It feels like “Yesterday” construction took over campus and students had to just “Let It Be.” But how can students enjoy their college experience when met with constant change, growth and—let’s face it—lack of convenient parking spaces?
According to Keith Cocking, senior director of construction services at Taylor, the school has undergone approximately 45-50 construction projects in the past four years and anticipates 25-30 more in the coming four years.
“That number would include everything from minor interior renovations like a classroom remodel...as well as things like the entire Horne building, chapel and Welcome Center, Nussbaum, those types of things,” he said.
Construction is not going away any time soon, so students should embrace what they already have, find joy in the little things and ultimately take it upon themselves to make their Taylor experience what they want it to be.
Julia Hurlow, dean of campus life, said one of the most impactful parts of her college experience was lingering at mealtimes. With 20-40 people coming and going from these meals during those four years, she was able to find meaning through intentional conversations.
“We could make a big deal out of the daily,” she said.
Even at a small school like Taylor, it is easy to find joy in the spare moments.
From late-night Taco Bell runs to random card games and conversations, you only really need good company.
You could say, “‘Hey Jude,’ want to grab a pound burger and eat it as fast as you can?” and he would say yes—literally.
“It’s really fun. I ate it in eight minutes,” Jude Wood said about his experience eating at Bub’s Burger’s & Ice Cream with guys from the Brotherhood.
Montana Arns, Olson Hall director, said Taylor students enjoy everything from Airband and Nostalgia Night to laying out on Olson Beach and participating in clubs.
“I think it’s like, the fun and the excitement and the silly is coming out of what you put into it,” she said. “Your experience is what you make your experience.”
We can only gain so much from Taylor’s campus; the rest is up to us.
But the one aspect of campus not nearly enough students utilize is Taylor’s not-so-underground gem: the DC intersection crosswalk.
This intersection near the DC was renovated at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year for pedestrian safety.
After an evaluation about a year ago, this intersection was identified as the worst crossing at Taylor, Cocking said.
This installation of what seems to be a large, flat speed bump is called a “tabletop,” he said. “It makes it harder for (cars) to breeze through the intersection.”
The addition of three white-striped crosswalks serves as a perfect way for students to find joy in the mundane, because what Taylor may not know is they have just provided the perfect setting for students to recreate the iconic Beatles album cover.
With about 2,213 students attending Taylor and four people needed per Beatles picture, that’s at least 553 groups of Taylor students who can find joy from a crosswalk.
And who knows? Maybe the DC’s new crosswalk intersection will jumpstart your photography, modeling or music career.
With all that enjoyment from a mere crosswalk, you’re sure to forget all the construction troubles and think, “Here Comes The Sun.” After all, maybe Taylor’s construction is the friends we made along the way.
