Sep. 23, 2020
Sept. 23, 2020. Taylor Wurmlinger, whose home is Elkford, British Columbia, explored different post-secondary options after her high school graduation, but deep down, she always knew she wanted to be a teacher.
A recipient of the Western Inspirational Award ($750) in 2015, presented to her by her local Western Financial Group brokerage, Taylor exemplifies what it means to be a leader within her community.
Nothing shapes a place more than the individuals within it, and Taylor’s tenacity fits this. Since receiving the bursary at the end of high school, her dream of becoming an educator has come true.
More than that, she is a coach, mentor and inspiration to those around her, both in and outside the classroom. Yet, the path to becoming a teacher was initially less clear.
A placement in a Grade 3 classroom at Senator Buchanan Elementary School in Lethbridge — during her initial pursuit of a post-secondary degree in kinesiology — changed everything.
“After the first day there, I knew I was doing what I would love to do for the rest of my life,” she said.
Accepted into a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Lethbridge, Taylor’s passion for teaching grew and she gained valuable experience in area schools.
For Taylor, coaching was an easy fit. During her final year of school, she was placed in a practicum at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, where among teaching, she coached the Grade 9 boys volleyball team.
Upon her graduation in June 2020, Taylor’s dream came full circle. She was, and still is, over the moon to secure a teaching position at her old elementary school, Rocky Mountain Elementary School, in Elkford.
“Thank you, once again, Western Financial Group for the scholarship that helped me achieve my dream of completing my combined degree that has provided me with all these experiences,” she said.
Our insurance experts at our Elkford brokerage, as well as the Foundation team, are extremely proud of what she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her around the community for years to come.
The Foundation has supported communities served by Western Financial Group and its divisions since 2001. In addition to developing future leaders via student bursaries, our not-for-profit strengthens community connection points by way of infrastructure grants and assists the places where we call home during times of crisis. Learn more about donating to help individuals like Taylor or communities served by Western yourself.
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