Caelan Taylor

Hi, my name is Caelan and I am currently a Year 12 student at Whitby Collegiate in Wellington.

My passions include sailing, music and computers/IT. I started sailing when I was eight years old and have moved through the classes from Optimist to P class and now race Starlings.  I enjoy listening to music and playing the guitar. I have always been inquisitive and wanted to know how things work. I am fascinated with technology and learning about the latest developments and innovations such as AI and enjoy working with componentry. Last year I built my own PC. I also operate a small network of YouTube channels.

Once I finish college, I plan to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Victoria University, with a view to working in the computer design industry. Ultimately I would love to be involved in the development of the next step of computer architecture, being Graphene transistors and quantum computing.

I am so grateful to have been accepted into Stage One of the Pinnacle Programme and look forward to the opportunities and experiences that will help me in both my personal development and achieving my goals. In particular, I am excited to be given the opportunity to sail on the Spirit of New Zealand in January. I am looking forward to meeting new people and being pushed outside of my comfort zone.

My biggest inspiration is Steve Jobs, who always wanted to change the world and innovate. My favourite quote from him is “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."