“My parents graduated from here. They come back all the time. It’s cool to be able to walk around campus with them and have them point out things that are different. They will tell me funny stories about things that happened,” she said.
“I really enjoy getting to share those memories with them.”
She received a Board of Governors scholarship, the Midwest Student Exchange Program fee waiver and, as the child of alumni, the Continue the Tradition Fee Waiver.
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Helping newborn babies
Taylor is a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.
“Coming from out of state, I didn’t know anyone here. I thought it was a way to meet instant friends,” she said. “I fell in love with my organization from day one because their philanthropy slogan is ‘Sigma serves children,’ and that’s really important to me.”
Christopher proposed that her sorority become involved with Newborns in Need, a national organization that provides baby items to needy families.
She has held a donation drive and collected baby supplies. She also delivers fabric patterns cut out by her sorority sisters so other volunteers can sew or crochet blankets and clothing.
“So many babies we help are going home to nothing and I’m glad that we’re able to help,” she said.
Studying away, planning for her future
Using a stipend from her Board of Governors scholarship, Christopher was able to study abroad in Costa Rica.
“I had a host mom and dad and two host sisters who were incredible.”
She taught English to preschoolers and improved her Spanish while exploring the culture.
“We took a traditional Costa Rican dance class. We took a cooking class. We went to museums. My host mom took me to the market every other day. I got to visit a cheese factory. We went to different national parks. It was the greatest experience of my life.”
Back on campus, she’s heavily involved in academic and social groups.
She is now considering law school or teaching in impoverished areas of Spain after graduation.
Her advisor has been a mentor as she searches career paths.
“I’m a little bit of an idealist. I like to believe that you do whatever you want that makes you happy, and it will all work out. My advisor did an amazing job of showing me that can be true, but you should build a résumé to ensure that you are qualified enough to make your dreams happen. I’ve had great experiences here that have prepared me. It’s hard not to be optimistic.”