Senior Spotlight: Taylor Rauenhorst

Senior Spotlight: Taylor Rauenhorst
Posted on 05/31/2019
Taylor Rauenhorst

    In honor of the 2019 Farmington High School graduation, we’re highlighting a few of this year’s outstanding graduating class. Today’s Senior Spotlight is: Taylor Rauenhorst!

    In addition to receiving her high school diploma this spring, Taylor will also receive her associate’s degree from Inver Hills Community College. This is an exceptional accomplishment. Although many students take part in Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), not many complete a whole associate’s degree while still in high school.

    Taylor found her spark early in life — agriculture. She has been an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) all four years of high school. Through her FFA connections, Taylor found a job at a local dairy farm and has worked there for about two years. During the summers she has also volunteered and worked at the CHS Birth Barn and at the Minnesota State Fair and at the Children’s Barnyard at the Dakota County Fair. “I enjoy working at these events because I love being able to teach the public, specifically children, about where their food comes from and how much work it takes for their food to make it from farm to table.

    “I discovered my passion for agriculture at a young age and have always sought out experiences to build my agricultural experience. This has led me to take on many jobs from milking cows to cleaning horse stalls to even shearing alpacas!”

    Juggling school, work and family wasn’t always easy for Taylor, but it taught her about perseverance and keeping a positive attitude. “There were a few times where I found myself stretched pretty thin and felt like giving up but then I would just remind myself how incredibly lucky I was to even have such an opportunity where I was able to get a jump start on my college career.” Taylor plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–River Falls next fall where she will double major in Meat Animal Science and Dairy Science.

    Best of luck and congratulations to Taylor!


  

All About Taylor

Favorite teacher

“My favorite teacher has to be Mrs. Savaloja, she has helped me achieve many goals by writing letters of recommendation for me and giving me advice when I was not exactly sure what I should do. She has also been an awesome role model in the fact that she is a women in the agricultural field, which is a field that has been historically dominated by men. Thanks Sav for everything!”


“I would also just like to give a big shout out to Mr. Pfau, [an FHS counselor], for being so encouraging throughout this entire rollercoaster ride that has been the last two years. I really could not have done it without all the support and guidance you have provided. Thank You!”


Favorite high school memory

“My favorite high school memory would have to be the day that I found out that I got accepted to the PSEO program. I would have never imagined how much this would affect my life in the long run. Looking back 2 years ago I would have never thought that it would be possible to walk at a college graduation ceremony before I would walk at my high school ceremony — but here I am!”


Future plans

In the fall I will be attending the University of Wisconsin–River Falls to double major in

Meat Animal Science and Dairy Science. When I graduate high school I will have

already obtained my Associate of Arts degree from Inver Hills Community College through PSEO. It is because of PSEO that I will have a jump start in college and will earn my dual degrees in two years. I plan on using these degrees to obtain a job in the agricultural field, however since my degrees will be in a broad area of expertise I am not quite sure exactly which career path I will take yet but I do know I want to be involved in the livestock industry.”


Advice for future seniors

“Well, if you talk to anyone that knows me they would tell you that I am not one to take

everything so seriously. With that being said, my advice to future seniors or any student in general would be to RELAX, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND NOT TAKE EVERYTHING SO SERIOUSLY. Take things as they come, know you can’t control every aspect of your life, and make sure to always take some “me time” when you need it. You don’t always have to be stressing over school, sometimes you just have to wing it and that’s totally normal and OK.”



Search #FHSSeniorSpotlight on Twitter or Facebook to keep up with all seniors who have been recognized so far or visit our news page.