Jordan Taylor
Most students don't portage a canoe down a cliff, ford a river and climb a 1,500-foot
slope to complete a class assignment. For Natural Resources student Jordan Taylor, going the extra mile — literally — was the only way she was
going to have a chance of snaring trail-cam images of an elusive bighorn sheep population.
Turns out, she captured 1,400 images for her "Wildlife Ecology" class.
"She was the only student that term to capture photos of their chosen species, and
remains the only student to ever have selected sheep and actually gotten photos,"
states Bret Michalski, professor of Forest Technology.
The dean's list student, with a 3.9 GPA, is planning to transfer to Oregon State University
for a bachelor's degree in natural resources. Taylor envisions a career working closely
with organizations and agencies dedicated to preserving biodiversity and finding sustainable
solutions to environmental challenges.
"Growing up in Bend, I have always been surrounded by the beauty of nature and it
deeply influenced my passion for protecting and preserving these natural resources,"
she says. "I have always been passionate about learning, especially when it comes
to natural, wild places. I believe that studying natural resources will allow me to
make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to the sustainability of
our planet."
For her dedication to her studies and overall work ethic, Taylor earned one of three
spots on COCC's 2024 All-Oregon Academic Team. She's appreciative of how far COCC
took her — inside and outside the classroom. "Being a local institution, it has provided
me with the convenience and support I needed to pursue my studies," she says. "COCC
has not only equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills, but has also fostered
a sense of community and belonging."