As an activist and a leader, Taylor Spidell keeps herself busy as she spreads her knowledge around the Ferris community.
Spidell is an integrative studies senior. She prides herself on her extracurricular activities, as she’s the founder and president of Ferris’ new gospel choir, head of a youth ministry, president of Bulldog Radio, a student success coach, a small business owner, a member of the MLK committee, the campus climate committee and the student belonging committee.
“It all kind of happened by accident,” Spidell said. “I don’t regret where I am. Some people work their whole lives to be in this position, it was just something that I wasn’t actively looking for. But I love being a leader. I definitely wouldn’t change what I do for the world.”
Spidell is also the student representative for activism and social justice. It’s important to her to represent and spread Black women’s empowerment on campus. Because of her dedication to activism, Spidell was the first Black female student to have received the MLK Social Justice Award.
As she’s proud of all she’s done and accomplished, she feels her experience has taught her valuable life lessons.
“I’ve learned to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you never know what change you can bring until you decide to be changed,” Spidell said. “Not everybody is going to like you, but do not let the words of man discourage you from doing the work of the kingdom.”
Even though Spidell wasn’t looking for these positions, she found her true passion through them. She loves to be the boss while also being in a position where she can help others at the same time. She gives credit to God for putting her in the position she is today.
“I tell everybody, I’m a woman of God first and businesswoman second because at the end of the day, the lord allowed this to happen,” Spidell said. “He gives me the strength to continue what I do, and I keep him first so that I stay sane.”
Psychology sophomore Alaya Hunter is a coworker and friend of Spidell. The word she would use to describe Spidell is ambitious.
“The second she gets an idea in her head, she runs with it and she never stops,” Hunter said. “I don’t know how she has time for anything.”
According to Hunter, Spidell received four awards during the MLK celebration week and is already planning a new event for February.
“I am proud of all the work she has done,” Hunter said. “Whenever she asks me to do anything, I always try to help out and get her to relax. That woman goes hard for everything. She is truly passionate about what she does.”
Similarly to Hunter, former Ferris student and long-term friend of Spidell, Nakisha Floyd spoke on how she feels about Spidell receiving these awards and is proud of all of her hard work.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to receive the awards,” Floyd said. “She truly does put 100% into everything she does, and it shows.”
Both Hunter and Floyd have seen Spidell’s potential and are excited to see what else she will do in the future.
“She really changes the whole atmosphere of campus with everything she does,” Hunter said.