Alanna Thomas

​Alanna Thomas – California
Nomination by Andrea Thomas
Photography by Molly Juliette photography
Issue 99 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Alanna is a resilient leader who transformed adversity into purpose after experiencing bullying during her freshman year. That challenge helped her develop confidence and compassion, motivating her to support others struggling with self-esteem and to become the senior she once needed. She is a student in her high school’s International Baccalaureate Patient Care program and is actively involved in the Student Advisory Board, Black Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Varsity Soccer as the starting goalkeeper. Outside school, she enjoys youth outreach, traveling, club soccer, painting, snow sports, and shopping. Next fall, she will play college soccer and pursue a medical major.

Photography by Molly Juliette photography
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How did your experience with bullying shape the way you now support and uplift others?
Being bullied at a new school pushed me to become assertive and advocate for myself. It also deepened my empathy for others who struggle and inspired me to help them find their voice and shine.

What helped you rebuild confidence during that time, and what advice would you give your freshman-year self today?
The harassment and rumors came at the worst time—I had just lost my great grandmother, someone who truly understood me in a way not many did. She was a woman of faith and wisdom, always reminding me to know my worth, stand tall, express myself, and “give it to God.” She also taught me to be kind, because you never know what someone else is going through. If I could go back in time and give advice to my 14 year old self, I would let her know that mean kids are just projecting their insecurities and sadness- hold your head up and pray for them.

How do you balance being involved in so many organizations while still staying true to yourself?
I stay organized using my Chromebook calendar and commit to activities I’m truly passionate about, so staying to myself is easy. I also make time for leisure and prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition to stay balanced.

What has being part of the International Baccalaureate Patient Care program taught you about leadership and responsibility?
Being in the International Baccalaureate program has taught me leadership and responsibility by challenging me to think critically, communicate clearly, and take initiative in my learning. Through group projects, global discussions, and service experiences, I’ve learned to lead with empathy, responsibility, and open-mindedness. The program has strengthened my time management, confidence, and ability to support and guide others preparing me for college and the medical industry.

How has serving in spaces like Student Advisory Board and Black Student Union helped you find your voice?
Getting involved in clubs that I’m passionate about helped bring me out of my shell with community service. Joy comes with this, and that encourages me to continue get put myself out there and serve others.

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
Additional highlights include serving as captain of my soccer team and as the starting goalkeeper. I was recently nominated for the Congress of Medical Excellence Award by a Nobel Prize–winning physician in Boston, recognizing my leadership and strong academic performance within my International Baccalaureate medical program.

What did being named team captain teach you about leading under pressure?
Being team captain in soccer teaches me to lead under pressure by trying to stay calm, making quick decisions, and encouraging my teammates and giving cues during intense moments. It pushes me to set the tone of resilience, especially when the game is on the line.

In what ways do you bring leadership from the soccer field into the classroom and vice versa?
As a goalie, I bring leadership into the classroom by staying focused, thinking ahead, and communicating clearly—just like I direct my defense on the field. In the classroom, I strengthen those skills by listening carefully, analyzing situations, and staying calm under pressure, which helps me stay confident and decisive in goal.

How did it feel to receive recognition for your academic and leadership achievements at such a high level?
Oh my! I was so honored! I’ve worked so hard in this medical program and to be acknowledged is so encouraging!

What else would you like to talk about?
My current goals include earning my IB certificate and graduating with honors. I plan to pursue a nursing degree to become a registered nurse and provide compassionate care. I also hope to travel internationally and spend time helping others in underserved communities.

What inspired your desire to enter the medical field and pursue nursing?
I love science and hate seeing people suffer. Growing up and watching close family members struggle with health issues inspired me to become someone who can help and serve others using my love for science, just as doctors and nurses have helped my loved ones.

How do you hope to combine healthcare and travel in your future career?
There are so many options. I could be a traveling nurse, or I could take trips with organizations that provide medical services to underserved communities in third world countries.

What impact do you hope to make when working in underserved communities?
I’d love to show them that humanity is still strong and God loves them. I also hope to learn from them about their culture and the human race in general.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am passionate about helping others in need, especially supporting people on their journey to better health.
Also unity. There’s currently so much negativity and division in the world. The only way to change this is by being open to learn about each other, respect, compromise and agree to respectfully disagree.

What mental strategies have helped you stay focused and confident as a goalkeeper?
Believing in my abilities and keeping a close eye on the game. Also, if I get scored on I can’t dwell on it. I have to get back up and reset quick. It got through 10 other players before it got to me- we are a team, yet I’ll hold myself accountable and try to make up
for any mistakes. All I can do is my best and work hard to prepare.

How do you encourage younger athletes who may be struggling with confidence or pressure?
Keep playing and never quit if you love it. Go to extra trainings and work when nobody’s watching. Preparation is key. Also, tell yourself positive affirmations and don’t pay attention to the haters. Keep them talking and that’s how you know you’re doing something right.

What role have coaches and mentors played in shaping your mindset?
The tougher they were on me and pushed me to my limits, the more I knew they saw my potential. They never gave up on me, and I knew I couldn’t give up on myself either. I owed it to myself to be my personal best on and off the field.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
Molly Bolinger was a PTO mom at my K-8 school and her kids attended the same school. She did some portraits for us during the pandemic in 7th grade. Junior year, she asked me if I wanted to do senior photography modeling for her. It seemed fun, and it was fun! I met some great people and got to shoot at beautiful locations different parts of the year.

How has being part of a positive model team environment impacted your confidence?
It makes you feel comfortable in your skin by stepping outside your comfort zone on camera. You learn not to take yourself so seriously.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My mom nominated me, and she has been by my side throughout my entire confidence journey. She supported me during difficult times, and consistently encouraged me to believe in myself. One of my favorite memories with her is a road trip we took to Los Angeles a few years ago, where we visited my older cousin, and spent time at the beach, shopping and doing fun, girly activities together.

How has your mom’s support influenced the way you show up for others?
Her loyalty and support has made me someone who stays loyal and supportive to everyone I love.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?

I would love to be featured in Inspiring Teen Magazine to remind others to never let anyone steal their joy. If you are being bullied, it is often because you possess something the bully lacks. You are not a victim. You have power within. Keep smiling, stay true to yourself, and continue living your best life. Your strength and confidence can inspire others who may be facing hidden struggles and remind them they are not alone and they were put on earth for a purpose.

What message do you most hope readers take away from your story?
Find your purpose and thrive.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?

If I won the scholarship, I would put the money toward my text books at school. Text books will run me about $800 per semester so the scholarship money would be helpful.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
I would love to work with pediatrics to give them hope and encouragement when they’re ill.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
Yes. I’d like to thank my Dad, and Mom for always encouraging and unconditionally loving me. My grandparents, Shams, Papa D, Memere and Poppy for always reminding me how much I’m loved, and my late great-grandma Gammy for instilling me with wisdom and strength and encouraging me to walk by faith in this crazy world.
Thanks to all my soccer coaches and trainers.

Look for Alanna in issue 99 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 99

click here to nominate an inspiring teen