Harper Taylor: Class of 2018

Graduated in 2018, Harper Taylor is currently a Student Involvement Intern in the department of Student Activities for Baylor University while she finishes her undergraduate degree. She is also a manager in the department, which she oversees close to 400 clubs and organizations on Baylor’s campus and amends their constitutions.

What activities were you involved in high school? 

I ran track for my freshman year and part of sophomore year until I joined yearbook midway through my sophomore year.

What was your favorite memory from high school?

I remember senior year, my good friend and co-editor and chief Luke, would go to breakfast at Chiloso most Friday mornings. We would always have our friends Emily, Lizzy, and Madi join too. Then we would all drive back and try and make it in time for Mrs. Thedford’s class! It was honestly so much fun.

Who was your favorite high school teacher?

Definitely Mrs. Thedford! She let me join yearbook with no experience mid-year and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I made some of the most amazing friendships and learned some valuable lessons. Not to mention Mrs. Thedford and I still keep in touch with each other.

What five words describe you in high school? 

Energetic, outgoing, persistent, loud and bubbly.

Did you ever get in trouble in high school?

I got in trouble once in my dual credit economics class for asking my friend a question. He yelled at me for talking and it was SO awkward.

If you could do something over again, what would it be and why? 

I probably would study just a little more. I was one spot away from being in the top ten percent (thanks to Algebra) and it still bugs me that I was so close, but so far.

What did you do after high school? 

After high school, I got a few scholarships to attend Baylor University. While I have been here, I have gotten super involved in different clubs and organizations. Currently, I am serving as one of the Junior Class Senators for Student Government as well as serve on the executive board of my sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta). I also volunteer at a local elementary school where I read to first through fourth graders and mentor one child through their school years.

Lessons you learned in college you wish you knew in high school? 

I wish I would have known that you won’t do well on every test, even in high school, but it won’t kill your grade! I stressed so much because my first few college exams didn’t go how I thought they would. I kept freaking out that I was going to get a low grade in the class from that one test, but it’s not true at all! I ended with all As freshman year even though those first tests weren’t my best.

Do you have any advice for current high school students? 

Enjoy high school and get involved. That is one of the greatest ways to build friendships that will last and still have fun while being involved.

What will you be doing 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I hope to be pursuing my career as a lawyer in either trial or corporate/contract law and hope to have a family and lots of dogs.

What reaction would your high school self have if you could tell her what you are up to now?

I was super convinced that I was not going to attend Baylor since all of my family went there. I think if I were to tell high school me how amazing Baylor is and how much fun and the countless opportunities that I have been given, I would be completely shocked. I almost went to Auburn or Clemson like high school freshman Harper thought. High school year me would also be very surprised to learn that breaking your leg isn’t as bad as I originally thought.

What’s next for you?

Well, I graduate from Baylor in 2022 with a major in corporate communications and double minors in political science and legal reasoning and analytics. Eventually, I want to go to law school and work in either trial law or contract law. I haven’t chosen a law school, but I am definitely tied between Baylor and Columbia. I have never lived outside of Texas, so I think it would be cool to live in a new state for a while.

Just for the fun of it questions:

Last show you binged: The last show I binged was The Umbrella Academy. I finished season one and two in a little over a week.

Pineapple on pizza: ABSOLUTELY NOT! That was slightly dramatic but I have not tried it and honestly never will. It just doesn’t look appetizing!

Favorite song in high school: 4u by Blackbear ! Me and one of my best friends scream this song every time we drive together.

Song that you know every single word to: I NEED U, IN THE SUMMERTIME by warrenisyellow and Chasu