Savannah: Psychology Student and Cheerleader for the San Francisco Playoff Team

Hello, Science Cheerleader fans! As part of NFL Playoff season, we are interviewing some of the current professional cheerleaders who are cheering their teams in the playoffs while also pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Read on to learn more about Savannah, a psychology student and member of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders squad.

How did you get interested in science?
I first became interested in psychology when I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Understanding how people think and why they choose to do the things they do has always been interesting to me. I believe that a degree in psychology will help me understand different kinds of individuals and best prepare me for serving the community one day.

Who had the most influence on your career choice?
My family had the most influence on my decision to attend college and pursue a career in law enforcement. I am fortunate to have been raised in a large, healthy, happy family that has given me safety and security my whole life. I am determined to provide that same level of comfort, safety, security, and stability to as many others as possible.

How would you describe what you do?
I currently work as a police aide at a community college where I patrol the campus on foot and report any suspicious activity. As a police aide, I carry great responsibility in assisting sworn officers. Our goal is to keep students as well as the campus safe from harm. I enjoy working as a police aide for my school because working there allows me to gain experience in law enforcement while I work towards my psychology degree.

How do you integrate your studies/career with being a professional cheerleader?
Being a professional cheerleader and keeping up with the demands of a full-time student may seem tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Time management is key when dealing with studying and work. I like to think of dance as my outlet, something I love to do. It’s easy to become overwhelmed in everyday tasks; this is why it’s important to find something you love and incorporate it into your regular routine. For me, dancing and spending time with my teammates is what helps me through stressful times.

What’s been the best experience as an NFL cheerleader?
My favorite part about studying psychology is that I get to learn about how both mind and behavior work. What I love about studying psychology is that it teaches me how powerful the mind is. I enjoy taking the material that I am learning and applying it to my everyday life. The best experience as an NFL cheerleader is the sisterhood itself. The quote our team likes to go by is, “First you become a part of it, then it becomes a part of you.” Being an NFL cheerleader is more than just wearing a uniform and being on the field on game day. What truly makes this experience unlike any other is how we uplift one another and the amount of support each of us give to each other. It’s all of those precious moments and memories in between that make this experience so special, the moments that fans don’t always get to see.

What’s one thing people would find surprising about you?
Before I became an NFL cheerleader I was on a completely different career path. Making the team and getting to know all of the hard-working women was inspiring. I can truly say that the women on the team motivated me and inspired me to go back to school and finish college. I am now one class away from my associate’s degree and will be transferring to a university this fall.

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