From Sullivan Student to Miss Great Britain Belfast Contender

Former Sullivan Upper student Taylor Jordan is proving that with heart, hard work, and a little bit of sparkle, anything is possible. Competing this year in Miss Great Britain Belfast, Taylor is representing not just herself, but her hometown of Holywood, her passion for healthcare, and the values she nurtured during her time at Sullivan.

Starting at Sullivan in 2013 and leaving in 2021, Taylor describes her school years as "fun-filled, hard-working and full of opportunities." A pivotal figure in her education was Miss Morgan, who taught her from fourth year through to Upper Sixth. “She never let me give up on my dreams,” Taylor reflects. “She was always rooting for every one of us and was definitely one of the best teachers I ever had.”

Even as a teenager, Taylor had a clear vision for her future. “I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare—it’s just in my nature to help people,” she says. By the age of 14 or 15, she had decided she wanted to become a midwife. “It was like a fire was lit underneath me and nothing was going to stop me,” she recalls. She tailored her GCSEs and A-levels around her ambition, showing a level of dedication and direction that continues to define her path.

Taylor’s journey hasn’t just been about personal goals—it’s been about giving back. Since March last year, she has been actively fundraising and is proud to serve as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK—one of only a few in Northern Ireland. In this role, she works directly with MLAs to push for political change that supports cancer research, calling it “a big thing” and a deeply meaningful experience.

She also holds a special place in her heart for the charity SANDS, which supports families affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. “As a midwife, I see both the good and the hard sides of pregnancy. SANDS does incredible work for bereaved families and healthcare professionals alike.”

Competing in Miss Great Britain Belfast is another significant chapter in Taylor’s story. After placing second last year, she’s returning with even more determination and pride. “It’s every woman, every shape, every size—and their values align with my own. The sisterhood and the message of empowerment is something I knew I wanted to be part of,” she says. “I really hope to take the crown home to Holywood and show everyone that if you don’t give up on your dreams, you’ll get there. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s worth every second.”

Taylor continues to stay rooted in her community. This May Day, she’ll be volunteering at the celebrations—a full-circle moment for her, having been crowned May Queen in 2018. “I loved seeing our community come together back then,” she says. “I’m excited to be part of it again this year. Keep an eye on my social media to see where I’ll be—I’d love to say hello to everyone!”

To current students or those considering a future in healthcare, Taylor has a message: “Never give up. Even if you feel like you’re not doing enough—you are. If you have a dream, work for it. Don’t let it pass you by.”