Barbora Vokac Taylor ‘99
An award-winning architect and interior designer, with projects focused on quality, sustainability, and wellbeing.
“SCS built an important foundation to take risks from. If you know that trying something wholeheartedly and sincerely means that you can never fail, you are more open to giving it a try.
It may not work out the way you had hoped - but that’s the risk and it’s a lesson for next time.
It’s not a failure!”
Which SCS values resonate most for you?
All of them!
From your SCS experience, what is foundational to who you are today?
Authenticity and belonging. Everyone was celebrated and valued for who they were and - whether you were at a high point or a low point - you always belonged.
Why are you a Trailblazer?
I don’t think of it that way - but I do think that anyone who insists on authenticity from themselves is a Trailblazer. And I certainly strive for that.
At times, when things are challenging, you will not be able to rely on satisfying the will of others to define success and you will need to lean on your values. That, to me, is what a Trailblazer is.
What does it mean to be part of the SCS Alum community?
That feeling of belonging never leaves. The SCS community is a spirit that you carry with you and one that you know you share with anyone who has worn the uniform.
What advice do you have for young Alums, just starting on their path?
Be true to you, in all you do. But FYI: the whole journey is a meditation on what is true for you.
“You don’t always get to choose what you are a Trailblazer for - maybe you don’t make the next new discovery - maybe it’s the way HOW you strived for that discovery that is trailblazing a path for others and inspiring others to follow their own paths.
You never know what your legacy may be!”
What advice do you have for today’s SCS students?
Enjoy it! All of it!
Try big. Fail big. Win big.
SCS is a safe place to try out different ways of working, being, and friending. No matter what, if you’ve tried sincerely, regardless of the outcome, you will always be welcome in the Clementine fold.
“In everything that happens along the way - the wins, the lessons - they are all paths to knowing yourself a bit better. Your mission is to know that self as deeply and honestly as you can - not to do it as quickly as possible or as successfully as possible or as publicly as possible. But to fill that well of self-knowing so that you can draw strength and love from it throughout your life’s adventure.”