An Emmy award-winning television editor and director inspired students in the Great Hall with his success story on Tuesday night.
Jeff Savenick was invited to share his story with students as one of the first guest speakers for the Media Arts department spring semester speaker series, which brings professionals from various industries to the college.
Savenick overcame obstacles, including living out of his car for a period of time before understanding his worth and pursuing happiness.
“Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success,” Savenick said.
Savenick was once a student at Pierce College and said he had no idea how to find out what he was going to do for a career.
“We need to be able to find what we love to do and thrive,” Savenick said.
From working on reality shows like “Keeping up with the Kardashian’s” to MTV’s “The Real World,” Savenick’s professional career is filled with accomplishments, but he said his biggest achievement occurred in his personal life with the birth of his son.
He encouraged students to pursue their passions, reminding them that “if I can do this, you can do this” and “when you set a goal, just go for it and have fun with it.”
“I liked how he was able to overcome his obstacles,” Pierce student Geraldina Portillo said. “It was beautiful.”
Editing was Savenick’s first influence in what lead him to future projects like producing and directing.
“I practiced with it like music, after school,” Savenick said about editing.
Steven E. Simon, a camera and sound representative helping Savenick, said he also planned to become a motivational speaker for college students.
“If you love what you are doing, you will be successful,” Savenick said.
