Podcast: How financial literacy led to a lifelong passion

On this episode of “The Newman Bond” podcast, 2025 Newman graduate Emma Taylor shares how she graduated in two years, led a financial literacy series and turned service into a lifelong mission.

Overview of conversation topics

Read on to skim or find timestamps of specific topics covered in this episode.

Video: Emma Taylor (Student Stories) – “The Newman Bond”

A full plate and fast track (00:00–01:40)

Taylor, a Valley Center High School graduate, finished her Newman University degree in just two years. She juggled academics, softball, two jobs, the Honors Program, 180+ volunteer hours and an internship.

Finding her fit at Newman (01:40–02:40)

She chose Newman after touring the campus and connecting with Professor of History and Director of the Honors Program Kelly McFall and Director of Mission Effectiveness Sister Therese Wetta, ASC. Their passion and authenticity influenced her decision, along with a softball scholarship and honors opportunities.

Realizing her heart for service (02:40–04:17)

Taylor realized her passion for service during interviews for scholarships. She had been heavily involved in community service through coaching, helping at animal shelters and volunteering through church, but hadn’t labeled it as such until those interviews.

Service that shapes perspective (04:17–05:16)

At Newman, her service continued through the ASC Service Scholar program, volunteering at food banks, The Lord’s Diner and Wichita shelters. These experiences opened her eyes to others’ struggles and deepened her empathy.

A shift from law to finance (05:16–07:40)

Taylor originally aimed to be a business lawyer, inspired by her parents’ professional paths. However, after her first year and gaining real-world finance experience at Skyward Credit Union, she shifted focus to financial education and impact.

Why financial literacy matters (07:40–08:27)

She believes financial literacy is vital for a better quality of life and sees finance as a way to help others avoid common pitfalls, especially young adults navigating money post-college.

Honors thesis with real-world impact (08:27–10:40)

Taylor’s senior thesis in the Honors Program became a four-week financial literacy series that stemmed from a project she did with 5th graders about needs vs. wants and budgeting.

Students, parents, staff and faculty attended the first financial literacy event in Eck. — Students, parents, staff and faculty attended Taylor’s financial literacy events in March and April.

Leading a financial literacy series (10:40–15:39)

Each week of the series featured a different expert:

Week 1: Jeff Witherspoon, a 27-year employee of Consumer Credit Counseling, presented “Money Management & Building Wealth” on saving, unexpected expenses and financial preparation.
Week 2: Her father, Chris Taylor of Strategic Financial Concepts, presented his talk, “Growing Your Savings with Investments,” on investments and setting up for the future.
Week 3: Newman Associate Professor of Accounting Patrick Nance presented “Recovering from Student Debt” and discussed interest, debt management and 401(k) basics.
Week 4: Michael Gonzalez of MTG Family Mortgage presented “The Path to Homeownership” on demystifying the mortgage process.