Meet Savannah King | Music Therapy Student
We had the good fortune of connecting with Savannah King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Savannah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When thinking about the concept of risk, I find myself navigating a delicate balance between caution and the exhilaration of pushing boundaries. As a 23-year-old music therapy student completing my final semester of college, the prospect of embarking on my dream internship at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco amplifies the significance of risk in my life and budding career.
For me, risk isn’t just some leap into uncertainty, it’s a catalyst for personal and professional growth. It’s the nudge that pushes me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow and giving me a fighting spirit when things get tough. Now, as I gear up for this internship, the risk feels real, charged with the responsibility of using music to bring something beautiful to the patients I’ll be working with.
Reflecting on my own journey up to this point, risk-taking has been a constant companion. It’s shaped the trajectory of what I pursue and has steered me towards paths I wouldn’t have normally taken. Choosing the less traveled path of music therapy, each decision I have made has been a calculated gamble that ultimately fuels my development and growth as a person. But that’s kind of what life really is — just a bunch of calculated gambles in the pursuit of something bigger than yourself.
Beyond academics, risk has been a constant companion in my personal life, too. It’s toughened me up, taught me to adapt, and given me the confidence to chase my passion for music and healing. The idea of working with kiddos at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital dials up the stakes. The potential impact of music therapy on the patients I’ll be working with requires me to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to take risks when necessary.
To me, risk shouldn’t be feared. It should be embraced. Standing on the brink of this internship, I know the challenges ahead call for a willingness to face the unexpected. It’s through taking risks that I see myself transforming, both personally and professionally, on my way to creating a meaningful life and career in music therapy.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The path here has been both challenging and rewarding. One aspect that sets me apart is my personal experience with mental health struggles. This journey has equipped me with a unique perspective and empathy that I bring to my studies and practice.
My upcoming internship at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco is a dream come true. This opportunity is a culmination of dedication, hard work, and a passion for using music as a therapeutic tool. The road to this point has been far from easy. Balancing academic demands with my mental health challenges required resilience and a commitment to self-care. Music has been a constant source of strength for me, and it has always been a cathartic outlet of sorts.
The lessons along the way have shaped not only my professional but also my personal growth. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, patience, and perseverance. Each obstacle became an opportunity for learning and development. As I embark on this internship, I am excited to make a positive impact on the lives of the children at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. I hope to bring joy, healing, and a sense of empowerment through the therapeutic use of music.
In essence, my brand is built on authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through the power of music. Yes, I’m a music therapy student, but I am also an individual with a story to tell and a mission to create positive change.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For anyone visiting the area, I would say you have to try Edley’s BBQ. It’s honestly unbeatable. Then you could walk down the street to Five Daughter’s Bakery off of 12 South and have one of the best donuts of your life. You have to check out the fairground flea market and make a pit-stop at Two Boots Pizza as well. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m hungry. Last place —- Bella Napoli for some good ole Italian food *chef’s kiss”.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a little shout-out to Channing Shippen! She’s been a key player in my academic journey, significantly influencing both my academic and personal development. Having the privilege to learn from her and consider her a mentor in this unpredictable life of mine is truly such a gift.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savannahk.ng
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
