Christopher Taylor

From my earliest memories, I have had an interest geared toward the naval service, beginning with rapt attention to my father sharing his Marine Corps experiences and our familys rich history of military service since World War I to an avid enjoyment in reading our countrys military history. My interest is rooted in the tremendous regard with which my father and other relatives have spoken of their leaders and shipmates and the positive impact military service has had on their lives. I am currently a freshman at Georgia Institute of Technology enrolled in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts where I plan to major in International Affairs and Modern Languages (Japanese). Im a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Marine Option Platoon. NROTC has had helped me adapt to the rigors of college life and through a military training regimen will prepare me for attendance and completion of Officer Candidate School. I was born in Walnut Creek, California and relocated to Woodstock, Georgia when I was seven years old. Im the son of Michael and Catherine Taylor and have two brothers, Jared (17) and Joshua (10), and a sister, Sydney (12). I attended River Ridge High School in Woodstock, Georgia, where I graduated with honors as a designated Scholar Athlete. While in high school I earned two Academic Letters for maintaining an A average along with two Presidential awards for recognition of my academic excellence. While at River Ridge High School I was a member of the National Honor Society, History Club, and the Debate Club. I also served as member on the Sequoyah Regional Library Teen Advisory Board. I have participated in fundraisers for needy families, such as the Big Pumpkin Run which annually draws 1500 participants and Back2School, a school supply initiative which provides services to over 2500 children and their families. During the fall semester I participated in several community service events to include Toys for Tots, Disabled Veteran of Americas 5K, Team Buzz and with my fellow Marine Options on a clean-up day at Camp Westminster. While attending River Ridge High School I competed as a member of the cross-country team culminating with receiving my letter as a starting member of the varsity team. In 2013, I received the cross-country Coaches Award given for my work ethic and commitment to the team. In 2013, I finished first in my age group in the Georgia National Guard Half Marathon and finished 13th overall. My goal is to receive my degree and serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps