“I want to teach between New Underwood and Martin, in a rural area because that’s where I come from and that’s where I’m best suited,” she says.
Taylin always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and since her freshman year of high school, she knew she wanted to go to Black Hills State.
During her junior year of high school, Taylin began taking dual credit courses through BHSU. Dual credit offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credit by taking university-level courses at a reduced cost. Taylin started with a history course and followed her next two semesters with three other dual credit courses – saving her time and money when she enrolled in college.
“I was hesitant to try dual credit. It was a big change, but I liked all my BHSU courses and felt like I was moving forward towards my degree by taking them,” says Taylin.
After taking dual credit courses online, Taylin has enjoyed the experience of having on-site courses at BHSU-Rapid City. Taylin’s family ranches and taking classes in Rapid City allows her to help with the cows and horses, while also pursuing her degree.
“I’ve loved every minute of my education at BHSU-Rapid City. I came from a small, K-12 school. It was a nice adjustment coming to BHSU-Rapid City,” says Taylin.
Taylin researched the teaching profession during her senior project at New Underwood. Her experience with a special needs family member and as an aide in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms at New Underwood confirmed her career choice.
At BHSU-Rapid City, Taylin says many of her professors like Dr. Jarrett Moore, assistant professor of research and assessment, and Dr. Janet Briggs, assistant professor of science education, share stories and experiences of their time as teachers in the classroom. She also appreciates the connections she can make with her professors at BHSU-RC, like learning Dr. Briggs was from Philip, near Taylin’s hometown.
“BHSU-Rapid City was the best option for me because of location and my friends going to BHSU talked really highly of the university,” says Taylin. “It just fit and made sense for me.”
About BHSU-Rapid City
Located at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. off I-90, BHSU-Rapid City is a flexible, accessible, and affordable location to earn your degree. Five associate, nine bachelor’s, and the master’s in business administration (MBA) can be completed entirely onsite at BHSU-Rapid City. Degree programs offered at BHSU-Rapid City include applied health sciences, business administration, human services, elementary education, psychology, and mass communication. BHSU-Rapid City offers classes at a variety of times and meeting schedules to conveniently fit your needs. View the courses offerings by semester or visit www.BHSU.edu/RC to learn more. Contact BHSU-RCInfo@BHSU.edu or call 605-718-4373. Spring courses begin Monday, Jan. 13.
