Taylor McCullough

For Taylor McCullough, history is more than a school subject about past events and people. To her, history is a launching point for discussions and learning on a wide variety of topics.

"History is a very open-ended subject, although people don't always take it seriously," she said. "History is not an end result, but a vehicle. You can learn so many different things from it."

It's because of her love of history the Mississippi native decided to become a secondary education major and concentrate on social studies, an academic term that can encompass history, government, geography, economics, and related areas.

McCullough attended Holmes Community College before coming to MSU in the spring of 2012. Next semester, she will begin her student-teaching assignment somewhere in the Golden Triangle area. The enthusiastic future educator said she is ready to hit the ground running, so much so she's already formed a teaching philosophy.

"My goal is to not teach my students what to think, but rather, how to think. I want to help students along in their thought processes," she said.

Part of the reason McCullough loves history and social studies is because she loves learning people's stories.

"I care about people and want to know where they've come from, where they're going, things like that," she said. "My faith in Jesus Christ is the driving force of my care and love for people."

Following graduation, McCullough is making plans to stay and teach in Mississippi for several years.

"I want to make a difference while I'm here," she said.

McCullough's outgoing personality already has made a positive impact outside of class, where she is among students that daily staff the Colvard Student Union's information desk.

"Being able to say good morning to everyone who walks by makes me happy," she said.

No doubt, being so warmly greeted by McCullough probably has the same uplifting effect on those who receive her welcome.