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Taylor Gehrls ’17 came to Simpson College from Donahue, Iowa, knowing what she wanted to study. She enjoyed math in high school and was impressed with the math department at Simpson on her visit during Iowa Private College Week.
There are sometimes limits in math, but they are some of the only limits Taylor found at Simpson College. Though she ended up adding another major in computer information systems, her education wasn’t limited to those departments.
And while Taylor has found guidance and formed relationships with many of her professors, they’re not limited to her departments either, expanding to departments such as English and religion.
“CoryAnne Harrigan was very helpful as my SC professor in encouraging me and providing guidance in selecting the classes to take as a first-year. Jan Everhart has taught me a lot about what I value and how to look at the world with a curious and thoughtful mind,” she said. “There are so many great professors at Simpson that have taught me so much.”
Taylor’s academics didn’t limit her time spent outside her studies. While at Simpson, she was highly involved in Greek life as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, active in Roteract and the Math Club and held jobs both on and off campus. She even participated in the annual Math Modeling competition for three years.
“These experiences have taught me a lot about leadership, prioritizing what is most important to me, and how to connect with different kinds of people,” Taylor said.
Now with mathematics and computer information system degrees in hand, Taylor is working as a web developer for EMC Insurance in Des Moines, somewhere she may not be without Simpson.
“I think having the connection to Simpson helped me to stand out and be hired,” she said.