Cornel Taylor II’s journey at Baker College is deeply rooted in family support and a desire to make a positive impact. Inspired by his wife’s experience and appreciation for Baker’s culture, and her academic achievements, he decided to follow in her footsteps. From the moment he stepped on campus, he found himself immersed in a supportive environment that nurtured both personal and professional growth.
Studying Human Services, Cornel’s passion for understanding the intricacies of human behavior and psychology blossomed. Through engaging coursework and interactions with professors and peers, he gained valuable insights that would shape his future endeavors. Now, with graduation on the horizon in May 2024, Cornel has his sights set on pursuing a Master’s in counseling to further his ability to serve others.
“My love for Baker College comes from my experiences and interaction with professors and peers while a student. I’ve had so many serviceable experiences that helped cultivate my perspective, personally and professionally,” Cornel said.
His journey has been enriched by memorable internships, including one at Jackson High School in the counseling department. Under the mentorship of counselor Jill Raymond, Cornel gained firsthand experience in supporting students and solidified his desire to positively impact young lives. He recounted coaching a young boy who struggled with self-esteem and was heavily involved in therapy before joining the program. Through Cornel’s mentorship, the boy gained confidence and self-esteem, leading to a decrease in his therapy sessions. Moved by the impact, Cornel received a card from the boy’s mother, quoting former basketball coach John Wooden: ‘A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.’ “That’s my ambition in all of this, is to help empower, motivate, and help young people come to their own self realizations,” Cornel said.” His ultimate career goal is to empower youth in whatever capacity he can.
Cornel credits the guidance he’s received from family, pastors, colleagues, and professors as being the developmental pillar that has shaped his approach to mentoring young people and cultivated him personally and professionally. He takes pride in the influence he’s already able to make, as he helps with instilling confidence and self-esteem in the next generation.
He expresses deep gratitude for professors: Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Sabbagh, and Dr. Topor, whose expertise and support have been instrumental in his development. Their mentorship, coupled with real-life experiences gained through internships and class discussions, have equipped him with the skills and perspective needed to embark on his career path after graduation with confidence and purpose.