Here is the latest “Inside the SMC studio,” a monthly blog post highlighting our members and who they are! This month, we hear from Taylor Copeland, one of our dedicated community partners and community producers from Teen Empowerment. Taylor is an incredible asset to the greater Somerville community and such a mentor to many of the budding youth in our community. We love having Taylor here as an active community member – thanks for being a part of SMC! Learn all about her below!
1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Taylor, I grew up in Somerville and now live and work here as Community Facilitator and Development Associate at Teen Empowerment. One of my roles is facilitating an awesome group of youth who meet weekly at SMC to create their own media- Youth Matters Media.
2. What was the strangest job you’ve had?
My first summer job during college was with an environmental organization *not to be named* in which on the first day they dropped me and a van full of other teens and 20-somethings off at a gated community in the suburbs to solicit residents for solar panels. They picked us up 8 hours later. I did not show up for day 2, and I learned that it isn’t legal to solicit in a gated community!! But yay science and yay environmental organizations (sincerely)!
3. Where is your favorite place to retreat for mental or physical health?
FLOAT Boston, yoga, or a hike in the white mountains when transportation allows.
4. Who were your early creative mentors or source for inspiration?
Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys always got the gears turning for me since age 6. I had an awesome teacher in the drafting program at Somerville High School, Perry Navleris, who really pushed me in terms of computer design and helped me first see myself as a creator and somebody who could make it to college regardless of financial difficulties.
5. How do you get past creative roadblocks?
Usually some form of meditation or relaxation tends to be a nice refresher for me.
6. How has SCATV/BFR been a positive influence in your creative career?
The staff at SMC consistently brighten my week every time I walk in. I appreciate that community is a core value at SMC and staff have been a tremendous support for our youth program by not only providing space for our teens to meet but also training them and offering software to make their creative visions become a reality.
7. What is your favorite music album?
This is always changing, but currently it’s “I Don’t Run” by HINDS (beautiful surf rock queens from Spain)
8. If you could have entrance music, what would it be?
Bad Girls -M.I.A.
9. What’s your favorite spot in Somerville to hangout or visit?
I’ve been really into Kayaking on the mystic this summer.
10. In 140 characters or less, how would you pitch your show or who you are?
Youth Matters Media: youth-led media relating to topics that mean the most to teens. Stay tuned for their podcast We’re Trying Here, Society
