Meet Liberal Studies Alumna Taylor A. Austin

Major: Holistic Health and Wellness
Minor: Psychology Areas of Concentration: Biology and Public Health
Graduation Year: 2015

What is your current occupation and place of work?

I am currently a Research Data Coordinator for the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The research performed in this program focuses on the improvement of overall health and quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer, through various mind-body clinical trials.

How did your Individualized Major through the Liberal Studies Program prepare you for this position?

Holistic Health and Wellness Individualized Major was designed to reflect the comprehensive framework of the Biopsyhosocial Model. This program explored the three tiers of the Biopsychosocial Model: biology, psychology, and social well-being (public health). The philosophy of this model encompassed an understanding of wellness and health transformation honoring the whole person using principles and modalities that integrate biological, psychological, and social interconnectedness of human health and disease. This Individualized Major through the Liberal Studies Program prepared me for this position by providing me the beneficial tools to collaborate and understand human health and illness through a multidisciplinary approach. Human health and illness is not defined by a single component, but of many.

What is the most memorable class you took as an undergrad, and why?

As an undergraduate student, my most memorable classroom experience was that of LBST 300. It was my first semester in the Individualized Major Program when I enrolled in LBST 300. I was nervous and not quite sure what to expect from this particular course. However, I soon discovered that out of all of the courses I had completed throughout my collegiate career, this was class was by far my favorite. This class provided me the opportunity to appreciate and explore my multidisciplinary program, as well as the programs created by my fellow classmates. The most memorable aspect of this course was bond built among my thoughtful professor (Professor Linda Rogers) and all the wonderful individuals who were apart of this class. This class was small in size which only allowed us all to appreciate the light, the passions, and the gifts we possessed as individuals. I could not be more appreciative for the this class and all those who were apart of this wonderful experience.

What is the most thrilling or adventurous thing you've ever done?

Well since I have not done it yet (but plan to in the spring of 2016), I will go backpacking in Yosemite National Park in California!

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?

I am abundantly surrounded by the love and support of my family members and close friends. I am genuinely blessed to have so many people influence this wonderful journey of life. However, there is one woman in particular who has unconditionally guided my life and that would be my mother. My mother is the most beautiful, hard-working, compassionate soul I have ever met. When I was juggling different majors and deciding what I truly wanted to do in my life, she was always there to assure me that the road ahead was good. Without her support, I would not have made it through college. Without my sweet mama, I would not have grown into the woman I am today. I owe it all to her!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Binge watching Grey's Anatomy!

What is your Advice for current Individualized Majors?

For current Individualized Majors, This journey is a wonderful time to embrace and explore your true passions in life. Love yourself, no matter how different you may feel. Being unique is the key to life, and you're already one step closer! Best of luck in all of your future endeavors.