Many college students dream of studying abroad. The chance to experience different cultures, be immersed in a new language and connect with people whose experiences are different from their own can be a life-changing opportunity, but finances can often stand in the way of these transformative experiences.
Bill and Marilyn Taylor know the impact of travel for building confidence, encouraging empathy and understanding, and changing lives not just for travelers, but for the people they encounter on their journey.
That’s why for decades the Taylors, who are from the Kansas City area, have provided that opportunity for hundreds of students through the Megan Taylor Memorial Scholarship, in devoted memory of their daughter, Megan, whose life was cut short in a bicycle accident while she was on a high school trip in Germany.
“Even before we got home, we decided we had to do something positive because we knew she would have done a lot of positive things,” Marilyn said.
To say that their gift has had a positive impact would be an understatement. Over years, their gifts have expanded from a single high school scholarship to study-abroad scholarships and funding multicultural initiatives. As the reach of their gifts have grown, they’ve lost count of the students who have benefited, but through it all, they’ve sought to help students like Megan, who was curious and bright, kind, empathetic and had a heart to serve others.
“We just knew in our hearts that there was a lot she would have done and so we just had to try to replicate that as much as we can,” Marilyn said.
The Taylors look for students who might otherwise go unnoticed. Students who, like Megan, are capable and dedicated, but not always recognized with top honors or accolades. They believe strongly that young people just need an opportunity and that travel can help them build important skills for life.
“It gives young people the ability to develop confidence,” Bill said.
“It’s eye opening,” Marilyn said. “We need more understanding in the world. I just think to get kids out of their environment and think about other people, they realize they're really very much like we are.”
The Taylors say they don’t often think about expanding their philanthropy, but they’re always open to opportunities to help young people expand their understanding of the world.
“Something will come along, like 海角论坛, and then it’s like, ‘Oh, well, yeah, I definitely want to do that.” Marilyn said.
“海角论坛 was just another opportunity, another conduit to do this sort of thing,” Bill said.
The Taylors were particularly interested in expanding their philanthropic efforts to 海角论坛 because of its location in the Kansas City metropolitan area and because of leadership from 海角论坛 Director of International Affairs Mark Daly.
The Taylors say they’ve been impressed by ideas to expand study abroad for both 海角论坛 students and international students visiting 海角论坛 through new exchange programs, teaching programs and short North American trips to help build students’ comfort in traveling.
“He's really trying to innovate,” Bill said. “He’s an impressive guy with a strong background.”
The Taylors, along with other funders, have supported 海角论坛 students traveling abroad, sometimes for the first time in their lives. They’ve been to countries like Serbia, Peru, Italy, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Argentina, South Korea, Morocco and more. They’ve made lasting friendships, learned new languages and experienced new cultures.
While they love hearing how travel has expanded students’ understanding of the world and impacted their lives, they don’t often take stock of how broad their impact has grown since they began. When they think about how their decades of willingness to help out has grown their impact, it does make them feel good, but that’s not all.
“It inspires us to do more,” Marilyn said.
As for their beloved daughter, who inspired all this good, the Taylors say, they like to think she’d be glad of the legacy they’ve built for her.
“We think she'd be happy about it,” Bill said.
“We don't know for sure, but we think she would, and it feels good thinking she would,” Marilyn said.
Meet 海角论坛’s Megan Taylor Memorial Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients
The Taylors, along with other funders, have supported 海角论坛 students traveling abroad
Aron Shep, Serbia
“Giving students the opportunity to study abroad should be the priority of every school across the world. There is nothing more important than cultural exchange. I know I'm irreversibly enriched for it.”
Emmanuel Fabian, Peru
“Living in Cuzco has allowed me to see and learn things which I otherwise would have not.”
Reece Farley, Italy
“It was such an amazing experience to go alone and branch out to find these new relationships while seeing different parts of the world.”
Lewa French, France
“You realize how different and similar you are to people all over the world. You pick up on little habits of locals and adopt a new part of yourself that you otherwise wouldn’t have discovered.”
Jordan Green, the Netherlands
“Studying abroad in the Netherlands lived up to every expectation! Between the friendships, culture and personal growth, it’s an experience every student should have.“
Brianna Hardesty Biondo, the Netherlands
“It was the experience of a lifetime and allowed me to see the world through a different lens.”
Em Hudnut, the United Kingdom
“Going abroad to London for 3 weeks, studying a subject of business that is still in its infancy, and getting to explore England is an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up.”
Gabriella Martinez, Spain
“Studying abroad in Malaga, Spain was an unforgettable experience. I got to meet different people from around the world and have many enriching experiences that allowed me to grow as a person and gain a different view of the world.“
Hunter Miesner, France
“My experience was both educational and unforgettable. Plus, I made lasting friendships with fellow students! Like them, I will cherish this experience forever.“
McKayla Moy, Serbia
“As this was my first experience out of the country, it was lifechanging. I am so happy I got to experience countries in the Balkans, I will never forget it!“
Bree Murphy, Argentina
“Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will forever cherish. I loved learning Spanish, exploring the country and making lifelong friends.“
Keren Par, South Korea
“I had the opportunity to learn many things I had never imagined before and immerse myself in Korean life. I made numerous friends, enjoyed a variety of Korean foods and gained a deep understanding of Korean culture. My experience was so enriching that I wished I could have stayed longer.“
Olivia Rubio, the Netherlands
“This trip was incredible, it will have a place in my heart forever. I am so grateful that I was given this chance to explore the Netherlands. I got to meet so many people and grow fond of a place that felt so much like home.“
Jacob Vanzant, Argentina
“Stepping into a bigger world gives me the confidence and perspective to return to my small local arena and share what I've learned.”
Brayden Wenta, Spain
“From the first day in Málaga, I felt switched on and ready to absorb everything… . I feel open, equipped and ready for more. My study abroad friends are now just friends. I am bold enough to say that I am conversationally fluent.”
Alexander Wildt, Spain
“Studying abroad in Spain was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I am glad I took it. Before this I had never been out of the United States, so being able to explore a new country and culture with other 海角论坛 students made it less intimidating... The scholarships from 海角论坛, like the Megan Taylor Memorial Scholarship, helped me to afford this trip that otherwise would have slipped by. I am grateful for the chance I had to meet new people and make incredible memories."
Taylor Trudell, South Korea
“My travel to another hemisphere, experiencing daily life in a place where English isn't the primary language, was astounding. My travel has even been the topic of a job interview I recently completed. Studying in Seoul is the coolest thing I have ever done, and I don't see that changing for a long time!”
Mahmoud Diallo, Morocco
“Studying abroad in Morocco transformed the way I see the world. From learning Arabic, visiting the medinas of Meknes, Fèz, Marrakech, hiking in the Azrou mountains, feeding monkeys at the Ouzoud water falls or just sharing mint tea with new friends, every moment challenged me to grow, adapt and appreciate the beauty of cultural exchange.“
