The summer before her senior year, Cat Taylor stepped into history—literally—at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Italy. “As a Museum Studies major, this experience allowed me to connect history with education in a meaningful and hands-on way,” she said. From conducting research to leading personalized tours, Cat spent her days preserving the stories of fallen soldiers and sharing them with visitors from around the globe.
“It was incredible to help preserve the memory of the soldiers and give visitors a meaningful connection to history,” Cat explained. Living and working abroad also challenged her to grow personally. “It strengthened my adaptability and deepened my passion for cultural preservation and public history,” she said. The experience solidified her commitment to a career where history, education, and cultural stewardship intersect.
Cat’s path to museums began long before Italy. “I’ve always had a passion for art, history, and natural history,” she said. Choosing Walsh University gave her the opportunity to turn that passion into practice. “I chose to attend Walsh University because of its close-knit community and smaller campus size, which immediately made me feel welcomed and supported,” she explained. That support extended from professors to peers, giving her the confidence to pursue ambitious experiences and internships.
On campus, Cat has been actively involved with the Museum Engagement Team (MET), planning museum trips and applying her classroom knowledge in real-world settings. She also added a minor in Business, believing that these skills will strengthen her ability to thrive in a variety of museum and cultural settings. “Walsh has an internship requirement built into the curriculum that ensures students get that opportunity. This structure has helped me gain valuable hands-on experience while receiving strong support from the university,” she said.
Through her time at Walsh, Cat’s sense of purpose and faith have grown alongside her professional skills. “The University’s focus on servant leadership and community helped me see the importance of using my strengths to help others,” she reflected. She has discovered that her beliefs and values guide her choices, both personally and professionally, shaping her commitment to service, cultural preservation, and education.
She has discovered that success in college—and beyond—is about more than academics: it’s about engagement, exploration, and stepping outside your comfort zone. “Take advantage of every opportunity. Whether it’s getting involved on campus, pursuing internships, or building relationships with professors… Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised at what you learn about yourself,” she said.
After graduation, Cat plans to begin her career in museums, where hands-on experience is valued above all. She hopes to continue growing professionally, gaining real-world experience while contributing to cultural preservation. And with the foundation she has built at Walsh, from immersive internships abroad to campus involvement, she’s ready to make history come alive for others.
