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Andrea Martinez

Savre answers questions students have about the entertainment industry.

Actress Danielle Savre, known for her role in the ABC television series “Station 19,” visited California Lutheran University’s iCLU Radio Station on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to share her experiences, offer advice and connect with students.

Spencer Fischer, professor of the Podcasting and Radio Production class, said he invited Savre, whom he met through a mutual friend, to promote “girl power.”

“It’s important,” Fischer said. “I’ve watched that be a huge factor in radio, you know, women looking out for women, and it’s made all the difference for the girls that I care about in the industry.”

Students in the class host weekly shows on the iCLU Radio Station, Fischer said. The course introduces students to the world of radio while providing hands-on instruction in broadcasting techniques applicable to any career, according to the Cal Lutheran website.

Savre said she had doubts about her ability to relate to the students in the class because she has no experience with radio, but said Fischer gave her the confidence to still visit as a guest speaker, which “felt amazing after.”

Savre sat in front of the room and led a discussion with students, offering advice for a range of career aspirations, from the entertainment industry to sports and radio. She also addressed finances, overcoming challenges, stepping outside of comfort zones and navigating dreams and careers.

“Find something that makes you unique and latch onto that. Try to not fit into some sort of box,” Savre said. “Put yourself out there and just follow your passions. Listen to your heart and your gut.”

Symera Jackson, a junior in the Radio and Podcasting Production class, has previous experience in the entertainment industry. She said she related to Savre and was excited to hear her speak.

“I didn’t know she started at such a young age,” Jackson said. “As a child actor myself, I think that’s really brilliant to be like, ‘Oh, it’s a very similar journey, and I understand that.’”

Savre also spent time answering questions students had about “Station 19,” its involvement with “Grey’s Anatomy” as a spinoff and her exploration and involvement in directing.

Savre’s visit also gave students a chance to hear about her personal challenges, including a personal setback she faced at 19 years old. Jackson said she related to the overlap between their stories.

“I just turned 20, so hearing her pitfall at 19 and then growing from there, everything happens for a reason,” Jackson said.

Savre said that was one of the hardest times in her career. She said at 19 she was financially successful and the lead in three different projects, but said each ended poorly as some were canceled and others didn’t do well with audiences.

“I gained a ton of wealth and I lost it all,” Savre said. “Literally watched my car get repossessed, the whole thing fall from grace, got a whole ego check, and then had to basically build it back up from there.”

Savre said she used this story to show students how to recover after setbacks and offered practical advice for when they feel they have failed.

“Sometimes, sitting around beating yourself up about a failure is not gonna help you at all,” Savre said.

She recalled clipping coupons and not knowing what to do next. She said she found joy in a bartending job that helped her regain “a positive mindset.”

“You have to take the wins when you get them and know that every failure is a lesson,” Savre said. “I think what’s great is if you have that passion and that grit to continue, you’ll be fine. You’ll pick yourself back up,…everything happens for a reason.”

She said she hopes being vulnerable and telling her story will help students learn from her mistakes and from the advice she has gathered over the years.

Fischer said he reflects on everyone he puts in front of his class and the lessons they can bring, saying he invited Savre to show the class an example of the struggles they may face in life and how to rebound.

“I’m just showing them the struggle,” Fischer said. “If you want to chase down something exceptional in your career, here’s how you do it. There’s going to be wins and losses and all that along the way.”

Savre said students should take Fischer’s class because “he’s amazing.” She said the words he shared in class inspired her, so she recommends it no matter which career students plan to pursue.

“It’s very motivational and empowering to be in there,” Savre said.

Fischer said his goal through his class is to train students to become more compelling content providers. He said that is why he brings in guest speakers and challenges students during class.

“Ultimately, if I can make them comfortable with being uncomfortable, then the world’s kind of their oyster,” Fischer said.