Aaliyah Saenz

​Aaliyah Saenz – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Sweet Soul Collection
Issue 91 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Aaliyah Saenz is an inspiring example for teens to look up to. Her servant’s heart and radiant love for Jesus shine through in everything she does — from cheering, to serving faithfully in her church and community, to leading a Bible study, and to being a loving big sister who intentionally invests time with her little sisters. She lives out her faith with authenticity and joy, and she would be so deserving of this award.
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​Photography by Sweet Soul Collection
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What would you most like to talk about first?
Having the opportunity to serve in my church has been one of the most rewarding blessings I have ever received. From learning valuable lessons like time management, stewardship, patience, and humility to leading fellow peers and teaching/caring for young children. All of these traits, which were done in honor of the Lord, have prepared me for the future he has set before me. Through what I've learned, I would no doubt encourage everyone to take something they love and find a way to serve God and others through it

What have you learned about yourself through your love for Jesus?
Through my love for Jesus the most beautiful thing that I have learned is that my entire worth is found in him alone! There is nothing in this world or that I could do to make me worthy of God's love. Through the Love of Jesus that he showed on the cross, I am made worthy in God's sight, and I am so thankful for this.

How would you describe your leadership style at Bible Study?
In any Bible study that I lead, I would say I guide with a heart that is led by the Holy spirit. I also do my best to cultivate an environment where everyone feels comfortable to speak what they feel! I pour out my knowledge but encourage others to do the same because we can all learn something from one another, which is so beautiful!

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I could truly talk about the love of Christ forever. We will never deserve what he did for us on the cross but thank the Lord it's not about "deserving". The power that comes from the love of Jesus heals the broken, purifies the unrighteous, and saves those who were once lost. He gives us free will to love and serve him, demonstrating his loving kindness. I feel so passionate to talk about this forever, because after encountering the Lord, it has become my greatest desire for others to know of this same goodness!

When did you start cheering and what do you love most about it?
I started cheering in the 8th grade and immediately fell in love with it. Looking back on the past five years, what I loved most about cheerleading was the bonds I was able to form with the girls on my team. With early mornings and late nights, you begin to spend a lot of time with specific girls, and before I knew it, I had created lifelong friendships, and I will always love cheerleading because of that.

What is your cheer team like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
My cheer team was very outgoing! There were a variety of personalities but at the end of every day we would all come together to build one another up and support each other. I feel I fit in perfectly with the excitement of events and energy that was needed! What I feel set me apart and made me stand out the most would definitely be my character. I do my best to love people and go out of my to do it, so naturally I believe this stood out significantly on my cheer team.

What do you and your sisters like to do together?
I love going to the park or going on walks with my sisters. At the park, I do my job as big sister to push them a little too high on the swings and a little too fast on the tweetiebird, but we always have a blast. With college soon, I do my best to find little things to do with my little sisters, even if that's making cookies or watching a movie altogether.

What is a favorite memory with them you'll never forget?
One of my favorite memories that I have with my little sisters that I will never forget was when we all 4 did a bible study together a while back. They are all significantly younger than me, their ages being 10,9, and 6, but that night, age had nothing to do with it, We bonded more than we ever had, it was very beautiful. They were curious and would ask questions, this will always be a special memory in my heart

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
On top of having the opportunity to spend lots of time pouring into church, cheer, track, and my little sisters, I am also academically ranked in the top 3% of my graduating class of 763 students! Growing up I was always taught that education was important, and that has greatly affected where I am today. Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to learn, and I never want to take that for granted.

Tell us about your track career.
I started track in the 8th grade. I took a break in 9th grade, but returned my sophomore year and have ran ever since. There were a lot of ups and downs, victories and losses, but ultimately, I grew exceedingly both physically and mentally. As a senior I am now finished with track but am proud to say I went all the way to area with my 4x4 relay team this last year.

What is your favorite accomplishment with track?
My favorite accomplishment so far within track was finally breaking a minute in the 400. All year I was running 62 seconds or slower, and finally in our district meet I broke my streak and ran my 400 in 60 seconds. This wasn't only great for my race that day, but overall showed that my hard work meant something, which truly impacted me.

What advice would you give to others trying to get and stay in the top 3% of your class?
I would say to make goals and stick to them! Make them challenging yet reasonable in some aspect. The more you become lenient with your goals, the less likely you are to reach them. I would encourage other students to hold themselves accountable and do what they submit themselves to! With this advice, and dedication to studying, you can surely obtain a high ranking.

What is your favorite class this year and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
My favorite class this year has been my Anatomy and physiology class. I have learned so many interesting facts in that class about a variety of things, but the most intriguing has most likely been that the human digestive system is over 30 feet long!

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
I met my Photographer, Annie, through church! She takes beautiful pictures during worship and service and captures the most amazing and intimate moments. During my shoot, Annie was so sweet and encouraging. What I loved most was her quick and innovative ideas on top of her efficiency.

What is a favorite memory you have with the person who nominated you?
I love that Annie has found a way to use her talents to serve God. There are hundreds of photos of people worshipping the Lord during service thanks to Annie, and I know she does what she does out of her love for God. Even during my photo session outside of church, she brought up Jesus—and that’s inspiring! One of my favorite memories of Annie was during worship, when I opened my eyes and saw her with hands lifted high, singing to the Lord—even with a camera in her hand!

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I always pray to God that he would allow his faithfulness to speak through the way I live, and I believe this opportunity gives him the ability to do so. I hope other teens would be inspired by my life and realize they can truly do anything they put their mind to!

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship, I would certainly use it to further my education. I have been accepted and enrolled into Abilene Christian University, with the plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Winning this scholarship would aid me in my goal to help others with a loving heart!

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
My dream Job would be to become a neonatal nurse for a faith-based hospital. I love babies and I especially love helping people in any way that I can, so this job has certainly pulled on my heart.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I would love to thank my mom for where I am today. She will always be one of my biggest role models. With my dad passing away the month before I was born, she raised me alone for most of my life. There have been plenty of times that were difficult, but my mom always showed through resiliently. I would not be where I am today, without the love and discipline she raised me with, so I will forever be grateful for her!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am very thankful for this opportunity. I have struggled a lot financially growing up, and with college just around the corner, the burdens have become even more real and difficult. I have prayed for God to open doors for me, and whether I win this scholarship or not, I really am grateful for the opportunity I have to participate in the first place!

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am graduating soon, and although it's bittersweet, I am so excited to graduate with my friends I have grown up with!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would say to never give up on your goals. At the end of the day, you have to learn to push yourself outside of your comfort zone or you will never grow!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself working in the NICU as a neonatal nurse! I plan to be the most engaged and helpful nurse I can be to both my patients and their families!

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Jesus Christ and his endless love most inspiring!

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I am inspiring because of my genuine faith in the Lord. I can't help but talk about how he has changed my heart, and I believe this inspires others because of how outspoken I am about my faith.

Look for Aaliyah in issue 91 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 91

click here to nominate an inspiring teen