Jessica Taylor, this week’s CAC INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete, is a senior, returning starter and one of the building blocks for first-year Wesley College volleyball coach Juli Greep.  She’s also very family oriented and hopes to contribute to the growth process for future college students and leaders.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I have always been a basketball player. However, my older sister played volleyball and got me into it. She taught me everything I know. I stated playing my freshman year of high school and never stopped!

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the gym. This is where I spend most of my time. When in the gym I could be playing, watching, coaching teaching, or even doing some homework.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  My favorite place to visit is by the water. This could be the beach, or a lake, anything. This is my favorite because it’s beautiful and very peaceful.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I’m the Men’s Basketball Manager and a Pulse Mentor on campus.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience had to be at our home tournament last year. Hitting, blocking and passing, it had to be my best game ever. The best part was my Auntie Joanie surprising me and coming to the game. It had almost been 3 years since I had seen her.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important societal issue facing college students is their lack of value for their education. Some students get caught up in parities, sports, or other things ignorant to the reality that education is the one thing that can’t be taken away from them.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?  If I could change any one item in the world it would be the cost of a college education. Many individuals want to continue their education but simply cannot afford it. To change this, I would start with rewarding all students that graduate with a 3.0 or high academic scholarships to the institution of their choice.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  Physical education is my major.  The most important thing to me is finding several fun ways to teach my students the importance of being physically active for a lifetime.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  The most influential person in my life was my high school assistant principal, Mrs. Bonita Sims. She was my mentor, my friend, and my mom away from home. She pushed me to always want more, to be independent and to trust in God. She was always there for me.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Sports are my favorite form of entertainment. I’ve always been called a tomboy; told I was addicted to sports; they’re a huge part of my life and who I am. Watching, playing, coaching, and everything about them I love.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?   My favorite source of information is the internet. I like whatever is most convenient and quickest for the situation.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  My advice to elementary children would be to enjoy being young; something I never understood until now. Also I would tell them to get involved in something! It could be sports, music or art, just find something that is positive.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite sports person is Dwayne Wade from the Miami Heat. He is my favorite because of his heart, passion and love of the game.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   Actually I have four. My two grandfathers that passed before I was born because I never had a chance to meet them.  I’d also invite my grandmother and my Uncle J.C. that passed because I never got a chance to say goodbye to them or show them the woman I’m going to be.