Life after Radford with Charlotte Taylor, Class of 2023

We share Life after Radford journeys to celebrate growth, inspire current students, and stay connected as a community. These stories showcase the diverse paths Collegians take—whether in careers, further study, travel, or service—highlighting how Radford’s experiences shape life beyond school. They remind students that there’s no single path to success and encourage them to embrace opportunities with confidence. Sharing these journeys also strengthens Collegian connections, fostering a lifelong network of support, mentorship, and shared memories. We thank Charlotte Taylor (Class of 2023) for sharing her Life after Radford journey with us!

What did you enjoy learning about whilst at Radford College? 

My favourite subjects were exercise science, hospitality and technical drama. Purely my enjoyment came from that they were practical and applicable subjects, but also the people.

Were you involved in any clubs, sports or extracurricular activities?

I was deeply involved in Radford’s co-curricular life, particularly in Years 11 and 12, across sports, performing arts, and service learning. From football and RDA to Dancefest, musicals, and service trips to Myall Creek, Eden Canoes, and Timor Leste, each experience shaped my journey. Serving as RDA Captain in Year 11 (2022) was a unique honour, allowing me to fully immerse myself in college life. I never joined activities for recognition but for the joy of meeting new people and exploring my passions. Radford offers incredible opportunities, and I encourage students to embrace them—whether to discover something new or stay connected to what they love.

What are some of your favourite memories from Radford College?

The entire Timor trip, the U18 XI Girls football team winning back-to-back titles. 

How did your school experience shape your career and personal growth?

I think because I was a well-rounded individual with many passions during my time at the college (and trust I still have multiple passions). 

What have you been up to since graduating?

In 2024, I took a working gap year in London as an Au Pair—a dream I had always planned. Living with my host family in Clapham South (classic Aussie move!), I built lifelong connections, embraced my love for football and theatre, and even coached gymnastics at a top club. I also shared my passion for baking and cooking with the children I cared for.

Travel was a huge highlight—I explored Greece on a Topdeck tour (full of Aussies, of course), visited Portugal and Germany, and spent three unforgettable weeks in France during the Olympics.

Returning to Canberra in November, I jumped straight into work with Ms Di Wilson (Collegian, Class of 2011) in the Radford Sports Department, taking on a temporary coaching role at my former gym, and joined Lululemon as an educator. Then, in February 2025, I moved to the University of Wollongong (UOW) to begin a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and started to play football again. 

Can you describe your current job/role and what it entails?

Currently as Sports Trainer, I work for a Physiotherapy company. We work with local teams in Rugby, AFL, and Football (Soccer) to help prevent and minimise injury.  I oversee the team’s performance and provide first aid, sports strapping and taping and referrals if needed. It is a fast-paced job with high amounts of energy. I really enjoy taking care of people and I really like how I can do it in an environment where the athlete’s wellbeing and safety is the priority. 

What were some key steps in your career journey after school?

Just getting your foot inside the door. It doesn’t matter if the door slams on your foot or you must kick it down, you have to do what’s best for you and what is going to help you get to where you want to be. For me, being a sports trainer is opening all these opportunities to get experience and work with different athletes in different sports that will assist me in my career later.

What challenges did you face after graduating, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was adjusting to life without the familiar routine and daily presence of friends from school. I loved the structure of school life—knowing exactly where I’d be, who I’d be with, and when the lunch bell would ring.

During my gap year, I experienced a lot of isolation, which at times felt lonely. However, in hindsight, it gave me the space to reflect, grow, and truly settle into the moment. I’ve always known I’m a people person, but I also discovered how much I value time to myself.

Did your school education prepare you well for your career? In what ways?

We were always reminded to pick subjects we enjoyed because we’d do the best in them- and the teachers were totally right about that.

What is one thing you wish you had known before entering the professional world? 

That the word “no” isn’t personal—it often comes down to connections rather than just capability. While that can feel unfair, every rejection has a reason. In the end, you’ll still get to where you’re meant to be, even if the path looks different from what you expected.

Do you still stay in touch with your peers or any teachers?

Yes, many of them! I’m also lucky that there’s a lot of my friends from Radford are at UOW too. I recently caught up with many staff members when I returned to the college to begin a role in the Sports Department. 

If you could go back and give advice to your “student self” what would it be?

Stop worrying about how others see you and just be yourself. I’ve learned that people rarely care as much as we think, and if they do, that’s their problem—not yours! I only regret the things I didn’t do because of self-doubt.

What advice do you have current students trying to succeed at school?

“I don’t care if you can’t do it; I care if you don’t try.”

As a gymnastics coach, I say this often—effort matters more than instant success. Growth comes from showing up, pushing through challenges, and learning from the process. The hardest part is simply trying, so take that first step, get back up, and keep going.

What skills or experiences should students focus on to prepare for Life after Radford?

Listening.
It’s a privilege to understand someone’s story and who they are. Developing strong listening skills fosters meaningful connections, broadens perspectives, and prepares you to engage thoughtfully in any professional or personal setting.

What is something unexpected you have done since graduating?

I started learning Dutch—surprisingly, it just sticks despite my struggle with languages! Also, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a David Olusoga BBC documentary on the British Empire and convicts, which has been greenlit and is set to air later this year.

Do you have any funny or inspiring post-school stories to share?

After returning from Greece, I forgot about the time difference and that the tube night service wasn’t running. I ended up taking different buses and walking through parts of London at 3 am with a nearly dead phone and little money left. I am hesitant to retell this story in front of my mum because I’m terrified of her reaction!

If you could sum up your post-school journey in one word, what would it be and why?

Unforgettable. The people, the place and the things you do along the way truly shape who you are and who you’ll be.