Say hello to Taylor Garlow, a first-year master’s student in our Nutrition Education program and one of our amazing Student Ambassadors! Taylor recently answered our “fast five” questions to give us a glimpse into her life at TC:

Why did you choose TC and your specific program?

I wanted to further my knowledge in nutrition in a more specific field. Nutrition education is something I will be able to apply in anything I do in my career as a dietitian. I chose TC because after speaking with the kind and welcoming staff and faculty here at Teachers College, I knew I had to be a part of this amazing institution.

What are your goals after you graduate?

My goal is to become a registered dietitian. Once I gain those credentials, I would love to work in a community nutrition program that provides nutrition education to children of all ages. 

What’s your favorite class that you’ve taken at TC?

Nutritional Ecology, taught by Joan Gussow, was a class that forever changed my life. This class opened my eyes to how our food system influences our environment and how I can further provide sustainable nutrition advice. 

How has your experience been with your classmates and other students at TC? How would you describe the student body at TC?

What I love about TC is that the students all come from different walks of life. Some have just graduated from undergrad and others have been working in the field, or maybe even a different field, for years. Everyone has something different and valuable to bring to the table. Our student body is diverse, driven, and collaborative. 

Do you live on-campus or off-campus? If off-campus: How did you find your place? What advice do you have for new students looking for apartments in NYC? 

Finding an apartment in NYC is notorious for being a crazy and challenging process. Don’t let that deter you from finding an off-campus apartment! Columbia University has an Off-Campus Housing site that lists apartments, which is an excellent tool. I utilized sites like StreetEasy and RentHop to contact potential apartments. My biggest piece of advice is to stay organized through the entire process, from searching to signing. Getting an apartment in NYC is a fast process, so have all your paperwork and finances ready to go as soon as you visit the apartment! That’s the best way to ensure you get that apartment you love.