From the president
Taylor Whitaker ’26 is an exceptional student with a broad and deep passion for making a positive difference locally and nationally. A transfer student, Taylor has made an immediate impact here at Monmouth College. She joined our Scots Student Senate and quickly found ways to advocate for her fellow students in general, but also in particular for other transfer students who are navigating a new environment. Some of Taylor’s most important work has involved supporting efforts at political education, including increasing voter turnout. She has more than two years of experience working for an Illinois State Senator. At Monmouth, her political involvement has included participation in our Scots Political Society, which fosters productive discussion of diverse political viewpoints, and her reporting on national politics and campus issues for our college paper. A political science major, Taylor plans to attend law school after graduation and continue her public service.
Personal Statement
When addressing social issues, I believe the first step is to understand the root cause. It is important to talk with people impacted by public problems to understand the systems contributing to the issue. To develop effective solutions, those affected need to have a voice at the table. Judgement free education is a next step. Although it can be difficult, it is necessary to listen to people’s perspectives and meet them where they are. Opening a space for asking questions, sharing experiences, and listening is the most productive way to build community and work toward collaborative solutions. These are two of the most important aspects to a democracy: having the ability to make informed decisions and think critically about the systems in place.
I bring these approaches to my own advocacy work: learning what people need, doing my best to meet those needs, and fostering education. I am a leader in CELTS, Berea College’s community-engagement center, where I focus on advocacy through service and creating partnerships with local community organizations. Additionally, I am President of Gen Action, a reproductive justice organization on campus that holds educational events on reproductive rights and sexual health, distributes contraceptives, and holds peer-to-peer education sessions.