The college access and success field is old enough that classes of
students we’ve supported have graduated and are now creating the change
we want to see in the world. As NCAN marks 25 years of progress in the
effort to close equity gaps in higher education, our Alumni Spotlight
series will feature the stories of outstanding alumni who have come
through our member organizations over the years.
At a time such as this, we believe it’s still important to share
the success stories of the students our members serve. We hope you enjoy
the series and this week’s alumni.
Lauren Taylor was part of the first cohort of students selected for the Act Six Leadership Scholarship offered by Degrees of Change. She went on to attend Whitworth University, juggling the journey to a bachelor’s and master’s with being a new spouse
and soon-to-be mom.
After earning her degrees, Lauren returned to her home community, where she began teaching in the public school system. Today, Lauren is a principal at an elementary school right in her hometown of Tacoma, Washington.
Read more about Lauren’s story below.
Note: The responses below have been lightly copy edited for clarity.
Tell us a story of how a mentor or counselor helped you on your journey to earn your postsecondary degree/credential.
My top mentors during my journey to earn my postsecondary degree were hands down my husband, my father, and my mother. My father because he held me to a promise that I made to both him and myself on my wedding day, that I will not forget about my master’s
degree. My mother because when I wanted to quit she taught me how to find the fight to keep going. My husband because he, too, would not let me quit, but he also picked up where I could not with our child, friends, and family so that I could focus
on this important work.
As a student, what hurdles did you face while getting your postsecondary degree/credential?
Being a working mother and spouse were some of the most challenging aspects of getting my degree. There were many times that I felt inadequate in ALL of these roles.
At one point, I was doing my admin internship, thesis, finishing a class, teaching, AND in my third trimester of my second pregnancy. I am so proud to have made it through and could not have without those listed above.
Why was it important for you to get your postsecondary degree/credential?
I wanted to keep a promise to myself and my father. I also wanted to be able to set an example for my daughters.
What inspires you to work in your field?
Every. Single. Thing. I love what I have the honor and privilege to do, which is to help others truly see themselves for who they are and who they can become. In my work, I have the blessings to help to make others great, and it humbles me daily.
In light of COVID-19, it’s important for students to hear words of encouragement from those who were in their shoes not long ago. What advice would you give to students right now?
Everything in life has a season, and what’s in front of you today will not be in front of you forever. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Find the lesson in any struggle or difficulty that you find yourself in. Also, stop and truly enjoy the good
times that you find yourself in. A day is only 24 hours, a week is only seven days, and a year is only 365; it goes by faster than you think.
You can become better because of the time that you are in right now, or you can allow it to pass by without impact.
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