Anne Taylor, CPCS

My name is Anne Taylor and I am a CPCS graduate living in NYC. I wish to speak about my experiences at CPCS and to note how that unique learning environment served as a life-changing event in my personal and professional development.

I wish to start by highlighting the fact the competency-based system at CPCS supported me in cultivating a stronger sense of intellectual curiosity, which is sadly lacking in many traditional institutions of higher learning. The interdisciplinary curriculum allowed me to develop my ability to synthesize information in a manner that would have been impossible in a traditional academic setting. When I wrote papers on the history of the women’s labor movement or reproductive rights, I learned how to identify points of discussion, to access supporting documentation and present the material in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating an understanding of the corresponding arguments.

A school or university can “teach” a student to memorize information, but an academic institution such as CPCS promotes the social and intellectual development of its students in a manner which helps them to sustain the lessons long after they have moved on; that, in my estimation is the true meaning of the word “education.”

My education at CPCS continues to serve me in my professional life where I have a reputation for developing creative programming and the ability to effectively convey the context of that work for funders and program evaluators. I have recently moved on from my career as social service program administrator and have developed a rapidly expanding consulting practice in yoga therapeutics. I work in medical and social service settings teaching yoga as a mind/body treatment modality for clients dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, depression and addictions. I feel
fortunate with regards to the fact that my services are in high demand. I am currently working in a variety of non-profit and for profit settings alike.

I wish to repay this favor in small part by noting that although I have been told repeatedly that I am “bright” and “talented,” I do not feel that it would have been possible for me to reach my highest potential had it not been for my invaluable education at CPCS.

Anne Taylor,