Hello lovely people! My name is Taylor Williams, and I was born and raised in Columbia, SC—as you can see I did not leave home at all. I am a second-generation Gamecock with a major in Public Health on the Pre-PA track. In the future, I aspire to become a Physicians’ Assistant (PA) that works in disadvantaged communities within the state of South Carolina. Outside of this clinical job, I also hope to work in the non-profit side of Public Health, whether that be in advocacy or directly supporting Public health causes that are dear to my heart that includes: maternal mortality, health disparities, and improving health literacy.
My advice for prospective students: Choose the University that you feel will support you the best in both your academic and personal goals. This will be the place where you will spend 3-4 years of your life, so be sure to take the time to thoroughly research and do some self-reflection about the school that will greatly shape the trajectory of your young adulthood.
My advice for current students: These four years will pass by so quickly so step out of your comfort zone in joining Organizations, applying for leadership positions, trying new restaurants, meeting new people, etc. Some of my most meaningful experiences at USC happened when I decided to step out of my comfort zone, and do something new!
My favorite thing about the Honors College: My favorite thing about the Honors College has to be the support systems that are offered here. From the small class sizes, special advisors, and more–I feel so supported in both my academic and personal life! In addition to the support system, I love how the Honors College values diversity and inclusion—one of my highlights of joining the Honors College has been becoming a part of the Black Honors Caucus. This is an organization that is dedicated to forming a community amongst Black students in the Honors College through service, programming, and vulnerable conversations. I have met some really dear friends through BHC, and for that, I am forever grateful.
My reason for choosing the SCHC: I chose the SCHC truly just from the support that I saw other students receiving through their time here. All of the SCHC students that I’ve talked to or seen prior to transferring in have always stated how supportive the Honors College and its staff were of their success here at USC. After hearing this, I decided to transfer in!
My favorite things: Reading autobiographies, watching baking shows, online shopping, going out for brunch, and sharing my story with others!
Something that makes me laugh: I love to watch the funniest American Idol and X-Factor auditions on Youtube! These videos will have me laughing for hours, and if you are having a bad day, I assure you these videos will help turn it around!
Skill I’d like to master: I would love to master baking really intricate desserts such as creme brulee, tiramisu, and homemade cheesecake (the baked one). I can bake basic desserts such as sugar cookies and cupcakes, but I’d love to master the more difficult ones!
Songs I’ve completely memorized: Honestly, any song from the Dreamgirls Movie Soundtrack. Although I haven’t been blessed with the gift of singing, I will belt any song from the Dreamgirls movie at the top of my lungs! Truly a classic movie with an unbeatable soundtrack!
My motto in life: My motto in life is “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. As an introvert myself, this can be a bit daunting–but I am learning to step out of my comfort zone a bit and “shoot shots” whether that be related to your career, friendships, trying new things, etc. You can’t grow in your comfort zone so shoot them shots—you never know which ones will fall in your favor!
Favorite movie: My favorite movie of all time is the Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan. I may be biased because I am a twin, but Lindsay Lohan absolutely killed this movie! I think I have watched this movie over 50 times!
I’m motivated by: I am motivated by my faith, my family, and those closest to me. In my most difficult moments of life, it is my faith and those that I love that keeps me striving toward greatness on days when I am discouraged.
My hero: My answer is always the same, and it is my mommy! My mommy is undoubtedly the most supportive and encouraging person in my life, and I wouldn’t be the person that I am today, without her!
My dream job: I will be completely honest with you all, I do not see myself with one job! However, I think that my dream job would be working as a PA as well as dabbling a bit in health journalism. As a child, I envisioned myself as a news anchor, and although my career path has taken me to other places, I can still see myself merging my two passions of journalism and clinical medicine into a career.