For most, change is good. For senior Carrie Taylor, change was one of the most important things to happen in her life.

As a transfer student from Colorado University, Taylor is beginning only her third semester on campus at St. Olaf. Since she spent last spring in Aberdeen, Scotland, because " I got one taste of January [weather] and thought I was gonna die," Taylor is trying to make up for lost time.

"I'm seriously meeting new people every day," said Taylor. "I'm an elusive girl and I feel like I don't know anyone." But this is not the case. Taylor, a member of the women's soccer team, has worked hard to make sure that she has felt comfortable here.

Taylor is from Boulder, Colorado and the need to get away from home was a blessing in more ways than one. "I was stagnating at home," concluded Taylor. "It's exciting to be in a new environment and discover that I'm not in my comfort zone‹I've really had to try and extend myself. Olaf is a school that is totally made by the people."

What Taylor found, in addition to boys and a friendlier, more personable setting, was a solid education‹and better habits. "We're so lucky to get the education that we have here," noted Taylor. "At CU, there were so many people [in each course], and it was easy to skip class. Here the setting is smaller and I was an idiot for not recognizing the importance of my education."

Making a decision to leave home was difficult, but her parents were very supportive and have remained active in her life. Her mom sends her care packages all the time as a way of reminding her of home. "I think she wants me to come back," smiled Taylor.

Her father came to visit this fall to watch her play soccer and drove her to St. Olaf when she considered transferring here. But Taylor needed to get away. She still calls home every week‹"to tell them I need money," she said with a laugh.

The transition to the St. Olaf lifestyle was eased through her affiliation with the soccer team. "Soccer was a totally invaluable experience. I met a really good group of girls when I first got here‹plus I got to run around a lot," said Taylor. "I know a lot of people through the soccer team, but I have friends across the board. A majority of people are super open and really inviting‹it's refreshing."

Taylor's outlook is encouraging. In addition to her addiction to the show "Blind Date," Taylor enjoys playing Nintendo, hanging out with friends and talking about boys. "I'm so stoked‹it's my last year and I can do everything I want."

What's in her future? Taylor, an English and Spanish major, would love to work for World Teach in Costa Rica, a volunteer organization which would allow her to directly utilize her studies from St. Olaf. Eventually, she'd like to be a professor of Spanish literature, but her parents are cutting her off financially after this year. "I want to just get a dog and live in the mountains, but I'd love to go on and do graduate studies."

Change is about to come again. It's unfortunate that Taylor is about to graduate now that she's finally settling in at St. Olaf. But if past experiences are any indication, it appears as if Taylor is right where she wants to be.