Prairie View A&M University hosted its 3rd session of its Students Participating In Transcendent (S.P.I.T.) Knowledge Lecture Series, as Susan Taylor, editor emerita of “Essence Magazine,” dropped in to enlighten students on March 9.
Taylor, who served as the Cosmetics, Fashion, and Beauty Editor before attaining her role as editor in chief of “Essence,” did so before she had even received a college degree. Throughout the event, Taylor used her experiences in life as examples to motivate the students in attendance for her address.
By using leadership as the key term for her address, Taylor stressed to students the importance of taking a stand for personal beliefs, in order to increase ambition in life. Taylor also discussed how education is one of the most important factors in any field of work because education assures that a person possesses the credentials and qualities that constitute to better critical thinking and decision making skills.
Taylor explained, “As I mentioned, I was editor in chief of Essence without going to college. I suddenly realized and told myself, that if I was serious about taking this magazine to the highest level and being of service to my people, I would need a great education. That’s what pushed me back in school.”
According to Taylor, every person who person who considers themselves a leader should be humble, truthful, and be willing to deliver at the top tier at any moment. Taylor believes that along with doing what is right rather than what is popular, all of these are important factors that help add to the bold vision of the kind of world we should be living in.
After Taylor’s address, a reception was held, in which those in attendance to Taylor’s lecture were allowed the opportunity to meet and greet her. During this time, Taylor took photos and also held a book signing for, “In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor” and “Lessons in Living and Confirmation: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives.”