Working Your Way Up

INSPIRATIONAL GIRLS, December 2009, by Jenifer Merifield

Working Your
WAY UP
How one girl at GCDA went from Advisory Committee Member to Manager of Photography at the age of 17!

Taylor age 17 Taylor Curley was only 14 when she joined the Girls Can Do Anything Magazine Advisory Committee. She was a shy girl with a fabulous smile, bright eyes and an eagerness to get involved and support the team. Taylor remembers, “I was notified about the opportunity to be on the committee through my Aunt. Personally, I’ve stayed with GCDA because it was such a fantastic opportunity for anyone and specifically a chance for me as I was looking to be heading into a journalism field in the future. The team was so great as well, and really supportive and kind, which would make anyone want to stay around.”

Different Roles
Even though Taylor was pretty shy in the beginning, she was actively involved in everything from the Advisory Committee to writing the content for our calendars, to being a Set Assist at our annual Photo Shoots and eventually working her way up to Manager of Photography by the age of 17! Oh, and she even did some Real Girl modeling at our first ever shoot that made her realize, “I’m definitely more of a behind the scenes kind of girl rather than in front of the camera. Modeling is not my forte!”

Being promoted to Manager of Photography was quite a big responsibility, especially at age 17. The GCDA shoots have 3 sets going simultaneously all day long. Taylor needed to be organized, grounded and a strong leader. She was all of those. For me, as the Director of GCDA photo shoots, my role is to oversee all aspects of the event at all times. I clearly saw something special in Taylor over the years in her role as a set assistant. She was in her element. She listened and watched what was required of her and then jumped right in… nothing shy there! I knew after Photo Shoot #4 that I wanted to utilize her talents and skills and have her play a stronger role at our next shoot.

Loving It
Taylor recalls, “I felt important in my role as a set assistant since I got to be right on set, helping to create shots and poses by troubleshooting any minor concerns like lighting and shadows. Then at our last GCDA shoot where I was promoted to Manager of Photography I had the responsibility of helping to control and take care of all three sets for the day and ensure that everything ran smoothly. It was definitely my favourite shoot yet and I had a blast!”

When asked why she thought she was able to advance so quickly, Taylor replied, “I think my persistence and dedication to helping the magazine succeed was one of the reasons I was given the position of Manager of Photography at such a young age. I also had the experience of working at other shoots as an assistant of photography, so I had a grasp of what I needed to do. It was definitely an honour and a great experience for me. Transitioning through my increasingly important roles with GCDA was great too! I was thrilled about not being a model, knowing I could leave that to more deserving girls who actually wanted to play the part. Going from assistant to manager gave me a lot more responsibility, which I love, and taught me a lot more about the whole process. I liked being more involved and a part of the shoot in a seniority role. I loved every moment of being Manager of Photography! For a change I didn’t feel awkward at first and like I had to warm up to the role. It felt natural and almost easy to me because it’s something that I adore doing so much. It was also a bit intimidating as I knew I had to have the answers if people came running to me with their questions. But overall, it was wonderful and I can’t wait to do it again.”

What Now?
Nowadays, Taylor is finishing up her last year of high school, “…without much time to do anything I like because I’m constantly doing school work to be ready for University next year. When I do have rare free time, I’m a huge shopaholic who enjoys watching movies and just simply relaxing with friends and family. On weekends I work at a downtown Toronto Spa, which certainly doesn’t help my spendthrift issues with all their wonderful beauty products.”

And for the future, Taylor says that, “For me, the future holds a University degree in Journalism and Media. Hopefully as a career the goal is to not be a typical reporter but to work for a magazine. I aspire to work my way up and I have left my options open, whether that be in writing, editing, advertising or hopefully something similar to my role with GCDA such as being a Production Assistant.”

Taylor's Message to You
Taylor is definitely an inspirational girl to look up to in the areas of perseverance and working your way up to what you love. Her message to you is, “I think the biggest thing is that you just have to go for it. If it’s something that you truly want there shouldn’t be anything holding you back or at least nothing that you can’t overcome to achieve your goal. If it’s your dream then you should love it and be interested in fulfilling it. And success is in the eye of the beholder, just like beauty. Levels of success mean different things to different people and you just need to stick with and pay attention to yours. It doesn’t come easy either and without a doubt you must work hard. If you do, the effort will teach you a lot and pay off for you one day.”

Comment

Judy

Wow! Taylor - I knew you when you were little! You've come such a long way - good for you - you are truly a fine example for young women everywhere. Your parents must be so proud of you!

Linda

Taylor - I am so proud of you!!! You have been creative and dedicated to whatever you set out to do since the day you were born. What a wonderful example of putting your passions together to create something amazing for others! You are a bright, eloquent young woman who will likely be publishing her own magazine one day!

Barb

Taylor you have the world at your feet, you can do anything you want and I have no doubt you will be a even more of a sucess than you already are. You set a wonderful example to teens everywhere!