– Student Spotlight | Brian Taylor
Loewenberg College of Nursing –
When I was 13 years old, I snapped my arm and needed surgery at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
I was terrified.
It was early in the morning, and I had never faced anything like that before. But the nurses and anesthesiologist were calm and kind. They told me I wouldn’t feel a thing.
They were right.
I woke up without pain, comforted by their reassurance — and even treated to a slushy afterward.
That experience planted a seed. In that moment, I saw how much it mattered for someone to feel cared for in their most vulnerable time.
Memphis-born
I’m a born-and-bred Memphian.
I grew up here, attended Briarcrest Christian School and poured myself into sports — football, lacrosse, wrestling and track.
Football was my first love, and I played for 14 years.
School didn’t always come easy, but I fell in love with science. It was hard, but that’s what made me love it.
My teachers at Briarcrest pushed me. They also supported me.
Science gave me confidence and made me excited to learn.
“People talk about crime or challenges, but I see a place full of pride, resilience and opportunity.”
I left Briarcrest with a 4.8 GPA and a deep appreciation for the people who invested in me.
Jason Ellis, my Honors Apologetics teacher, taught me how to defend my faith. My science teachers encouraged me to pursue the subject I loved most.
They helped me realize that I could use science to serve others.
Rooted in Faith and Community
Faith has always been a central part of my journey.
I believe the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day. A compliment. A word of encouragement. Simply being there when someone needs it.
At the University of Memphis, I found a community that helps me live that out.
Campus Outreach welcomed me with open arms. Through weekly 901 Live gatherings and small group discipleship, I’ve built friendships and found mentors who continually pour into me.
Leaders like Drew Richardson, James and Erin Luecke, Tim Miles and Veronica Parker showed me what it looks like to live and serve with purpose.
I’ve also taken on leadership myself, co-leading a Bible study with a group of friends.
Investing in others has reminded me of the importance of service — the same lesson I learned from the people who once invested in me.
Choosing Memphis
Photo by Matthew A. Smith/The University of Memphis
The University of Memphis was an easy choice.
This city is special to me.
People talk about crime or challenges, but I see a place full of pride, resilience and opportunity.
I wanted to stay close to my family, my church and my new nephew. I wanted to be near Shelby Farms Park, the Memphis Grizzlies and the community that has shaped me.
And most of all, I wanted to be part of the Loewenberg College of Nursing.
At Memphis, I’ve found professors like Dr. Omar Skalli, who pushes us academically while making sure we truly learn.
Also, by having the conversation with Dr. Deborah Tollefsen, professor of Philosophy, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School about why I chose the University of Memphis, made me realize once again that coming here was the best decision I could have made for my journey.
Their support has confirmed that I made the right choice.
The Path Ahead
My dream is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
I plan to work in the ICU for a few years after earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Then I’ll apply to CRNA school at UT Health Science Center here in Memphis.
Ultimately, I aspire to work in pediatrics — possibly even at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — where I can provide reassurance to children and their families facing surgery or treatment.
Just like those nurses reassured me when I was 13.
This journey won’t be easy. But I’m driven by faith, by a love of science and by the belief that service matters.
Memphis has given me roots, a sense of community and a purpose.
Now, I want to give back by helping others feel the same calm and care that once changed my life.
