Taylor Gillette

Why were you interested in YTT?

“I was going through a lot of different things in my life personally, I was searching, I was looking for something to fulfill me and connect me. When I came to the info session, I never thought I would actually be a teacher. 8 weekends later, I can’t wait to teach. I didn’t even know I was interested and that I was searching for this. I think it was timing and alignment that really got me here.”

When you were deciding to sign up, what was holding you back?

“I don’t like spending money on things, so it was financials. I really thought at the point I was in my life, how much do I want to keep spending my money. I was going to use this money for a 1 week vacation in Costa Rica because I really wanted to ‘find myself’. But then, thinking about it I was like, you’re not going to find yourself in one week. This is an investment. So, maybe you really should go to the info session and see if this is worth investing in yourself. And of course, come full circle, it was an investment that was so worth it, and I definitely found myself but look how long it took. From January till May, and I’m just beginning to find myself. 1 week of vacation, and a lifetime of connections, memories, friendships, so much knowledge - so worth it.”

What has been your biggest challenge?

“Probably the very first thing I was fearful of was teaching, so speaking publicly and getting up there in front of everyone. Everyone is looking at you for direction, guidance. So my biggest challenge and fear was having trust in myself that I can get the words out and really speak what I know I have in my heart. Everything you have taught us, we have all the tools.”

“I’m also fearful of what the future looks like. Eventually, maybe, one day becoming a full time teacher. You know, failing is my biggest challenge that I go through all the time, but I can’t believe how supported I feel here so I am looking forward to knowing that I have a support group behind me and mentors that I can come to, to support me on those days where I may be questioning some future career decisions, teaching, studios, where to teach, how to teach, so I feel so much more confident with my people behind me, and I can do this.”

What has been your favorite part of YTT?

“The connections, and the openness, and being vulnerable - I did not know that that was going to happen. We discussed so many things, very wide range. And getting together with strangers when we first started here, and the fact that everyone opened up, and that made me feel I could open up. The safe spaces that were held was so important and something I never experienced before. It was that connection I never knew I was missing. I feel very wholesome and fulfilled from just that, and who knew that was even going to come about.”

If you could give advice to yourself before starting YTT, what would you say to yourself?

“It just keeps coming back to - trust yourself and let your voice be strong. There were times I knew what my fear was going to be in the beginning and as soon as we started teaching or doing small things and cueing small things, you could still see that in me. That I wasn’t letting my voice me strong. So just be strong, from the get-go. You can do this, everyone can do this, we’re all going to do this. And it’s okay if you can’t say one word or cue or you forget something. It’s all going to be okay.”

Describe your pre-YTT self in 3 words

“Lost, alone, and indifferent”

Describe your post-YTT self in 3 words

“Grateful, connected, I’m gonna say four, amazed, and fulfilled.”