Posted on December 12, 2024 by Justine Cantu
Congratulations to the UTSA Graduating Class of 2024! We want to share the stories of our UTSA COEHD students as they follow the next chapter in their careers. Taylor Davis will graduate with a B.A. in Applied Equity and Education this Saturday, December 14, 2024.
Grad Spotlight: Taylor Davis
Degree: B.A. Applied Equity and Education
Hometown: Carrizo Springs, Texas
"I am from a small town 2 hours south of San Antonio, called Carrizo Springs where everyone knows everyone. So being in college has shown me the importance of your community because the support I have received these past few years has been incredible. I grew up thinking I wanted to be so many things, a vet, a ballerina, and even for a while president of the United States, but once I got older I realized I had this love for learning. I never related to my friends talking about how much they hated school. I loved going to school to learn new topics and go home and share with my family what I had just learned. It was around 8th grade when I set my mind to being a teacher. I was vice president of TAFE where we would make teacher appreciation gifts, and enrolled in child development classes to further my interest in the profession. Since then I have still had that passion for learning and every day I feel like I really am in the right field.”
Why did you choose UTSA?
I chose UTSA because being a first-generation college student I wanted somewhere close to home where I was going to be able to pursue my dreams. I did my research on the UTSA COEHD department and felt excited to start my new journey in life. Since then I have had amazing professors with amazing COEHD staff, as well as classmates. It feels like a home away from home.
What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite professor has been Dr. Porter. In his class, I feel like he was able to create such a positive and safe environment for us and has taught me the importance of hearing others' stories which is something I want to take into the field as I progress.
What is your fondest memory of your experience at UTSA?
My fondest memory at UTSA has to be all the classroom parties we had during lectures during the holidays. There's something about being around people who share the same passion as you, who are there for the same reasons, and just coming together to create a family-like environment at times when I was feeling super homesick holds a place in my heart.
What professional experiences or opportunities did you accomplish at UTSA?
I have had the opportunity to work as a work-study with COEHD in the OPPP office. From there, I have been able to answer questions for incoming students, which I wish I had answered my freshman year. I also made connections with the staff on a closer level to the point where I am no longer afraid to ask questions. For a short time, I volunteered as a peer advocate for Wellbeing Services where I was able to support wellbeing events around campus
What are your plans for the future and/or your career?
I plan on going back to my hometown and giving back to the community I was raised in. I had so many amazing teachers growing up and I hope to be that for my classmates' children back home.
What has brought you inspiration during this time? I.E. Music, books, public figures, etc.
I often reflect on my grandma who didn’t have the opportunity to finish high school, I use her as an inspiration to keep going as well as my mom and siblings who I want to inspire to do anything they believe they can do.
— Justine Cantu
