My name is Taylor Johnson, and I'm a senior at Utah Valley University studying psychology. My Wolverine Story starts in Brigham City, Utah. I have always had a powerful passion for education. One thing that stands out from my early education is theater.

I fell in love with theater when I was in 4th grade and continued acting until I graduated from high school. I love performing for people and getting to express myself through song, acting, and dancing. Theater helped me become comfortable in front of an audience and understand the importance of hard work, diligence, and practice. It also taught me to be responsible and work hard for things that I wanted.

I did very well in high school, and I graduated as the valedictorian of my class. When I decided to apply for college, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to attend. Things started to become more apparent when I came upon the website for UVU's Honors Program. The goal of the Honors Program — “to [enhance] the collegiate experience of highly motivated students through specialized academic and enrichment opportunities that cultivate personal, professional, and civic engagement” — solidified my decision to attend UVU. My first event at UVU was with the Honors Program. I had the opportunity to participate in the Utah Shakespeare Festival in August 2015. There I got to know Dr. Kate McPherson, the director of the Honors Program. This was a formative experience for the rest of my time here at UVU — the emphasis Dr. McPherson put on the arts spoke to my passions and helped me know that my decision to attend UVU wascorrect.

After a year at UVU, I took a leave of absence to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Zimbabwe. Shortly before leaving, I talked with Tiffany Nez, an advisor in the Honors Program, and expressed that aftermajoring in acting for one semester, I was confused about what I wanted to do. I wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue theaterbut did not know what to study instead. She encouraged me not to worry about it and just let life happen. I took her advice, and while on my mission, I concluded that I was passionate about education and wanted to spend my life in education.

After coming back to UVU, I enrolled as a major in psychology. I picked psychology because it felt like something that would be applicable in my life in many different aspects, not just as a job. It would make me a more compassionate human being and a better person, spouse, friend, and colleague. I was also excited that my future job could be directly tied to helping people. I had many experiences early in life that made me well-acquainted with the intricacies and difficulties of mental health. I’ve had family and friends who have struggled with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, drug addiction, and self-harm. These experiences influenced my decision to major in psychology because I wanted to be someone who could help people. I'm a huge advocate for mental health. When you are physically ill, you go to a doctor to prescribe medication to help fight off infection or illness. I think we should treat mental health the same way. When you are mentally ill, you go to a professional who can help you. This is something that I am passionate about and hope to incorporate into my education moving forward.

As I continued my journey at UVU, I began exploring different options to get involved on campus. In 2019, I served as a program director at the Center for Social Impact, and I was a department representative for the Behavioral Science Department on the UVU Student Association. I also served as an Honors Program ambassador and as an Honors Program resident leader for the students in the housing program. I loved getting to talk with students about the Honors Program and how it has influenced my life and education. As a resident leader, I am given the opportunity to mentor students and to teach. I also became a supplemental instruction leader for Psychology 1010, in which I led weekly review sessions to help psychology students review complex concepts. These experiences made me more confident in my skills as an educator.

One of my biggest goals at UVU was to be a presidential intern. I applied for the 2019-2020 cohort — however, I wasn't accepted. While I was very disappointed that I was not selected the first time I applied, I knew it was something I waspassionate about, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. The following year, I gained practical experience and met people who could mentor me to have a better shot of getting the internship. When I applied again the following year, I was hired as a presidential intern in Academic Affairs for Dr. Wayne Vaught, senior vice president of Academic Affairs and provost at UVU. This was a huge accomplishment and something that made me feel good about how far I'd come. Serving as a presidential intern has opened so many doors for me and taught me a great deal about who I am and what I want.

I am genuinely grateful to UVU for allowing me to work closely with individuals in higher education, such as tenured faculty and President Astrid S. Tuminez. I also work as the senator for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on UVUSA. I had great mentors when I served as a department rep during the previous school year, and I have done my best to mentor my department reps to help them make a meaningful impact at UVU. My dream is to be a tenured professor, which is why these experiences have been invaluable in my pursuit of higher education.

During my time at UVU, I have learned a great deal about the beauty of diversity. I have been very touched by individuals I've worked within the Presidential Internship, the Honors Program, UVUSA, and the Center for Social impact. They have all taught me so much about the importance of diversity, how I can be an advocate, and, most importantly, how I can use my privilege to fight for meaningful change. I don't ever want anybody to feel ashamed ofwho they are. Race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class should never be used to discriminate against or limit someone. I strive to create a more equitable and just world where everybody is free to be who they are, where every person is granted the same rights and privileges.

If I had to summarize my journey to UVU in one sentence, I would echo the words of President Tuminez: "Come as you are. UVU has a place for you." I came to UVU intending to work hard and get an education, but I've grown more than I could ever imagine. UVU has changed me and made me a better person. It has been a wonderful journey, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to receive an education.

I deeply admire the mission of UVU.  Education is extremely important, and it should be accessible for everyone.

After I graduate in May 2021, I will be taking a gap year and continue to do research while I prepare to take the GRE. My goal is to be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the fall of 2022. Though I won't be attending UVU anymore, my Wolverine Story will continue as I pursue further education and gain more experience. I will always be a proud Wolverine.