NORFOLK, Neb. – A recent graduate of Northeast Community College plans to continue her education this fall but has ambitions to eventually work in a capacity that will fulfill the dreams of children.
Taylor Larson, Creston, graduated in May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business and a Certificate in Business Entrepreneurship. She plans to transfer to Wayne State College this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
Larson’s career aspirations have evolved and progressed since the day she first stepped on Northeast’s Norfolk campus. She had ideas of becoming a small business owner and opening her own clothing boutique, but the further she advanced through her education, the more she realized that it was no longer the career path that would bring her satisfaction. Near the end of her first academic year, Larson, the daughter of Bob and Kelsey Larson, and her advisor began exploring careers intensely and extensively.
“Taylor is extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and resourceful,” Advisor Josh Becker said. “We spent many advising sessions carefully searching for and arranging job shadowing opportunities so she could explore her interests and find a career that would bring her happiness and purpose in life.”
Larson desire to work for an adoption agency in the northeast Nebraska region where she can support children in finding loving and welcoming families.
“I want to help families who can’t have kids connect with children,” she said. “I want to be part of the process in helping children find families that will give them the love and stability they deserve.”
Larson is a first-generation college student and has set a remarkable example for her younger siblings. She understands the importance of a college education and is cognizant of her role as a blueprint for her siblings to seek further opportunities in their lives through education.
For her commitment to her educational and career goals and public service, Larson has been named Northeast Community College’s TRIO Student of the Month for May. TRIO is a federally funded program that assists income-eligible individuals, first-generation college students and those with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline to post-baccalaureate programs. It also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness.
During her time at Northeast, Larson was crowned Nebraska Dairy Princess, served as a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, was active in the TRIO Club, and was named to the Dean’s List every semester she was enrolled. She concluded her time at Northeast with 3.8 GPA.
Larson said she has a great support system that she has relied upon and stressed its importance in her success at Northeast. She credits her mother, Kelsey, who “is always there for me; she is someone I can always count on for great support no matter the decision I make. She is my biggest cheerleader and always wants to celebrate me.”
Larson also acknowledges her father, Bob, and all her grandparents with continually providing her support and encouragement. Further, Larson credits Becker, who serves as director of the TRIO program at Northeast, with aiding in her success.
“He has always been supportive of me, and never quit on me through my multiple career changes and indecisiveness,” she said.
“He helped me find a job, set up job shadows at various businesses and organizations, and has always been there.”
Becker is proud of Larson’s success at Northeast and looks forward to seeing where her career path takes her.
“I have had the opportunity to instruct Taylor in the classroom, as well as play an active role in her academic journey as her advisor,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoyed supporting her over the last two years, and she will always be one of my favorites. Taylor is so very talented, and I have no doubt she will find success in whatever path she walks in life.”
Larson and other TRIO Student of the Month award recipients receive a plaque and have their photo placed on the program’s Achievement Recognition board in the TRIO office, which features the theme, True Leaders, which is defined as those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team.
To learn more about the TRIO program, visit northeast.edu/support-services/trio or call (402) 844-7736.
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