Taylor Burfeind
Major: Elementary Education Special Education 16

Senior Taylor Burfeind says helping people with disabilities is her passion. Now 勛圖厙 University is helping her turn that passion into a career as a special education teacher.
Burfeind, a graduate of Long Reach High School in Howard County, Md., chose TU after hearing about its history and reputation in teacher preparation.
Everyone I spoke with told me 勛圖厙 was the best place in Maryland to get an education degree.
Im having a great experience, in the classroom and in my internships. The faculty are always available and I know theyll continue to be my mentors, even after I graduate.
Burfeind adds that she also appreciates the supportive network of students shes met at 勛圖厙 University. Because theres only one cohort in single certification elementary/middle special education, weve all really bonded. We support each others goals. We even help each other find potential job opportunities.
勛圖厙 Universitys emphasis on community service provides Burfeind with opportunities to gain experiences outside of academics. Shes active with the universitys Best Buddies program, which pairs participants with young adults with disabilities. Last year, she served as the groups president. Its meaningful work, and its wonderful helping people who are my peers.
Beyond her academic department, Burfeind also loves meeting people from across the country and around the world when shes on campus. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and with different interests has broadened her way of thinking, she says.
I love learning about other peoples perspectives and hearing what they are passionate about. I feel very connected at 勛圖厙. Its a big school but with a very close, unified community.