Hi, I’m Taylor R a senior at the University of Southern California, majoring in NGOs and Social Change with a minor in Media Economics and Entrepreneurship. I’m deeply committed to my career goals, especially in the areas of mental health advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Through my work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I’ve organized fundraising campaigns and awareness events that align with my passion for helping others and making a lasting impact in the mental health space. But while I’m driven in my professional pursuits, I believe in living a balanced life. Staying healthy and having fun are equally important to me. Whether it’s taking a SoulCycle class to recharge, organizing wellness events through Greek life, or spending quality time with friends, I make it a priority to enjoy life and keep myself grounded. Coming from a small town in Nebraska, I’ve learned the importance of hard work, but also of maintaining close-knit relationships and finding joy in everyday moments. That balance helps me stay focused on my goals while enjoying the journey along the way.

Hometown

Omaha, Nebraska

Major(s)

NGOs and Social Change, Social Entrepreneurship

Minor(s)

Media Economics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Women and Youth Supporting Eachother (WYSE), GAMMA PHI BETA, Panhellenic Coucil, Trojan Democrats, Kristy Smith Campaign, Center for Political Future, Club Track

Describe your college experience

My college experience at USC has been transformative and enriching. As a student majoring in NGOs and Social Change with a minor in Media Economics and Entrepreneurship, I’ve had the opportunity to blend my passion for social impact with business principles. I've been deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular activities, such as leading wellness initiatives through the USC Panhellenic Executive Board and participating in meaningful work at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These experiences have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, preparing me for future leadership roles. The transition to college was a mix of excitement and challenge. Coming from a rural town in Nebraska, where I was already very engaged in leadership and extracurricular activities, I was eager to dive into the vibrant USC community. The shift to such a large and diverse environment was a big change, but I quickly found my footing by getting involved in Greek life and wellness programming, which helped me establish a strong support network. My experience at USC has been incredibly positive, marked by both academic success and personal growth. Being part of such a dynamic and supportive community has allowed me to expand my perspective and develop in ways I hadn’t imagined possible when I first left home.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been BAEP 450: Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship. It offered a hands-on approach to understanding entrepreneurship and building a business from the ground up. I enjoyed the creative freedom the course allowed and how it helped me think outside the box about social enterprises, which ties directly into my passion for combining business with social impact. This class inspired me to pursue my major in NGOs and Social Change, as it showed me how entrepreneurship could be used as a tool to address pressing social issues. It was through this course that I first realized my dream of starting my own nonprofit organization one day.

Career goals

It was through a business course that I first realized my dream of starting my own nonprofit organization one day. In fact, BAEP 450 played a pivotal role in encouraging me to launch my own fundraising campaign, Team Sabrina, in honor of my late mother. I’ve organized several successful events, raising over $27,000 to support suicide prevention through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This experience not only allowed me to apply the entrepreneurial skills I learned in class but also solidified my commitment to making a tangible difference in the mental health space. Ultimately, the class gave me the confidence and the framework to turn my vision of leading a nonprofit into a reality.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be either taking a SoulCycle class or catching up with friends over dinner. I love balancing fitness and social connection to unwind from a busy day. Staying active is important to me, and SoulCycle provides a perfect mix of physical challenge and mental clarity. I also enjoy attending or organizing wellness events through my role in Greek life, such as health and wellness workshops or social gatherings that promote balance and self-care among my sorority sisters. These events are a great way to combine my passion for mental and physical wellness with community building. Sometimes, I also like to spend the evening reflecting and working on creative projects, such as planning future mental health awareness campaigns. I find inspiration in creating events or campaigns that not only uplift those around me but also raise awareness for causes I deeply care about, such as suicide prevention. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas or collaborating with others in my community, I love using my free time to make a meaningful impact while staying connected to the people and activities that bring me joy.

High school or secondary school

Bennington High School in Bennington, Nebraska

Previous college

At USC since Fall 2021 of my freshman year.