Taylor Thompson
August 20, 2019
Taylor Thompson (2019)
Taylor is a lifelong Missourian, who grew up in Cape Girardeau and now lives in Kansas City. He is currently in his third year of law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he focuses on family law and litigation. While at Truman, Taylor was very active on campus and in Democratic politics. His favorite color is blue and he loves to let people know that Britney Spears follows him on Twitter (Editor’s note: We have independently confirmed this statement).
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated in December of 2015 with a public communication concentration.
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
I was a member of Pi Kappa Phi social fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and Blue Key Honor Society. I also worked for Student Government, the Truman Media Network, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), and I was involved with the Theatre Department.
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman or did you wait? Why?
I’m currently in my third year of law school at UMKC. I waited a couple years after graduating before going. I wanted to get some professional experience before attending.
What was your first job after graduation?
Taylor “involving” himself in Democratic politics (2019).
I got involved in Democratic politics immediately out of college. I was a Finance Assistant for Jason Kander’s 2016 US Senate campaign.
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
I’m a full time law student, but I work as the student assistant/paralegal for the Child and Family Services Clinic in the UMKC School of Law. I’m also a Rule 13 student attorney in the clinic and represent low-income clients. I’m currently working to expand the Child and Family Services Clinic at UMKC to provide representation for transgender individuals in Jackson County who are seeking a name change or gender marker correction.
I’m also the Assistant Director for the Kansas City Youth Court which is a peer to peer diversion program for first time juvenile offenders.
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
My COMM education has helped me in so many ways. It has made me a better public speaker and allows me to speak with confidence and thrive in the courtroom. Being a Communication major also made me a MUCH better writer. Both are essential skills if you’re working in the law.
Taylor and friends (2019).
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
For me, that course was Communication Theory. I’m glad I took it becasue I now have a much better understanding of people and how they work.
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
It would have to be becoming President of Blue Key Honor Society.
Taylor and his parents at graduation (2015).
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is a great place for a student to study because the university is truly invested in your success. Further, Truman has so many opportunities for leadership development and campus involvement. I truly believe that what you learn outside of the classroom at Truman is just as important as what you learn in it.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
Every student should have a radio show on KTRM.
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Who you know is just as important as what you know!
Taylor and a friend being carefree in Kirksville (2015).
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
This is a very “Truman student” statement, but I really do miss my classes. It’s cliché, but I consider myself a lifelong learner and truly enjoyed going to class. I also miss how carefree and fun life at Truman was.
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
“I’m not here for a long time, but I’m here for a COMM time.”
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
Digital Organizing. The class would focus on how to build and engage a following on social media.
Taylor, his mom, and his sister choreographing “Airplane! The Musical” (2019).