Taylynn Taylor

What made you decide to attend the University of Maryland?
I decided to enroll at the University of Maryland because I wanted a large community of people who were diverse, hardworking, and all shared a common goal to succeed. I also knew I wanted to have a lot of opportunities when it comes to internships and experiences. Being able to attend an institution that values education, promotes opportunities, and engages their community was really important to me and it's the reason I chose to attend the University of Maryland.

What major/career path do you plan on pursuing and how did you select that path?
My major is biology with a concentration in cell biology and genetics. I got really excited about this major when I was introduced to the topics during the program Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences in high school. This national program really jump-started my passion for science and research. I enjoyed the cell biology units and the labs that accompanied them. It was amazing to be able to extract strawberry DNA and learn about different mechanisms and parts that make up the billions of unique genomes that live on and surround the earth.

What clubs, community service, campus activities, or hobbies are you currently involved in or plan to take part in?
I hope to involve myself in student-led organizations like the Black Student Union and Student Government. This is important to me because I've been in programs like these for over seven years now. They have opened up my life to so many beneficial opportunities and amazing people. I was able to develop leadership skills, presenting and public speaking skills, and so much more.

How has receiving this scholarship positively impacted your life?
This scholarship was such a surprise to me. When I got the email, I yelled with my mom and we started clapping. This scholarship has made it so that I can begin my education debt-free, giving me more time to focus on school and other obligations. It has also taken a lot of stress off of my mother and grandmother because my mom lost her job and I had to start looking at joining the service in order to obtain an education. Getting this scholarship is a blessing.

What are your future goals after graduation?
I hope to go into graduate school and get more into medicine and research. I also want to travel and explore the world and different communities before I begin my journey into the workforce.