Class of 2026 Spotlight: Derrick Taylor
Hometown:
Syracuse, N.Y.
Degree:
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
What brought you to Marymount?
My first bachelor’s degree was in international relations, and I always thought I would go into international law. I was set on becoming a judge on the International Court of Justice. But after graduating, I started working with refugees during the Syrian refugee crisis, and that experience really shifted my perspective.
People I worked with told me, “We don’t need more bureaucrats. We need doctors, nurses and health care professionals.” That stuck with me. I eventually became a paramedic and worked through COVID, helping run testing and vaccination efforts.
I currently work in global health at the U.S. Department of State, and a few years ago, I decided I wanted to deepen my clinical skills. Marymount’s Nursing program stood out because it was the only part-time nursing program in the region at the time. That flexibility made it possible for me to continue working full time while pursuing my degree, which was exactly what I needed.
What has your experience been like in the ABSN program?
The faculty have been incredibly accommodating and understand what it’s like to be a working student. There was always open communication, and if scheduling conflicts came up, my professors worked with me to find solutions—whether that meant alternative assignments, extra sessions or presentations.
One moment that stands out was when I was helping run a major global health initiative at the United Nations General Assembly while also attending a nursing lab. I was in scrubs, listening in on high-level meetings through my earpiece while practicing clinical skills. It was one of those moments where my professional and academic worlds came together, and it captured what my time at Marymount has been like.
Were there any hands-on experiences that shaped the kind of nurse you want to become?
One of the most meaningful experiences was participating in a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic through my community health coursework. Patients traveled from multiple states to receive care, many without regular health care access. Because I speak French, I was also able to serve as an interpreter for Francophone patients while working in triage. That experience reinforced my interest in humanitarian and public health nursing, especially in low-resource settings.
I also completed placements in hospitals and at a supportive care homeless shelter, which further deepened my interest in public health. Those experiences showed me how versatile nursing can be and confirmed that I want to serve vulnerable populations.
What research have you conducted as a Marymount student?
I took part in the Tiny Earth Lab this year as I studied soil microbes and their potential antimicrobial properties. My project looked at how elevation might impact microbial diversity.
The experience sparked my interest in research and showed me how much there is still to discover, especially when it comes to global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance. I’d like to explore it in the future, but it was just one part of a much broader and impactful experience at Marymount.
How have you grown during your time at Marymount?
I’m definitely not the same person I was three years ago. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to “do it scared.” That’s something my preceptor told me during a moment when I was nervous about performing a clinical procedure, and it stuck with me.
There were so many moments where I had to push past fear and just trust my training. Nursing is a completely different way of thinking—focused on critical thinking, patient analysis and real-time decision-making—and developing that mindset has been a major area of growth for me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to continue working in global health but also incorporate more clinical practice. Long term, I’m interested in humanitarian work, possibly with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, where I can be “boots on the ground” and directly serve communities. I’m also considering pursuing a Ph.D. to combine my interests in clinical practice, policy and research. Nursing has opened so many possibilities, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
What advice would you give other students about making the most of their college experience?
Say yes to new experiences, opportunities and things that might feel outside your comfort zone. Those experiences are what shape you. If something scares you, do it anyway. That’s how you grow, and that’s how you get the most out of your time in college. There’s so much out there, and you won’t experience it if you don’t take those chances.
