WKU News

“I didn't expect my future to look like this, but it seems like I have done more at WKU than I thought possible."

For Taryn Guyer, a graduating senior earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Chinese, the numbers matter, specifically the numbers and the program matter.

“I am first generation, and my mother heavily encouraged me to pursue higher education. Western enabled me to get that education because of the funding and because of the professors who pushed me to succeed,” Guyer said.

Nearly one-third of WKU students are first-generation college students, meaning neither of their parents graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree. Guyer felt earning a degree was not only important to her mother, but important to herself. This belief embodied how she prepared for college, enrolling in WKU as a Mahurin Honors College student and a talented musician.

Guyer shared that WKU awarded her a financial aid package that provided a pathway to earn a degree without worrying about finances. This allowed her the opportunity to participate in the Big Red Marching Band and study abroad.

“I first chose Economics because of the versatility of the degree, and because I wanted to learn more in-depth concepts about the subject,” Guyer said. “I have been able to pursue personal projects with my knowledge of data manipulation and coding, as well as use my knowledge of statistics from my economics classes in my psychology classes.”

Guyer participated in the Economics Club at WKU, taking part in the Econ Games in 2023 and 2025, and serving in the president and vice-president roles. In addition, she became a member of the Capitalism Book Club.

Similarly, Guyer remained active in her second major, Chinese.

“I chose Chinese because I wanted to expand both my language and cultural knowledge,” Guyer said. “I wanted to connect with people that I would not have been able to otherwise.”

With this desire to learn more about Chinese culture, Guyer earned a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and participated in a study abroad trip to Taiwan in the summer of 2023.

“By that time, I had taken minimal Chinese classes, and my knowledge was severely lacking,” Guyer said. “The friends, connections, and knowledge I gained during that trip are irreplaceable. The trip prepared me to handle foreign situations with grace, how to not be afraid of asking for help, and most of all, that I can do difficult things. It also revealed to me that other countries are out there for me to explore, or even live in.”

Guyer appreciates the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) for aiding her in finding funding for the study abroad trip.  OSD helps students with their application packages for scholarships, and in 2023, Guyer was one of 49 students recognized as a Gilman Scholar.

While Guyer values academic experiences, her musical talent and skill brought unique experiences as well.

“The Big Red Marching Band (BRMB) shaped my WKU experience; I was a section leader for two years. I was in the Spirit! Pep Band as an auditioned member, and I have traveled to several different sporting events because of these organizations.”

Guyer continues, “I will say that the BRMB was a huge factor in all four years of my WKU experience. Being able to be a part of the ‘Cheer Squad’ and performing in front of thousands of people is something that I will never forget. I was able to take my first plane ride on a band trip, I was able to make friends so easily because of the BRMB, and I would never trade it for the world.”

Guyer is a member of the professional music fraternity Delta Omicron, where she served as Director of Publicity, Co-Philanthropic Chair, and Assistant Pledge Educator.

On May 8, 2025, Guyer will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from WKU. In May 2026, she will complete her Master of Arts in Applied Economics from WKU and then pursue a career in health economics.

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#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles.