Finding a home at CHS: An inside look from student ambassador Savannah Jones

Second-year student ambassador and human health sciences major Savannah Jones knew as soon as she applied to the College of Health Sciences that it would become much more to her than an academic experience. She strives daily to share with potential, new, and current students what’s at the heart of our college: A reputation for hospitality and excellence.

Jones hails from Springfield, Illinois and had very specific requirements when searching for the right college. “I grew up in an area that is more rural than Lexington and I knew I wanted to apply to schools that made me feel like I was a member of a family and not just a number,” she said.

“When I visited UK, and specifically CHS, it felt like coming home,” Jones continued. “The CHS staff were so personable and service-oriented. They were always willing to answer any question I had and immediately take care of my needs. I fell in love with the genuine hospitality of the school. It was real here.”

Pursuing a degree in the medical field is not easy, and for a four-month period Jones had to balance the requirements of school along with the loss of her medical insurance. “The Office of Student Affairs went above and beyond to shepherd me through this stressful process,” she said. “At one point, someone printed out a 50-page pamphlet for me and multiple people were on-hand to offer emotional support and firsthand experience. I am a testimony of how much this college truly cares about its students.”

It’s this culture of belonging CHS fosters that led Jones to become a student ambassador. “When I started at UK, I hardly knew anyone. I ended up attending an ambassadors’ panel and immediately identified with their welcoming personalities,” she said. “All the ambassadors genuinely want every student to succeed and can relate to the exact same experiences we are all going through. I applied because I wanted to do the same thing for new students that past ambassadors did for me.”

As an ambassador, Jones is part of a select group of students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics and student leadership. The CHS ambassadors serve the college and assist with student recruitment, speak to community and university groups, plan social, philanthropic and educational activities for peers, and represent the college at receptions and meetings.

In addition to her duties as an ambassador, Jones is on the HHS pre-physician assistant studies (PAS) track and hopes to channel her passion for patients into a career in geriatrics. “I chose physician assistant studies because my goal is to know my future patients on a personal level. Positives experiences with physician assistants (PAs) originally drew me to the profession," she said. "My mom saw a PA and absolutely loved her. This PA actually caught many health issues the medical doctor missed. She and my mom had a great patient-provider relationship.”

Over the summer, Jones worked in a nursing home which sparked her interest in geriatric practice. “Being able to show the residents love, kindness, and compassion, and serve them as their caregiver resonated with the calling on my life,” she said. “I want these people to know their voices matter to me.”