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From his first class at Anne Arundel Community College, Nicholas Taylor has said yes to nearly every opportunity that comes his way.
Taylor, a former ECAP student now studying education, is a Presidential Opportunity Scholarship recipient, Student Achievement and Success Program (SASP) participant, AACC ambassador and founder of the R.A.T. Club. He is also active in the Student Government Association, the Genders & Sexualities Alliance, Amaranth: AACC Student Journal for the Arts, Campus Current and other student organizations.
"A lot of times you don't even know where these clubs will lead, which is why I joined so many,” Taylor said. "Having these clubs, it gives a chance to interact with students and build meaningful bonds and often just do cool things.”
Some of his favorite events have been Advocacy Day, Amaranth’s coffeehouses, the GSA Masqueerade Ball and spending time with his friends studying.
Ultimately, he said, "My favorites are just the moments I get to be with friends.”
While Taylor isn’t looking to leave AACC anytime soon, he is starting to think about the community outside of college. He recently joined Leadership Anne Arundel’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy, which has helped him reflect on his purpose and priorities.
"The first session we talked about finding your ‘why’ and what motivates you,” he said. “That workshop really helped me think about what I really want and what my goals are.”
One of Taylor’s goals included starting his own club. This semester he founded the R.A.T. Club, which stands for recreation, activism and teamwork, and is "meant to be a collaborative space between a lot of clubs.”
Whether he’s leading meetings or building community, Taylor continues to make the most of his time at AACC. As he prepares for a future in education, he is already modeling the kind of engagement and encouragement he hopes to inspire in his own students.