Alexis Tahin

Alexis Tahin – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 71 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Alexis, a senior in high school, exceeds the definition of the word’s strength and inspiration. She is a Type 1 diabetic facing many challenges but has never let it define her. She is a servant- leader who is compassionate about community. She is a Girl Scout (13 years) and the General of their drill team, is on the varsity school drill team, volunteers for GS camps and participates in the JDRF Walks of Houston. Alexis loves quality family time and aspires to be a nurse in Pediatric Endocrinology. Her goal is to inspire young children facing similar challenges as her.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

What do you wish people knew about Type 1 diabetes?
I wish people knew that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. And, at present, there is no cure.

What challenges has it created for you, and how do you get around them?
Being a dancer with diabetes can be challenging. The muscle strain and excessive pressure on my feet can quickly become a problem if not watched carefully. It just takes a little extra care and preparation to ensure my body remains in good health and my blood sugar is within safe parameters. I prepare healthy snacks, drink water, rest, regularly monitor my glucose levels and carefully inspect my feet for any possible blisters or calluses that could potentially get infected.

How would you describe yourself as a servant-leader?
A servant leader is a leadership style and philosophy that prioritizes the growth and well-being of others. I am a Girl Scout and recently became The General on their drill team. As their General I demonstrate empathy, listening, stewardship and commitment to the personal growth of each member of my team. I love guiding and encouraging them to be successful towards our end goal- to be a better more unified team.

What do you love most about your community?
I always get excited when I’m asked to talk about my “Klein Strong” community. From its rich German history to its amazing school district, its neighborhoods of character, and commitment to support its people, Klein, TX is and will forever be home. If you could think of a place that you feel the most peace and at- home, Klein, TX is it. There isn’t a single stranger in this town and the opportunities are endless. The support the people in this community have for one another is like no other. We are Klein Strong!

How did you find your photographer, Angie Read Photography?
I found Angie Read Photography through a referral from a teammate on my school drill team and additionally, on Facebook.

What was your experience like?
I have loved working with Angie. She is friendly, personable, understanding, encouraging, timely and enthusiastic for each of her girls and their successes.

What did you love most about it?
I fell in love with all the photo opportunities and experiences, team building outings, and the various community service projects she offers.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

​Tell us about the Girl Scouts and something you've done in it that you are proud of.
In my 13 years as a Girl Scout, I have done many things that I’m proud of but the one thing that stands out and I’m most proud of, is earning my Silver Award by designing, purchasing, and building a sustainable Green House for the community at a local church.

When you volunteer for the camps, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love volunteering at camps! My most favorite thing to do is mentor and be a role model for young girls. I love teaching them, creating with them, singing, dancing, and most of all watching them have fun. It is most rewarding watching them grow and learn and know that I played a small part in their success.

What does it mean to you to be a leader in this capacity?
As a passionate teen leader, I want to encourage each girl to explore the unknown, guide them with purpose, and be their advocate. I want to pioneer their adventures and celebrate each of their successes.

What does it mean to the General of your drill team? What roles and responsibilities does this entail?
As a General of the Girls Scouts Drill Team, I must be supportive. I am committed to being an effective leader by understanding each of my girl’s needs, being timely, empathetic, organized and focused. While supporting each of my teammates and their goals, it is important to me to lead by example. It is essential that I be organized and ethical. I am determined and focused to ensure that each girl on my team succeeds towards their personal goals and the teams’ goals.

What is your drill team like? Where do you fit in, and where do you stand out?
My two drill teams are disciplined, inclusive and fun! Each of them slightly differs on where I fit in. On one team I am the General, leading the team and on the other I am a line member supporting the team. Drill team is something that I never thought I needed but I have learned otherwise. By being part of drill team, I have learned how to better connect with my peers I have now become an ambassador for my student body.

Photography by Christy Tahin

​Why is the JDRF Walk of Houston important to you?
The JDRF Walk is near and dear to my heart because it raises awareness and is dedicated to funding the research to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. It is a community of support that comes together to honor, celebrate and support of all those who battle this horrible auto-immune disease.

What is a family tradition you hope never ends?
I hope the tradition of family meals together never end. We live in a very fast-paced society and having dinner together centers me.

What are you doing now to prepare in your role as a nurse in Pediatric Endocrinology?
Currently, I am taking medical courses in high school to earn two different certifications to prepare for my journey towards becoming a nurse in Pediatric Endocrinology.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am very compassionate, extremely loyal, dedicated, and versatile. I love to participate in numerous activities and clubs and strive for excellence in everything I do. Some of the activities I excel in, and others are for the mere fun of it. I am gentle, kind, a bit timid and empathetic. I was a member of National Junior Honor Society, involved in summer swim team and middle school swim team. I also ran cross-country, played the violin in orchestra and am currently a representative of Student Council, Key Club and B.E.S.T. (Bringing Exceptional Students Together)

What else would you like to talk about?
I was born Turkish-American. My father is from Sinop, Turkey and is an inspiration to me. Coming to the United States with almost nothing and only speaking Turkish, he has succeeded all obstacles with hard work and dedication- traits I have learned greatly from. Turkish culture and traditions are important to me. I cherish memories of traveling to Turkey with each visit. Despite being challenging and difficult, I enjoy language- barrier family conversations, visiting Turkish historical sites, listening to traditional Turkish music and eating Turkish cuisine. These obstacles center me and attribute to who I am today- an inspired Turkish-American.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am extremely passionate about Diabetes and the impact it has on the human body. The vast majority don’t even know what it is or the difference between the different types. I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at age seven and have had to educate myself about the disease, learn discipline and be responsible. I am constantly educating myself and others on this dreaded disease from, what causes diabetes, the different types, food choices, insulins, A1C blood tests, the importance of getting regular check-ups, and the constant research that is being done to cure is horrible auto immune disease?

Photography by Christy Tahin

​If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Honestly, if I had nothing to do, which is very rare and all day to do it, I would be nuzzled in my bed reading a good book and listening to music while cuddling with my dog.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
As a senior in high school, I am excited for graduation day. I am looking forward to pursuing a higher education at the University level after graduation.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever had to accomplish was trying out for the Varsity Drill Team at my High School. I practiced the tryout routine all day until my feet blistered and bled. Then, I practiced some more. I was determined.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to anyone would be to work hard for everything and to never give up. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I hope to be graduating from a university with a bachelor’s degree.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
A favorite pastime that wasn’t in my nomination is spending time with my older brother, Daniel. He is 6 years older than me and is my best friend. We loved hanging out together talking about anything.

3 Things on your bucket list
I don’t have a bucket list. I live life to the fullest whatever comes my way.

Look for Alexis in issue 71 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
 

click here for more information on issue 71

click here to nominate an inspiring teen