New Grad Taylor Franks Finds Success with 海角社区's Support and Her Guide Dog, Taupe
May 20, 2025
Taylor Franks always knew college wouldn鈥檛 be easy, but she also knew she was ready. The Kentwood, La., native, who is blind, recently graduated from 海角社区 with a degree in international studies and a minor in Spanish.
She said her journey from first-generation college student to college graduate was paved with hard work, strong support from the 海角社区 community, and the unwavering companionship of her guide dog, Taupe.
Franks began preparing for college early. While a high school senior at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge, she honed her technology skills to prepare for life in college.
鈥淚 was a good typer,鈥� Franks said. 鈥淏ut I had to get better at doing things on my own. In college, there鈥檚 a lot of technology and not as much braille. I had to be ready.鈥�
She also prepared for life at 海角社区 by visiting the campus often.
鈥�I came often in my senior year of high school鈥�once every two weeks鈥�and mapped out the campus and figured out which buildings were where. It was to the point where during Welcome Week, I was showing sighted people where their buildings were,鈥� Franks said.
鈥� Video by Elizabeth Perez
She started her college career relying on a cane. But just before midterms, during her first semester, she got a call that a guide dog was available for her. Despite the timing, with the support of her professors, she made it work, taking two weeks off to train and build a bond with her new dog, Taupe, before returning to campus with a newfound sense of security and confidence.
鈥淏efore I started college, a car hit my leg and knocked my cane out of my hand,鈥� Franks shared. 鈥淚t scared me to death. But Taupe gave me my independence back. 滨迟鈥檚 hard to explain the kind of trust we have. 厂丑别鈥檚 been with me through every class, every assignment, every tear.鈥�
Together, the pair became a familiar presence on campus, often relaxing together on the Parade Ground, where Taupe would roll in the grass to de-stress.
鈥湷С蟊疴�檚 graduating with me. 厂丑别鈥檚 been my best friend, my guide, my strength. I owe so much of this journey to her.鈥�
鈥� Taylor Franks, about her guide dog, Taupe
Franks also became a resource for others. As president of the Louisiana Association of Blind Students, she mentored peers and advocated for better awareness and accessibility across the state. She said she also utilized the services provided by 海角社区 Disability Services.
鈥淎ll of my professors were really great with helping me and accommodating me. Ms. Katharine Michot with Disability Services was great. Ms. Val, the testing center coordinator. Erwin Torres, who works in the Olinde Career Center. My mentor Jacqueline through the First Generation program. And my husband, Marlon,鈥� Franks said.
Her advice to incoming blind students? 鈥淐ome to campus early, map it out, and know your strengths and weaknesses. Being blind isn鈥檛 an excuse to fall behind鈥攜ou have to own your learning and master your tools.鈥�
After graduation, Franks plans to pursue a joint MA/JD, combining law with Latin American studies. Her goal is to work in immigration law, inspired by her husband鈥檚 roots in Honduras and her own experience as a paralegal. Taupe will stay by her side through it all.
鈥湷С蟊疴�檚 graduating with me,鈥� Franks said. 鈥�厂丑别鈥檚 been my best friend, my guide, my strength. I owe so much of this journey to her.鈥�
For Franks, the 海角社区 experience was about more than academics. It was about proving 飞丑补迟鈥檚 possible鈥攚ith the right tools, the right people, in the right place.
鈥淚 got married, got my first job, met my best friend, got my guide dog鈥攕o many milestones happened here,鈥� she said. 鈥満＝巧缜� lived up to the energy people talk about. 滨鈥檓 grateful for every step.鈥�
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