Isabelle Erb ’23

Psychology

Biography

I graduated from Taylor in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in Counseling and Health and Wellness. As I am writing this, I am in my first year of a Clinical Psychology PsyD program at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. My area of interest and specialization is in Health Care Psychology Across the Lifespan. Although just beginning my journey to a doctoral degree, it is already evident that my experiences at Taylor and in the psychology department have prepared me well for life after Taylor and continuing my education.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

I had numerous experiences inside and outside the classroom that were transformative, as well as very fun! Uniquely, my interests in exercise science, health, and psychology resulted in many multidisciplinary and “cross-major” opportunities. For three years, I worked as a Health Educator at the Invitation Program which is a diabetes prevention program started and run by Taylor students and professors. In this program, I was paired with community members who are seeking a healthier lifestyle. I met one-on-one with patients each week to work through a CDC-approved health curriculum and exercise program. This opportunity was critical for beginning to develop my clinical skills. I also participated in multiple research teams both in the psychology and exercise science departments. Working with different professors and students helped to hone my problem-solving, research, and leadership skills. Furthermore, I was a Teaching Assistant in the psychology department, a valuable experience including work such as grading and helping with administrative tasks within the department. I also had the opportunity to go on the Sacred Places J-term trip to Ireland which was an amazing adventure that I highly recommend! Lastly, my involvement in the Taylor World Outreach department provided opportunities for service and another avenue of community outside of my dorm and major.

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

The professors at Taylor were very impactful both academically and spiritually. Several professors had a mentoring role in my life and were essential for my growth. I am so grateful for their investment in my development as a person and as a future psychologist. On a more practical level, the professors in the department were very helpful in the graduate school application process, as they are very knowledgeable on how to navigate that journey. A specific class that I have already found to have been essential to my preparedness for graduate school was the Counseling Skills class in which I had my first exposure to practicing and getting feedback on my clinical skills in a therapy setting.

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

Taylor and its liberal arts foundational core opened my eyes to my broader interests, such as my passion for public health and exercise science. These are passions that I may not have fully developed if not for Taylor’s holistic focus. Furthermore, as I am currently in a non-faith-based doctorate program, I feel equipped to integrate my faith into my class, readings, research, and work even though it is not explicitly done for me by professors and supervisors. Specifically, Taylor’s liberal arts focus has equipped me to be a critical thinker and has instilled in me a love of learning across all disciplines.

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

Ask to hear people's stories! Get to know people. Learn to ask good questions. Truly listen to their stories. This is a good skill in general, can greatly impact both the one who shares and the one who listens, and is particularly applicable in this field!