Taylor Hall, 19, of Hollywood started as a dual-enrolled student at CSM during 10th grade while attending Leonardtown High School. Remaining very active at her high school even as she took CSM classes, Hall played soccer for two years and then played as the kicker of the football team her senior year. She was voted onto the Homecoming court twice and was selected prom princess and Homecoming queen.
Hall enjoyed her classes at CSM. She said she learned to love chemistry at CSM by taking John Barracato’s Chem I class. “He … made it so clear. He’s an awesome teacher, and I’ve recommended him to all of my friends.”
When it came time for high school graduation last year, Hall realized she was at a crossroads. She’d been accepted to Virginia Tech. “But I decided to stay home one year since I was so close to graduating [from CSM] with a degree. I always saw myself going off to a big school and being on my own. But when reality [hit], I decided it was best for me to stay home.
“Another thing I liked about CSM is that I can get my general classes out of the way before I do go off to a university where those classes have hundreds of students.”
As one of the youngest graduates at this spring’s commencement ceremony, Hall earned an associate degree with high honors in general studies: forensic studies. She plans to continue her education at University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall. Her career goal is to become either a pathologist or a forensic pathologist.