Recently, our Journalist Naomi had a chance to get to know one of Savannah States most prized possesions: Taylor-Ashley Shaw! Shaw is one of Savannah’s top athelethes, (being she’s a remarkable basketball players) an awesome intellectual, and one of the newest members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority! We got to know more about this amazing woman and believe us there’s more than meets the eye!
1. How would you describe your college experience?
When I graduated from high school I went to the Air force academy, and I spent a year there, but I didn’t like it because I wanted a more traditional college experience, so from there I went to Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida for two years before I transferred to Savannah State University. I like Savannah State because it’s a HBCU, and I enjoy being around all different types of black people from diverse cultures as well as other minorities. That’s the part I enjoy the most about being at a HBCU.
2. Why did you decide to attend SSU?
My basketball scholarship, the fact that it’s an HBCU, and the location being the biggest reason. It’s not too far from home, but also not too close.
3. As a senior what do you wish you could have told your freshman self?
Get more involved on campus, network with different types of people, look into internships, and get a head start with doing things related to my major.
4. Why did you decide to pledge Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and what did the experience mean to you?
Becoming a woman of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was the highpoint in my college career. It gave me the opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself, a part of a sisterhood, and to carry on my family legacy. It’s also what I’m most proud of accomplishing in college.
5. What advice can you give to incoming freshman?
Don’t lose your mind, stay focused, and have fun but don’t lose sight of why you’re here which is to get an education. For example, take advantage of homecoming but also the writing center. Just take advantage of all the organizations, make connections, and get involved of campus.
6. Who is your biggest inspiration?
God of course, and my mom. My mom is always in my corner, even when I don’t want listen to her I know I should. She always has my best interest at heart, loves me unconditionally, has my back in anything I do, and is one of the smartest people I know.
7. What is your major and why did you chose it?
Mass Communications with a concentration in public relations and advertising with a minor in Business Management. I chose it because of the networking, write press releases, and it’s a way to sell yourself and the organization you’re working with without a price. It gives you access to free promotion, a it’s a different side of mass communication. I love networking; dealing with sports media and social justice issues, and it’s something I have looked into all my life.
8. How important is basketball to your life and would you consider doing any other sport?
It’s very important because without basketball I probably wouldn’t be in college, or it would’ve been harder for me to get in and get to where I am today. Now I am about to be a debt free graduate of Savannah State University with a 3.7 GPA. Basketball is also a direct correlation to real life because it’s not just a sport, it shapes you as a person. It prepares you for real life situations, helps you mentally and physically, and has prepared me for the working world. As far as doing another sport, I’m good with basketball. I used to run track back in the day, but I hate running now.
9. How important is a college education to you?
Really important to me, I feel like you’re better off in this world today with a college education, and it’s really key when you’re trying to move up in the world.
10. If you could change one thing about tour college career what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything really. Just going to more school functions and getting more involved in campus activities like homecoming or the football games. I was more reserved in the beginning, but I’m out of my shell more now.
11. What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?
Graduate school, at either the University of Central Florida, Florida State University, or the University of Florida for either journalism or business. As a long term goal I plan to own a business named Shawesome, a fitness center for women by women.
12. If you could go back and relive or redo any experience in college what would it be?
At the air force academy, I wish I would’ve took it more seriously at the time and I would’ve gotten more out of it than I did. They build leaders, they break you down and build you up. If I would’ve been more attentive and accepting, I would be an even better leader than I am now.
13. What is you favorite freshman and senior memory?
My favorite freshman memory would have to be playing my first collegiate basketball game. My favorite senior memory would be this whole last semester, especially my mom coming to my probate and seeing me cross Delta, my last collegiate basketball game, and receiving the coach’s award.
14. What is your favorite quote or a quote that you live by?
“If you educate a man, you educate one person. If you educate a woman you educate and liberate a nation.”- Malcolm X