Adrienne Wallace ’18

Psychology

Biography

Two days following my Taylor graduation, I started as a registered behavior technician at an ABA clinic. This job allowed me to work with kids ages 2-18 years old diagnosed with autism. I quickly fell in love with the field and knew that the Lord had called me to this work. A year and a half after starting this job, I applied for graduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State. The following two years consisted of working full-time, while simultaneously growing in knowledge of the field I loved so much. In December 2021, I graduated with a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. That following June 2022, I passed the board exam which allowed me to practice as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

As cliche as it sounds, the community both on campus and in the classroom proved to be most valuable. I not only grew in my faith through the community on my wing, but I grew in my faith while simultaneously growing in knowledge.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My classes and my interactions with my professors were pivotal in my growth, both academically and spiritually. Working in a secular workplace, I see the immense need to let my faith guide my work. My professors took a primarily secular field and taught me how to incorporate my faith.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

The way Taylor offers academics is a uniquely rich experience. It allows students to explore areas of interest while gaining an understanding of our faith through the foundational core classes. This is an asset in any workplace. Working in this field, I have learned the importance of the education that I received. Through Taylor, I gained an understanding of psychology as well as how to incorporate Truth into all that I do.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

Being able to work with individuals with autism and with their families is a unique opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love. I would encourage any student in this vocational discipline to seek out opportunities to build relationships and to use those relationships to bring people closer to Christ.