Taylor Smith-Fall
HBSc, RN
Taylor graduated in 2012 from the Forensic Anthropology Specialist program and earned an Honours Bachelors of Science. After UTM, Taylor attended York University and graduated from their nursing program, and has been a Registered Nurse since 2015. While on ECSpeRT, Taylor held the executive positions of On-Call Sergeant and Divisional Staffing Officer, and was awarded the Member of the Year and Officer of the Year awards.
Why did you decide to join ECSpeRT?
I always had an interest in first aid. I started doing first aid and lifeguarding courses when I was 13 and continued lifeguarding until I graduated from nursing school in 2015. When I started at UTM, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community with shared interests. When I saw ECSpeRT advertised in the Student Centre, I instantly wanted to be a part of it. Not only would I be enhancing and practicing my first aid skills, but I would be doing this in a team-based environment.
What is your fondest memory of ECSpeRT?
I have so many fond memories of ECSpeRT. If I absolutely had to choose one memory, it would be the day that I became a member of ECSpeRT because it paved the way for so many amazing experiences throughout university. Between Mixers/NCCERs, AGMs, our annual Collingwood trips, pub night overnight shifts, meeting and hiring future ECSpeRT members, rallying the campus to “Vote Yes” to increase the funding for ECSpeRT or gruelling training sessions with Grace (just kidding, Grace, I love you and those training sessions were amazing!). I wouldn’t trade any of those memories for the world. ECSpeRT provided me with some of the best memories and experiences from university. I met some amazing best friends….friends that I am still close with to this day (8+ years later).
What is the most rewarding skill you acquired during your time at ECSpeRT?
Communication. This skill was essential when responding to first aid situations on campus. You had to work in pairs, which was great because we were able to support/help each other through the calls. And as the Divisional Staff Officer, it was my job to recruit and hire applicants. I held orientation sessions and talked to a lot of students across campus to encourage them to join. Communication was a big part of my job.
What advice do you have for current ECSpeRT members and those who aspire to join the team?
Jump right in and be as involved as you can be with the team. Continue to improve your skills and strive to find ways to make the team better. You won’t regret it. You will meet friends that will be a part of your support system for life.”