special to the star
After retiring from a 30-year career with General Motors in Laurel, David Taylor of Heidelberg, is now a Mississippi State University-Meridian secondary education major who is one semester away from attaining a 37-year dream of becoming a teacher.
“At 54 years of age, I was too young to retire and just do nothing,” said Taylor. “And, I figured with all the training and experience gained during three decades with General Motors, I may have some knowledge that would be beneficial to others. That, plus a 37-year dream of becoming a teacher and Mississippi State-Meridian’s adult-oriented campus, created the perfect conditions for me to earn my teaching credentials at MSU-Meridian.”
Taylor said being an adult student has been somewhat difficult and challenging, but rewarding.
“I’m finding that I have to study more to retain the knowledge that seemed much easier to grasp when I was younger,” Taylor observed.
“But, like a tortoise, I started slowly by taking one class to get acclimated, kept going and picked up speed, and now here I am headed for the finish line,” he said with a laugh.
Taylor’s final semester as an MSU-Meridian student will be spent in his teaching internship at Laurel Middle School in completion of requirements for his bachelor of science in secondary education with a concentration in teaching of social studies.
It looks like teaching is in the family. Taylor’s wife, Gwendolyn, 31-year old daughter Tamia, and 27-year old son David are all teachers.
Open registration for the 2010 spring semester at Mississippi State University-Meridian will continue through today, and classes will begin Wednesday. Late registration is permitted through Jan. 14.
Call (601) 484-0100 for information about classes at MSU-Meridian.
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MSU-Meridian helps Heidelberg resident attain 37-year dream
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Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
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Man dies of gunshot wound
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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