Combining Education and Service – Jessiyah Taylor, Catto Scholar

Earning a degree in Business Leadership, Jessiyah Taylor didn’t consider higher education at first, but she arrived at CCP after hearing about the College from her friends.

“I wasn’t going to college at all—I was going to take up a trade. My friends would tell me about the College. I loved it, and I stayed,” said Jessiyah.

She found the support and encouragement she needed to complete her studies through the Catto Scholarship program.

“I had rough patches and didn’t know if I could finish. The Catto staff told me, ‘I’m always here for you.’ That’s what I needed. And if they didn’t have the resources I needed, they knew who did,” she said.

Jessiyah is also grateful for the support she received from her classmates.

“Other Catto scholars let me know I’m not alone. Other people experienced what I experienced, and that makes a connection. Knowing that other people are going through the same thing, I know I can work through and resolve this,” she said.

While at CCP, Jessiyah discovered how much she enjoyed helping others. She served as a Lion Leader, helping out at student events such as New Student Orientation, and answering student questions. She frequently volunteered in the community through opportunities offered by the Institute for Community Engagement and Civic Leadership.  She assisted at organizations that provide meals for individuals in need, such as Chosen 300 and MANNA, and volunteered at Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden.

“I love volunteering. I love making the students happy, and making them feel that they belong,” she said.

Weighing her options for the future, Jessiyah is confident she is prepared for what comes next.

“They’ve set me up in a way that no matter what field I’m going into, I will have a business mindset. CCP has been great to me. Once you learn your resources, and you learn you’re not on your own—once you figure that out, the college experience is a breeze.”