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Kent State student pursues career of service through regional campus community program.

Erin Taylor, '22, knew that someday she wanted a job where she could help people. She liked school, always had friends and dreamed of making a difference. She was selected to be part of the Rising Scholars Program in seventh grade and, after a few years in the program, Erin began to see how her life was changing.

“In the beginning, I didn’t realize that this program would last all the way through high school,” she said.

“Then, during my junior year in high school, I realized that everything was going to change for me, and I understood how important this program was. That’s when I really began to see why I needed to set goals and why I had to look at my future.”

Erin attends Kent State’s Salem Campus, majoring in psychology. Following graduation, she would like to work as a child psychologist so that she can help kids through tough situations. Erin is also a mentor. “Everyone involved with Rising Scholars kept me focused on deciding what I want to be and supported me,” she said. “I know that I want to help others, and I want to be able to give back.”

“I always wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know how I could do it. The Rising Scholars program made it seem like I was made to go to college, that I was smart enough and that I was good enough,” Erin said.