Taylor O’Brien is Off Track, and His Mom is OK with That

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Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every Monday, we’re going to feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

Hi, my name is Taylor O’Brien. I am 11-years-old and South African. I have been homeschooled for the past 3.5yrs. I am a swimmer on the competition team of Sailfish Swimming Club. I like playing video games with my cousins, playing soccer with my friends, and watching Formula One.

I moved to China in 2019 with my Mom, Aunt, Granny, and my cat, Simba (who has sadly passed away since). My aunt and granny left China a few months back so it’s just my mom and me now.

Why did you want to start a WeChat channel about formula one racing?

I started watching the sport with my uncle when I was very young. He is a Ferrari fan and maybe that’s why I am too. My mom is really crazy about the sport too and she’s a die-hard Mercedes-AMG supporter.  Formula One is a very technical sport and not at all easy to understand. It’s also a very elite sport with not nearly enough kids and ladies that watch. I decided to start the OFF TRACK channel to firstly help newer F1 fans understand all the technical terms of the sport because we explain it in simple terms for them, and secondly to try and encourage more people (kids and ladies in particular) to watch the sport. My Mom and I represent the few that do and that’s why we present the show together.

What was the hardest part about getting started?

Really just the courage to actually start. I’d been sitting on the idea for months without doing anything about it. I had doubts as to whether anyone would even be interested or even watch. I also didn’t really know how to start. Luckily my mom’s professional background is in media and television entertainment and so she helped me put a plan together and turn the idea into a reality. Lockdown also really helped because we finally had the time to make it happen!

What is the most important thing you have learned while starting your channel so far?

That it’s not as simple as just switching on a camera and talking! You need a content plan, write a script, understand the content you are speaking about, source the footage, learn your lines, rehearse, be brave when the nerves hit, do as many takes as it takes to get the best shot, edit, get it translated and then put it out into the world. I have also learned to not overthink things and try to just have fun with them. In the first episode, you can tell we were really uncomfortable and nervous, but in the following episodes, I think you can see we’ve settled in and are more confident. Also not to worry about whether people will like it or not, or watch it or not. I need to enjoy the experience and if it helps 1 person or gains 1 more supporter, then I’ve still achieved the goal.

What’s your motivation to get moving?

Mainly my mom and family motivate me to do better and try harder in everything I want to do because nothing can be achieved without trying anything new.

To see Taylor and his mom in action check out Off The Track at the QR code below:

Images: Taylor O’Brien

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