Student Profile: Taylor Tripp
Middleville sophomore Taylor Tripp has always known that she wanted to be a pediatrician. Choosing a major at Alma College, however, required a little more thought.
“When I came to Alma on a college visit, Dr. Ball and I talked through all the different majors, and she helped me decide that IPHS was right for me,” she says. “Now, I’m in her office all the time, but she never gets sick of me! She’s always there to help me.”
Tripp’s passion for improving the lives of children was put to the test this year when she did hospital rotations. She says the job shadowing experience only reaffirmed that medicine is the right path for her.
“I really got to see how the different departments in the hospital connect in a crisis,” she says. “We were there during a code blue, so we experienced everyone running around, working to save lives. I’m focused on getting my certified nursing assistant license, so I can continue working in a hospital setting.”
On campus, Tripp is involved with the Center for Responsible Leadership, Alpha Xi Delta, the Alma Leadership Alliance, United Health Professionals of Alma College and the Public Affairs Institute. Though she’s not yet applying to medical school, she already sees her Alma experience coming together.
“I really feel Alma preps you for graduate school—and life in general,” she says. “Just in my first year here, I’ve had hands-on experiences that most people don’t have until they’re seniors. I feel like I’m definitely ahead of the game.”
