Tech, she earned her GED at 16 and began taking college courses.
At 17, Danielle enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she spent eight years working in logistics before becoming a paralegal specialist. That experience sparked her interest in the law and eventually led to a career as a civilian paralegal.
After discovering a passion for family law, Danielle's supervisors encouraged her to pursue a law degree. She returned to Savannah Tech and enrolled in the Paralegal Studies program while balancing work, marriage, and motherhood.
Danielle credits Professor Shaquan Gaither and the Savannah Tech community with helping her succeed. She also developed lasting relationships with classmates who continue to support and encourage one another long after graduation.
After earning her associate degree from Savannah Tech in 2023, Danielle transferred credits to Mercer University and earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Leadership in 2024. She then prepared for the LSAT, earning a 165, and continued on to law school.
Today, Danielle is pursuing her law degree through Mitchell Hamline School of Law while living in Thailand with her family. She says each chapter of her journey has provided lessons and experiences that continue to prepare her for the next one.
Looking ahead, Danielle hopes to eventually return to Savannah Tech as a professor, inspired by the impact Professor Gaither had on her own journey.
Her advice for students is simple: just start. You don't have to have everything figured out. Put yourself in rooms with people who are doing what you want to do, stay open to opportunities, and take the next step.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannahtech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
Episode-Specific Links:
Featured Student: Danielle Briscoe
Featured Program: Paralegal Studies
Adult Education / High School Equivalency: GED Classes
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:40 Meet Danielle Briscoe
01:27 GED Turning Point
02:28 Youth Challenge Academy
05:04 Enlisting at Seventeen
06:41 Eight Years Army Life
06:50 Finding Law Passion
09:28 Mindset And Opportunity
12:40 Back To Savannah Tech
15:45 Balancing Work And School
16:54 Professor Who Changed Everything
19:16 Community And Alumni Network
21:00 Nontraditional Student Support
21:47 Travel To Recharge
22:30 Boundaries And Scheduling
24:00 Time Management Reality Check
24:37 Graduation Finish Line
26:33 Fast Track To Bachelor’s
28:11 LSAT Prep And Support
29:39 Thailand Law School Life
32:30 Using Past Work As Tools
33:51 Full Circle Teaching Dream
35:22 Breaking Into The Legal Field
37:13 GED To JD Sendoff
38:01 Final Thanks And Call To Action
 

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Stephen Grant, a Savannah Technical College graduate whose journey from Johnson City, Tennessee, to a career in global manufacturing is a story about taking a chance, embracing opportunity, and discovering that you don't always have to know exactly where you're going.
After high school, Stephen wasn't sure what career path he wanted to pursue. At 18, he had committed to playing small-college football in Kentucky, but a family conversation introduced him to JCB and its apprenticeship program. He began weighing whether to continue pursuing football or take a chance on a career—and ultimately chose an opportunity that would change the direction of his life.
Stephen started at JCB by spending a year working throughout the manufacturing floor before enrolling at Savannah Tech. That experience allowed him to learn how the company operated, meet people throughout the organization, and connect with other apprentices who encouraged him to pursue his education.
At Savannah Tech, Stephen studied Industrial Maintenance Systems while continuing to work at JCB. He quickly discovered the value of being able to apply what he was learning in the classroom directly to his work, particularly in areas like motor controls, electrical wiring, and maintenance systems.
Stephen also credits Savannah Tech instructor Richard Andrews as an important mentor during his time in the program. Andrews not only helped him develop professionally but also took an interest in his life outside of school, becoming someone Stephen continues to turn to for advice.
Beyond the classroom, Stephen participated in SkillsUSA and Savannah Tech's leadership development board, where he gained experience in leadership, teamwork, and understanding how an organization operates. He appreciated having the opportunity to connect with students and community members while also helping identify ways to improve the student experience.
One of Stephen's biggest lessons throughout his journey has been simple: show up.
Whether it was getting out of bed for a 6:00 a.m. shift or showing up for school and work on a difficult day, Stephen learned that consistency creates opportunities to grow. He believes that even when things go wrong, there's always something to learn from the experience.
As he progressed through JCB, Stephen's career continued to evolve. After gaining experience across the manufacturing operation, he discovered an interest in sales and marketing and was given the opportunity to try a product marketing rotation. That experience eventually led to his current role as a product specialist in materials handling.
Today, Stephen works with customers, dealers, sales teams, engineers, and international JCB colleagues. His role includes supporting customers and sales teams, attending trade shows, conducting demonstrations, analyzing competitors, and helping shape what JCB's machines will look like years into the future.
Stephen also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at JCB's focus on innovation, including electric equipment and new technologies. His experience across different areas of the company has given him a broad understanding of how everything from manufacturing and engineering to sales and marketing works together.
Looking back, Stephen says it's still hard to believe how far he's come since graduating from high school without a clear idea of what he wanted to do. What began as a decision between football and an unfamiliar apprenticeship opportunity ultimately led him to Savannah Tech and a career he never could have predicted.
His advice for students is straightforward: don't say no.
You don't have to have your entire future figured out. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities come from simply being willing to say yes, take a leap of faith, and see where the next chapter leads.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannahtech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
Episode-Specific Links:
Featured Employer: JCB
Featured Pathway: Apprenticeship / Industrial Maintenance Systems
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:41 On Location at JCB
01:45 Growing Up in Tennessee
03:46 Choosing Apprenticeship
06:51 Starting at Savannah Tech
09:03 Mentors and Consistency
11:58 Switching to Marketing
14:23 Campus Clubs and SkillsUSA
16:29 Product Specialist Today
20:56 Innovation and Electric Future
23:41 Looking Back and Advice
25:08 Closing and Next Steps
 
 

In this episode of The Student Storyline, we sit down with Hannah Keldie, a Savannah Technical College graduate whose journey into culinary arts and baking and pastry is a story about finding the right path, embracing failure, and discovering a passion that has taken her far beyond Savannah.
Hannah initially went to college with plans to become a nurse, but after struggling in her classes, she realized she was following a path that wasn't right for her. After taking time away from school, she returned and enrolled in Savannah Tech's Culinary Arts Baking and Pastry program and found the place where she belonged.
At Savannah Tech, Hannah found friendships that extended beyond the classroom and instructors who saw potential in her that she didn't always see in herself. She credits classmates Don and Laney with helping her get comfortable when she arrived a week late, while Chef Alex and Chef Jess pushed her to recognize her strengths and keep improving.
Hannah also discovered what she loved most about baking and pastry. While she wasn't initially sure about bread, she eventually found that bread and cookies were where her heart was. She explains why baking is both science and creativity, from following recipes carefully to the hours of proofing required to make the perfect loaf.
One of her biggest lessons? It's okay to fail.
In a hands-on program like baking and pastry, things won't always turn out perfectly. Hannah learned to try again, reminding students that they're in school to learn. Her advice is simple: go in with an open mind, get your hands dirty, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
After Savannah Tech, Hannah's career took an unexpected turn. She went from working at a Savannah bakery to becoming a chef aboard a missionary vessel with her fiancé. Life on the boat means no two days are alike, from making bread to preparing meals for large groups and adapting to different foods and ingredients in different countries.
Among her most popular creations are her sandwich bread and chocolate chip peanut butter cookies.
As her planned time aboard the vessel comes to an end, Hannah is looking forward to returning home to Savannah. She hopes to continue baking, potentially selling from home and at farmers markets, while remaining open to wherever her next chapter takes her.
Hannah's advice for anyone who hasn't found their passion yet is to take your time and don't listen to the outside world. Sometimes the path you think you're supposed to take isn't the one that's right for you.
And if you fail? Get back up and try again.
 
Start Your Next Chapter
Are you ready to launch a new career or take your current skills to the next level? Your success story starts in Savannah Tech's classrooms and labs.
Apply to Savannah Tech today: savannahtech.edu/apply
 
Share Your Storyline
Are you a Savannah Tech alum who has navigated a major pivot, overcome an obstacle, or launched an incredible career? We want to feature your journey!
Pitch your story to be a guest: savannahtech.edu/student-storyline-podcast
 
Connect with Savannah Technical College:
Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahTech
Instagram: instagram.com/savannahtech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/savannahtech
Website: savannahtech.edu
Podcast Production: deedanielsmedia.com
 
Episode-Specific Links:
Featured Program: Culinary Arts Baking and Pastry savannahtech.edu/all-programs/culinary-arts/
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Podcast Intro
00:39 Meet Hannah Keldie
01:08 Chef Life on a Vessel
02:44 Inside Baking Program
04:05 Finding Your People
05:30 Bread Cookies and Craft
07:51 Mentors Who Push You
09:01 Pivot From Nursing
10:01 Advice Keep Trying
12:35 Favorites and Passion
14:06 What's Next After Boat
15:18 Savannah Tech Impact
16:21 Subscribe and Connect