Audrey (Halcomb ’16) Lassman

Communication

Biography

I graduated from Taylor in Spring 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal and Public Communication. Since graduating, I’ve worked as a cast member at EPCOT through Disney’s College Program, then as a brand service analyst at one of the largest hotel chains in the world, an event coordinator in the heart of downtown Chicago, and as a contractor for a company which manufactures parts for military vehicles. The beauty of my major is that it gave me the confidence to communicate effectively in all of these roles, whether it involved talking with park goers at Disney or negotiating prices with part suppliers. Most importantly though, my major gave me the tools I needed to build strong relationships and earn trust: not just in my career, but also in my everyday life.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

My most valuable experiences at Taylor center around my friendships. I made lifelong friends while in school—not just because of 11 pm doughnut runs, dorm events, or even chapel, but because my friends helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord. And not only did I make friends with students, but I also made friends with professors who were invested in my personal growth and walk with the Lord. I gained a God-loving community which I still treasure, and I would not be the woman I am today without the support of my TU community and friends.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

The professors at Taylor cared deeply about me. All of my professors within the Communications Department had a passion for their students, and they sought to make a difference not just by teaching me, but also by mentoring and even befriending me. My professors regularly welcomed me to their homes, and because my Department was small, we all felt like a tight-knit family. One of my professors made a point of meeting with me regularly, and she gave me the confidence I needed to get outside of my comfort zone and declare my major. I was never a number at Taylor, and I will always be grateful for the time and energy my professors invested in my growth not just as a student, but also as a person and follower of Christ.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

First and foremost, Taylor molds students into servant-leaders modeled after the example of Christ. Students are given the tools they need to live out Christ’s redemptive love and truth within whatever profession they may choose to pursue, as classes at Taylor all integrate faith with subject matters. In addition, the liberal arts foundational core at Taylor trains students how to critically think across a variety of subjects, opening up a wide array of career options.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

It is okay to be unsure or to experience uncertainty when you are deciding your major. I did not declare my major until my junior year, and it is okay to try new things even if it might feel like you are falling behind. Your major does not define you; rather, it helps you use your God-given gifts to grow into the person He has planned. I like trying new things and switched between four different jobs within two years of graduating from Taylor. Go try things and never settle! I pray the Lord will use you in mighty ways at TU and beyond!