Chicago native moved across country for Weber State, now designing her own future
OGDEN, Utah — Taylor Mirshak grew up in Chicago before making the daring decision to move to Utah to pursue interior design at Weber State University, bringing her passion for designing and creating spaces with her.
“I never truly knew what my future would hold,” Mirshak said. “But somewhere along the way, I decided to leave the comfort of my family and the city’s deep-dish pizza to move to Utah and pursue interior design.”
Growing up, Mirshak loved watching HGTV, redesigning her room, and experimenting with color. She knew she wanted a four-year degree in interior design, but she wasn’t sure where. After exploring programs around the country, she came across Weber State as a top program and was drawn to the class offerings.
The interior design program at WSU Davis includes classes and minors that focus on sales, building design, and construction. Mirshak said this gave her options for a well-rounded education that could benefit her future.
Her excitement for the program didn’t necessarily make the 1,400-mile move easy, especially fresh out of high school.
Moving to an unfamiliar state came with challenges, but some of the stress during her first two “rocky” years was lightened by financial support. Mirshak took advantage of the Waterfall Canyon Scholarship aimed at non-Utah residents, which covers the cost of eight semesters — or up to $30,000.
Mirshak said her first two years at WSU challenged her assumptions about what interior design really entails.
“Most people think it’s fluffing pillows and picking out paint colors,” Mirshak said. “But there's actually a lot more to it. You're doing a lot of architecture, using all these different programs, drawing up floor plans. There's all these different parts to it that I didn't quite realize I was going to have to do.”
Mirshak said her passion for the field got her through the “sleepless nights and self-doubt.” She soon started noticing growth in her work and more joy in the learning experience, especially connecting with people.
Mirshak’s internship in Cape Coral, Florida, drove that point home. She was able to apply what she had learned, gain hands-on experience, and network with others in her profession — things she said were made possible by her time at Weber State.
Mirshak graduated last month and said she feels “knowledgeable and well-equipped with a full portfolio.” She said she’s ready to go out and help create spaces that are more than just rooms, but also reflections of the people and personalities that occupy them.
Ashlee Ellinwood, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu