Globe Magazine May 2021

Nell Craig

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Nell Craig. I am a 22 year old Sport Science graduate from Durham University, with an ambition to become a commercial pilot.

I love to travel and explore new environments and cultures around the world. Travel has been very prevalent throughout my upbringing, which I am incredibly grateful to my parents for.

What is important to you? I come from a family of seven, which I prioritise above anything else. My four siblings are my greatest support and favourite choice of company.

the best person you can be is, in itself, an accomplishment.

Many people work five days a week in jobs that they hate, living for their two days off. I aim to build my career in an industry, which I value highly, in a role that I enjoy. I want to look forward to going to work.

Flying offers me the opportunity to turn my hobby into my profession. There is something so freeing and exhilarating about being above the clouds, yet air travel is a service our society requires, essential for transporting goods, maintaining international relationships and improving our quality of life.

From a young age, I have been taught to value and respect others. Despite our different backgrounds and upbringings, we all have aspects of our lives that interrelate. I believe that there is a lot to gain from listening to each others’ experiences and being open to understanding their views regardless of whether or not they align with your own.

What are your life goals? My main goal in life is to enjoy it. I do not hope to waste my time on things that don’t bring happiness to me or anyone else.

I want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. You don’t need to be widely recognised and appreciated to be able to better the day, week or lives of the people that surround you. Striving to be

What do you like to do in your spare time? I am a very active person. I often use my spare time get outdoors or to build on my fitness in the gym.

I also spend time sketching and painting. During lockdown, I found that creating artwork was particularly therapeutic as it allowed me to express my

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thoughts whilst giving me a focus for my time.

What led you to participate in the photoshoot and what were you hoping for? Part of the reason I enjoy getting involved in these projects is out of admiration for the amount of thought and effort that goes into creating an image. I find it so inspiring to see everyone coming together, each contributing their own skill set, to develop the final product.

I am usually keen to take part in photoshoots as I always feel there is a lot to gain from putting yourself out there. Modelling allows you to experiment with your image and explore how your body can be used for expression. I think, when working with the right people, it can really help build your confidence and self awareness.

Everyone involved in this shoot was so friendly and encouraging, which created a very comfortable environment to model in. I felt like I came away from the experience with a sense of accomplishment and having improved as a model.

Have you participated in similar endeavours? I have modelled before in the past. Most projects I’ve been

involved with have been local opportunities, which I get involved with just for fun and experience.

In 2016, I did consider modelling as a career. At this time, I would fly between Gibraltar and London where I began building a portfolio with ‘Models 1’. In September 2016, I began university in Durham where it

became increasingly difficult to balance my studies and social life around a modelling career. At this point, I made the decision to cut ties with ‘Models 1’ and focus on my degree.

After university, I moved to London to begin my Private Pilot License in West London Aeroclub. Although I did not return to an agency, I was scouted in Oxford Street and asked to participate in a photoshoot, to advertise jewellery and watches for Cartier Dior and Mulberry, which featured in Pop Magazine. This was one among other, smaller shoots I took part in when not preoccupied with flight school.

What’s next for you? In terms of modelling, I don’t see myself moving forward with this as a career, though I would like to sustain my involvement in modelling as a hobby as the end

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result is always rewarding and those involved are always motivated and creative individuals who I enjoy surrounding myself with. I do hope to improve my modelling as a skill, but with my greater priority being to develop my career as a commercial pilot and to continue to explore the world.

I am currently partway through my Private Pilot License with West London Aero Club (WLAC) and do hope to

continue this in January 2022. This was originally paused at the start of 2020 to allow me to travel and was due to continue in April 2020. Due to the national lockdown, WLAC was closed and the continuation of my training was postponed until the airfield reopened in September 2020. After just 2 months of flying, the airfield was again closed when the UK entered a second lockdown. I decided to return to Gibraltar

and investigate the integrated training route in Jerez.

WLAC has since reopened, however, after a period of closure, demand to use the airfield has soared and there is little availability for taking regular lessons. I have decided, in order to receive less broken training, to remain in Gibraltar until the end of the year, when covid is less prevalent. I have, simultaneously, been investigating the option

of switching from modular to integrated training, which may allow for a more stable education and may be more beneficial to me since my end goal is to fly commercially.

Are you active on social media, and if so, how can people follow you? I am active on instagram. My username is nell.craig should people be interested in following my journey.

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