Nicole (Ancil ’23) Hale

Psychology

Biography

I'm Nicole Hale (Ancil), class of 2023! I majored in Psychology with a minor in Autism Studies and Intervention. Upon graduation, I continued to work in residential care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. I worked for that company until the end of October this year. Starting October 23rd, I started my new position as a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional at a private nonprofit organization in Logansport, Indiana. This position goes hand in hand with the Position of a Direct Support Professional. As a QDDP, I write, and observe the goals that each client has for themselves. We at Peak support the clients in the lives they choose to have. I help with the intake of new clients, I also take clients to doctor appointments. During this time after graduation, I got married to my high school sweetheart, Cody in October, and we have two dogs: Whiskey-Bear and Callie, as well as two ducks: Sunshine and Donald. I plan to work at Peak and to go back to school in the future to obtain a master's degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

I enjoyed all of the relationships I had built with all of my professors, whether it be the awesome Psych professors or one of my general education classes. Before coming to Taylor, I was a complete introvert, being out in big spaces/classes drained my social battery. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still an introvert, but I can be more comfortable in public spaces and larger crowds, because of Taylor’s intentional community. I also enjoyed all of the opportunities Taylor has brought me. The practicum opportunity I had working with children in an autism center, which is originally what I wanted to do, however, after working with kids, teenagers, and adults, I know I want to continue working with the adult population. The practicum experience helped reveal this to me.

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

I am an introvert. On Fridays when everyone wanted to go to Kokomo to get “dirty Dan’s doughnuts” I wanted to stay in my dorm (I also am not a huge fan of the doughnuts, as I am from Kokomo and grew up eating the doughnuts, it’s a little overrated if you ask me), but being able to sit in a classroom whether it was 5 people in the class or 250+ (thanks senior seminar) I learned quickly how to be in a crowd and communicate without my social battery dying in the middle of class or an event like Silent Night.

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

Psychology in a general aspect is such a broad spectrum, that it could go either way. Where I work, it’s not a Christian Organization, some people work or receive services who have a broad spectrum of religious views or lack of. I want to be able to utilize my classes in the liberal arts foundation to help guide some people if they need to talk or listen to the word of God. Now, that’s not just in work. I listen and speak my testimony wherever it’s wanted.

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

Don’t give up. The four years I spent at Taylor were the best, but also pretty stressful years I have gone through. But, in the end, God has given me the knowledge and power to help others in a broken world.