March 27, 2023
By Tessa Chilton
Taylor Shaw 21’ is currently the Director of Development at the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work & Family Science and voluntarily manages the UofL Fostering Academic Resilience (FAR) Scholars program. FAR Scholars is a campus support program and community group that serves UofL students who have experienced foster care. Currently, FAR is hosting a book drive initiative called “Hey I love that Book!” to donate books to local teenagers in foster care.
In this Q&A, Shaw reflects on her involvement in FAR and discusses the details of this unique book drive.
Q: Why are you so passionate about supporting individuals who went through foster care?
Shaw: Honestly, it sounds cheesy but I’m passionate because of every person I’ve met who spent time in the foster care system. Their voices should be at the helm of this type of work, but it shouldn’t all be on their shoulders to build these support systems.
Q: Why is the Fostering Academic Resilience Scholars (FAR) Program so important for students and the university?
Shaw: Kentucky has one of the highest percentages of youth in foster care, and we are one of the only states seeing a consistent increase in this population each year. This is an issue that runs far deeper than we have the space to get into today, but it is one of the main reasons we need a program like this at UofL. On average 75% of youth in foster care indicate one of their goals is to graduate from college, approximately 38% will attempt a higher ed program, and only around 3% will matriculate with a Bachelor’s degree by 26 years old. This is a population of students who want to build their independence and create stability through education, but who face unique challenges that universities can help to address.
Q: What is the "Hey I love that book!" Drive and what are you trying to accomplish?
Shaw: This is a new kind of book drive that doesn't require UofL students to donate any of their books, we just need them to tell us what their favorite book is, and why it means so much to them. A local bookstore, which wishes to remain anonymous, will generously donate all the books our students recommend so we can donate them to local teens in foster care. To add a special touch, we will also include a personal note inside each book telling the reader why this book is one of our student's favorites! Interested participants can fill out the favorite book form.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Shaw: Community of Care is one of our Cardinal Principles at UofL, and this is a great opportunity for our students to engage with often overlooked members of our society in a small but very meaningful way. Sending so much thanks to everyone who participates!
Taylor Shaw received a bachelor of arts in psychology from Bellarmine University in 2013. After taking some time away from school after her undergraduate degree, she came to the University of Louisville and earned a masters of education in counseling and personal services with a track in college student personnel in 2021.
If you’re interested in submitting your favorite book for the drive please fill out this form.
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