Bridgewater has had an immense impact on me. I’ve made so many incredible connections and lifelong friendships. I’ve been able to find out what I want to study. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person and feel like I’ve matured a lot.
When Savannah Lavigne, ’25, first set foot on the Bridgewater State campus, she had a feeling it would become her home. Now preparing to graduate, Savannah confidently says that initial gut reaction proved correct.
“Bridgewater has had an immense impact on me,” the political science major and marketing minor said. “I’ve made so many incredible connections and lifelong friendships. I’ve been able to find out what I want to study. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person and feel like I’ve matured a lot.”
Savannah grew up with her parents in Hong Kong, but knew she wanted an American college experience. While going to school thousands of miles away from home seemed scary at first, Savannah has family in Connecticut and thrived in the supportive community she found at BSU.
“I really admire how American schools value well-rounded students,” she said. “Developing soft and hard skills and developing as a person is so valuable. Bridgewater taught me a lot.”
Savannah most remembers all the opportunities she has had as a Bear. She studied abroad in England and brought Asian culture to campus by helping lead the Asian Student Union.
As an intern with the nonprofit Inclusive America, she helped advocate in Washington, D.C., for stronger anti-harassment and discrimination policies at the State Department. At BSU, Savannah discovered a passion for international relations that she hopes to pursue in graduate school and through a career as a diplomat or policy analyst.
In the classroom, Savannah stands out as a highly engaged student, said Dr. Chien Yu. Savannah is in his international marketing course, and the professor worked with her while advising the Asian Student Union.
“She actively participates in class and talks about her opinions on issues and current events,” said Yu, a professor of management and marketing. “Her points are sharp and great.”
Yu even nominated her to become a Green Room Scholar at WorldBoston, a nonprofit that aims to spark engagement around international affairs. Savannah helped run an event about the connections between science and diplomacy and contributed to the organization’s blog.
She appreciates the support of Yu, Dr. Sidita Kushi, an assistant professor of political science, and the many other faculty members who left indelible marks on her development as a student.
“I’ve had amazing professors,” Savannah said. “They have truly been academic and personal guideposts for me.”
She has also given back to BSU by helping students acclimate to campus as a resident assistant in Scott Hall and an orientation leader.
She encourages new BSU students to become involved and socialize. Savanah met as many people as she could during her first year, and those connections helped shape her undergraduate experience.
“Listen to your heart. That’s what I did” she said, adding: “I knew Bridgewater was where I wanted to be.”
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