Taylor: Chapters of My Life

Summary

In this reflective interview, Taylor discusses his life as if it were a book, dividing it into chapters. From early years marked by hyperactivity to discovering individuality during his first year at Liberty University, Taylor's narrative is a journey of self-discovery and growth. He recounts his love for cars, his rebellious phase, and the transformative experience of moving to Oklahoma with his wife. Currently, he's in a chapter of uncertainty due to global events, yet envisions a future of career fulfillment, community involvement, and possibly, political engagement.

Takeaways

• 📚 Taylor segmented his life into chapters, each with a distinct theme and age range, reflecting on his personal growth and experiences.
• 👶 Chapter one, 'What Am I Doing?' covers Taylor's early years from age zero to four, a period he doesn't remember well, symbolizing the beginning of his life's journey.
• 👕 Chapter two, 'The Khaki Years,' describes his time in elementary school from ages five to eight, where he wore a uniform and attended a school with a dress code, including half days on Thursdays.
• 🧠 Chapter three, 'Becoming Aware,' spans ages nine to twelve, a period when Taylor recognized his hyperactivity and started self-regulating his behavior to be less obnoxious.
• 🎭 Chapter four, 'The Boy with Long Hair,' covers his teenage years from thirteen to sixteen, when he was involved in theater and embraced a creative side, which was a contrast to his more reserved classroom behavior.
• 🚗 Chapter five, 'Finally Able to Drive,' encompasses ages sixteen to eighteen, a time when Taylor cherished the freedom and independence that driving a car offered him.
• 🏫 Chapter six, 'The Year of Liberty,' focuses on his first year of college at Liberty University, which was a pivotal year of self-discovery and questioning of his previously held beliefs.
• 🚙 Chapter seven, 'Doing Whatever I Want,' from ages nineteen to twenty-one, was a period of exploration and self-indulgence, where Taylor bought his first car, a Jeep named Caroline.
• 💍 Chapter eight, 'Oklahoma,' marks a significant transition in Taylor's life, as he got married, moved to a new state, and further developed his identity as part of a couple.
• 🌟 Chapter nine, 'Who Freaking Knows,' represents Taylor's current state of uncertainty and exploration, acknowledging the unpredictability of the future and the collective challenges faced by society.

Q & A

What is the title of the first chapter of Taylor's life according to the transcript?

The title of the first chapter is 'What Am I Doing?' which covers Taylor's age from zero to four.

Why did Taylor call the second chapter of his life 'The Khaki Years'?

Taylor called the second chapter 'The Khaki Years' because he wore khaki pants every single day to Montclair Elementary School, which had a dress code, during his ages five through eight.

What significant realization did Taylor have during his 'Becoming Aware' chapter?

During the 'Becoming Aware' chapter, which was from ages nine to twelve, Taylor realized that he needed to tone down his hyperactive behavior as he was coming across as obnoxious to others.

Why did Taylor grow his hair long during his teenage years?

Taylor grew his hair long from ages 13 to 16 because he was involved in theater and many boys in theater had long hair. He thought it was attractive and it helped him meet his first girlfriend.

What was the allure of driving for Taylor and how did it relate to his freedom?

The allure of driving for Taylor was deeply tied to the freedom and autonomy it provided. He had been obsessed with cars from a young age and the ability to drive meant he could go where he wanted without depending on others for transportation.

Why did Taylor's experience at Liberty University lead to a significant change in his beliefs?

Taylor's experience at Liberty University led to a significant change in his beliefs because he was exposed to ideas that clashed with his conservative upbringing. This led him to question and challenge many of the views he had been told to accept.

What was the name of Taylor's first car and why was it significant?

Taylor's first car was a 1994 Jeep Wrangler named Caroline. It was significant because it represented his newfound freedom and independence after the period of 'Doing Whatever I Want'.

How did Taylor's move to Oklahoma influence his life and relationship?

Moving to Oklahoma for college helped Taylor and his wife grow as a couple. It was a time of exploration and self-discovery, allowing them to define their identity as a unit and experience the freedom of the 'frontier'.

What is the title of the current chapter in Taylor's life and what does it signify?

The current chapter in Taylor's life is titled 'Who Freaking Knows', signifying the uncertainty and unpredictability of the present, especially with the ongoing global events like the coronavirus pandemic and social justice protests.

What does Taylor envision for his next chapter and how does it reflect his aspirations?

For his next chapter, Taylor envisions moving to a place that aligns with his career goals in history, becoming more active in his community, and potentially getting involved in politics. This reflects his desire for professional fulfillment, community engagement, and social progress.