Taylor Campos

A competitive nature and a penchant for perfection drive her every success.

Taylor Campos was born with a competitive edge. As early as her preschool days, she remembers competing with playmates to be the first to write her name. So it didn’t sit well with Taylor when she realized she was nowhere near being the fastest runner in her middle school. Instead of finding another sport, Taylor stuck with it, putting her body through a physical pounding every day. By sophomore year, she began to noticeably transition from below average into an elite runner, and she went on to break an 18-year-old school record for the three-mile run.

Her success in both cross country and track and field taught her that reward never comes without work and has fostered the drive and dedication that she applies to all areas of her life. A perfectionist by her own admission, she constantly seeks opportunities to improve her performance athletically, academically, and as a leader. When her first attempt at the ACT netted a 35, she refused to be satisfied. Instead, she studied harder and took the test again, becoming just the second student in her high school’s history to earn a perfect 36.

While Taylor undoubtedly puts in the effort, she’s also mindful of the opportunities and advantages she’s been afforded. Her father, who grew up in a less fortunate household, inspires her own work ethic. And her work last summer for the pediatric unit at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago developed both her understanding and empathy for those struggling with disabilities. Today she combines compassion, gratefulness, and a positive mental approach to continue setting new goals and improving herself in every way that she can.