Taylor Walters

Associate in Arts

Taylor Walters grew up in the Yakima Valley. At the age of 17, while pregnant with her first son, Walters made the decision to earn her GED. She spent the next three years as a stay-at-home mom to her son and a second son who was born during this time. At the age of 20, Walters decided to return to school and make a change in her life.

“YVC was the only logical option for me,” stated Walters. “Not only is it close to my home but also provides a variety of classes. There is really no way I would be able to work towards my goal if it weren’t for YVC. Having two kids means I can’t just up and leave town to go to school. I needed something close. Also, having only a GED, I needed a school that would work with me from the academic level I was at,” she continued.

Walters’ instructors awarded her the 2018-2019 Herodotus-Gedosch Award. First given in 1994, this award was created in the spirit of Herodotus, the “Father of History,” and Robert Gedosch, a former YVC history instructor, to recognize exceptional history students. Walters received books tailored to her personal interests. Her name will also be included on the perpetual plaque that hangs in Glenn Anthon Hall. After graduation, Walters plans to transfer to Washington State University’s nursing program.

Walters was honored to receive this award, yet thinks her real reward was personal growth. “It definitely took some adjustment going from stay at home mom to full-time student. Obviously, there was guilt and at times, I struggled trying to juggle it all but I am so glad I stuck with it. In addition, the further along I got the better I did. I think that shows the growth that I went through during my time at YVC. I think that the biggest achievements were earning this award and just the improvement I’ve seen in my performance and myself over the course of my time at YVC. You’re supposed to learn in college and I think that improvement shows that I did,” she continued.

She graduated in June with an associate in arts degree. She hopes to transfer to Washington State University’s Nursing program located on the YVC Yakima Campus. Her goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree and work in the Yakima Valley.