The first interaction I ever had with Taylor Connie was on the first day of school in sixth grade. She was my “buddy,” instructed to show me around on my first day at RMA, and the kindness she showed me is one I will never forget. Taylor was patient and truthful when answering my questions and made sure that I felt welcome all day long. Unsurprisingly, this sweet and friendly nature that Taylor has been gifted with has only grown over the years. With a bright smile and a hilarious personality, Taylor’s influence on the class of 2018 has been just as remarkable and influential as her impact on me.

While at first glance Taylor may seem to have a more reserved nature, if you take the time to get to know her, you will realize that her personality is just as bright and beautiful as her intricate artwork! Taylor has been drawing for years now and has created multiple amazing artworks, a favorite being her painting of her Jack Russell. Ms. Hunter, the Upper School art teacher, says, “Taylor is talented, beautiful and fun to teach. I love how she always brings her own creative touch to all her assignments regardless of the medium–clay, painting, etc. She never ceases to amaze me with her talent. I will truly miss her sweet and creative spirit.”

It is also important to note that not only does Taylor’s creativity shine through her physical artwork, but also through her dancing. Taylor has been dancing for fifteen years now, and as someone who has been to one of her recitals, I can safely say that the hardwork and dedication to her dance is evident through each and every song she performs to.

Moving into the realm of the classroom, Taylor’s academic excellence has especially shone this year. She has taken several challenging classes such as Honors Precalculus and AP Psychology. Not only that, but Taylor has used her gift for the canvas and her creative nature by contributing to the Yearbook this year and through taking multiple art classes. As Taylor continues her education as a Meredith Angel in the fall, we wish her luck, but with her skills she does not need it!

While all of Taylor’s achievements and impressive talents make up an extraordinary résumé, it is her joyful and humorous spirit that has had the most impact on our senior class. Casey Jones comments, “Taylor has a funny personality, and you never know what hilarious thing she is going to say next!” Making her even more unique, Taylor’s comedic talents lie more in her “saying the right (funny) thing at the right time.” She’s one of the few people I know who can make any everyday ordinary conversation humorous and light. Whether she’s dancing in Mr. Leonard’s room, drawing in Ms. Hunter’s room, or discussing life in Ms. Andracchio room, the life that Taylor brings to any place is unmatched. She’s a free spirit, and it’s been my honor to be her friend; a friendship that I can only hope continues in the coming years. As she dances and draws her way to Meredith this fall, I can say that the bright colors and happy music that surround Taylor will undoubtedly serve her well in the years to come.

To learn more about Taylor, please read the interview below!

1. I know you’re going to Meredith College next year. Congrats! What do you plan on studying?/What interests you? I am super excited to be attending Meredith in the fall, but I have no idea what I want to study.
2. What is your favorite song? Is there a reason you like it so much? At the moment my favorite song is “Waving Through a Window” by Ben Platt from Dear Evan Hansen. I like it so much because it’s easy to sing to, very powerful, and sometimes relatable.
3. How long have you been dancing? What is your favorite dance and your favorite part about it? I have been dancing for 15 years. My favorite type of dance is tap dance. I love the sound of the metal plates hitting the floor and I’ve done it for so long that I’ve gotten pretty good at it.
4. What has been your favorite memory at RMA so far? I don’t have a favorite memory.
5. Which fictional character do you most identify with? I most identify with Stitch from Lilo and Stitch because I’m fun and playful and crazy, but I’m also very comforting.
6. If you could only eat three meals for the rest of your life, what would you eat? Pasta, pizza, and ice cream.
7. I know you are heavily involved with art. What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created and why? My favorite piece of artwork I’ve created so far is an oil painting of my Jack Russell, Chewy, because I really love my dogs and it was my first real oil painting.
8. If you could meet and talk to one person from any time and place, what person would you pick? I’d pick Elvis Presley because he was one of my first favorite singers as a kid.
9. If your life had a mascot, what mascot would it be? If my life had a mascot it’d be a mermaid because they are very carefree.
10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? What advice would you give to the younger students? The best advice I’ve received is not to panic over small situations that don’t mean anything. The advice I’d give to younger students is that you shouldn’t believe everything you hear.