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Returning for NW Media Fest

Jessie G ’12 has been making waves in Nashville as an independent country singer/songwriter. The political science and music alumnus returned to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ for the 2023 NW Media Fest, showcasing and sharing her creative journey with current students.

During the event, Jessie gave several talks to students, including “Making Sense of Nashville: The Business of Country Music” and “Life After ÃÛѨÊÓƵ: How Your Degree Opens Opportunities.” She also took the stage with fellow Nashville artist and ÃÛѨÊÓƵ alumnus Christian Santangelo ’15 for an artist performance and talk-back. The pair first met when opening for Wildstock in 2015.

A passion for performance

However, Jessie's desire to perform began way before she took the Wildstock stage. Early in her childhood, she often entertained her family with impromptu talent shows. Talent shows and state fairs throughout high school solidified her passion for being center stage. As she considered what she might like to do professionally, it occurred to her that pursuing both music and law would allow her to make a career out of performance. This dual interest led her to ÃÛѨÊÓƵ.

From scholarship to a transformative experience

The college application and financial aid processes were new for Jessie and her family.

"My parents didn't attend college, and my grandma completed her degree later in life,” she said. “So, navigating college was a new experience for me." 

Jessie was awarded a music scholarship at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, which helped make her dream of higher education more affordable. Not only was Jessie able to take this next step in her education, but ÃÛѨÊÓƵ would help them pay for it. 

Fostering connections and expanding horizons

Jessie credits the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ music program for broadening her perspective with classical music and teaching her vital skills like warming up, voice protection and range expansion. However, she believes the most impactful aspect of her ÃÛѨÊÓƵ experience was the close mentorship she received from professors. 

“Dana Libonati made [me] a vocal performance major, and it focused more on vocal jazz and contemporary music,” Jessie said. “That to me was the icing on the cake that made me just know that I made the right decision to come here.”

After graduation, Jessie spent a short time working as a paralegal. Her employers were huge fans of her music and encouraged her to continue pursuing her musical passion. She continued playing and performing at small venues in Portland, until one day she learned of an opportunity to compete in a “battle of the bands”-style competition. Jessie won this competition and the grand prize of opening for country music legend .

After the concert, Jessie and Gretchen spent hours singing, laughing and telling jokes. Gretchen told her that if she wanted to get really serious about a country singing career, she was going to have to move to Nashville. So that’s what Jessie did. Their friendship blossomed into a professional collaboration, including touring, songwriting and an upcoming duet in 2024.

Inspiring future generations

Jessie's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions. Her advice to aspiring students contemplating unconventional careers is to take control of their journey and not to be overly concerned with the opinions of others.

She advises: “Pursue your own passion and make your own path.”