Andra Smith

Andra Smith – Washington
Nomination by Yanni Robel
Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits
Issue 73 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Andra Smith, a remarkably talented teenager, embodies inspiration through her passion for the arts and commitment to her community. Her love for singing and writing music extends beyond a hobby; it's a powerful tool for uplifting others. As a skilled dancer, she captivates, expressing stories and emotions that encourage creativity in young people. Her leadership in youth church worship demonstrates her positive influence on peers. Additionally, her role as a preschool Sunday school teacher in children's ministry showcases her nurturing spirit. Andra's multifaceted contributions make her an exceptional candidate, inspiring those around her with her dedication and talent.

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Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits

​Tell us about your passion for the arts.
My passion for the arts started when I began dancing as a child. Expressing myself through movement fascinated me, and my love for it grew stronger as I developed my technique over the years. The pandemic prompted me to explore music, starting with the ukulele. Playing my favorite songs every day brought joy. Soon, I channeled my feelings into words, creating my music. Self-teaching guitar and basic piano expanded my songwriting skills and confidence significantly. It's now my favorite hobby and greatest passion, offering an escape and a powerful means to convey my emotions through music.

What is your favorite genre to sing & why? Do you have a go-to song, and if so, what is it?
My favorite genre to sing is folk-pop or indie-pop because of their meaningful lyrics. Indie-pop, in particular, resonates with me as it often explores deeper themes and has a mellow tone. Singing in this genre feels like I'm narrating an exciting story, and that's what I find most appealing about music. It allows us to share stories crafted by others through our voices. One go-to song in this genre that I love to sing is “ur so pretty” by Wasia Project as its lyrics and melody perfectly capture the essence of indie-pop storytelling.

What is your favorite piece of music you've written about?
My favorite song that I've written is called "Forget Me Not." I got the idea for it when I imagined what it would be like to leave my sister behind when I left for college. It's a story about someone being separated from another and all the feelings that come with it. This song means a lot to me because it reflects the intense emotions of longing, nostalgia, and the lasting connection between two people, even far apart. It mirrors my expectations and thoughts about the future, making it a song close to my heart.

Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits

​What types of dance do you study, and which is your favorite? Why?
I study various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap, but my absolute favorite is lyrical. Lyrical dance holds a special place in my heart due to its enchanting, fluid movements, allowing me to gracefully convey the artist's emotions. Unlike other styles that prioritize beats or counts, lyrical dance strongly emphasizes the lyrics and the story behind the music. This enables me to dance with genuine, raw emotions, creating a deep connection with the audience. Lyrical pieces are not just movements; they are a journey through feelings, making them the most emotionally moving and my absolute favorite.

What do you wish non dancers knew about dancers/dancing?
I wish non-dancers could understand the deep storytelling aspect of dance. Finding deeper meanings in words and melodies and turning them into a compelling performance demands practice and a good ear for music. Additionally, I'd like them to know the physical demands of performing beautifully and gracefully. It takes considerable stamina to make complex movements seem easy. This process has taught me the value of endurance and the hard work that goes into making something challenging appear simple. Behind every graceful performance is a story of dedication, effort, and the pursuit of artistic expression that non-dancers could appreciate more fully.

If you could be on any tv dance show, which one would it be?
If I could choose any TV dance show, it would be Dancing With The Stars. Growing up, I was drawn to the show, and the ballroom dance style has always interested me. It's a style I have yet to have many chances to explore. My dream would be to learn ballroom dance and have the privilege of participating in the show. The idea of connecting deeply with my dance partner and using that connection to get better every week is an exciting possibility that would make the experience very satisfying and exciting.

How did you find your photographer, Jean Johnson Portraits? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
We've known Jean Johnson Portraits for about a decade because Jean is the photographer for our dance recitals. She's also part of our church community, which makes it a special connection. Last year, she took our family pictures; this year, she captured my senior portraits, making it a memorable experience.
What I love most about working with Jean and her daughter, Emily, is their attentiveness to my preferences for my senior pictures. They listen to my ideas and incorporate my input to create beautiful photos. They always make me feel comfortable during the sessions, which I greatly appreciate.

Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits

How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is transformational. I lead by offering encouragement, positivity, and reassurance to guide people through tasks. My experience in student government taught me the value of staying focused and providing support when challenges arise. I believe in motivating and inspiring others to thrive. It's about creating togetherness and a common goal, where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best effort. Through transformational leadership, I aim to create a positive, productive environment where individuals grow, develop skills, and succeed. This approach highlights teamwork, shared objectives, and personal growth as fundamental aspects of effective leadership

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My strongest leadership quality is adaptability. I'm good at finding solutions when things change fast and lifting others' spirits when things get tough. Whether it's a sudden shift, unexpected challenges, or changing priorities, I excel at staying on track and keeping everyone focused. Plus, I am good at boosting the confidence and positivity of those around me during difficult times. By offering support and a positive outlook, I help others stay motivated and work well together, even when faced with setbacks. This adaptability and emotional support allow me to build a strong fellowship, contributing to effective leadership and successful outcomes.

What do you love most about your youth church?
What I love most about my youth church is the strong sense of community it offers. I've grown up in the church, and it feels like a very encouraging and comforting place—a second home. I especially enjoy our worship sessions, where students take the lead. Seeing everyone there is heartwarming because they genuinely want to be eager to grow and strengthen their faith. The shared commitment to growth and nurturing one's spirituality is genuinely inspiring. This aspect of our youth church creates a tight and connected group, making it a special and meaningful part of my life.

What is your favorite activity to do with the children at church?
My favorite activity with the children at church is teaching them lessons and worshipping together. Their joy during worship is truly special, and it's heartwarming to see. Additionally, I enjoy teaching them because I see the moment when the remarkable stories from the Bible click with them, and they discover important truths about themselves. It's a rewarding experience to observe their growth in Bible knowledge and see their understanding expand. This connection with the children and the opportunity to share in their spiritual journey is something I value and find very fulfilling in my role at church.
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Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
It's hard for me to write about being inspiring because I often feel like I haven't done much. But after reading my nomination, I realized that my normal activities might actually inspire people. Knowing this feels good and pushes me to keep doing what I love. It’s surprising to see how my usual stuff, like music and helping out in my community, can make a difference and encourage others to follow their dreams and do good things too.



What else would you like to talk about?

I also want to shine a light on other inspiring teens in our everyday lives. They might be our classmates, friends at school, or members of our youth groups. These ordinary teens have their own unique stories of resilience, creativity, and kindness. We often overlook them, but if we take a moment to really look and listen, we’ll find that they're quietly making a big difference in their own way. They show us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places and people.



What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?

I'm passionate about songwriting and creating music. I've independently learned to play both the guitar and piano, and I love how music serves as a means to express myself. My self-guided journey into music has not only improved my skills but also enriched my appreciation for the art of musical expression. This exploration has allowed me to delve deeper into the world of melody and lyrics, further empowering my passion for crafting meaningful and heartfelt songs.


If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You'd likely find me in my room if I had a whole day with no plans. I'd sit there with my guitar and a notebook on my bed. In that cozy spot, I'd do a few things. First, I'd strum and play songs I already know, enjoying the tunes. Then, I'd get creative and start making up new songs, putting my thoughts and emotions into the music. And finally, I'd challenge myself by learning more complex songs, always eager to improve my musical skills. My room is where music comes to life for me, offering opportunities for self-expression and enjoyment.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I'm excited about the upcoming transition to college. It's a big moment filled with anticipation for change and new opportunities. I can't wait to see what college life will be like and experience a new place. The college promises new experiences in my academic and personal life, and I can't wait to embrace the challenges and growth it will surely bring. Additionally, I look forward to making new friends, participating in extracurricular activities, and exploring subjects that truly interest me. This journey represents an important moment in my life. I'm ready to take advantage of its opportunities.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The most challenging thing I've accomplished is writing college essays. It required me to think deeply about my life, struggles, values, and experiences, which was tough because I hadn't explored my life in such detail before. To overcome it, I found motivation in the small moments, taking time to reflect on my experiences and their significance.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Put your heart into everything you do because you can never fail by staying true to yourself. Encouragement goes a long way and will help you get places in life.

Photography by Jean Johnson Portraits

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I hope to have graduated from college with a head start in a career that brings me joy. I want to have a clear plan for my young adult life and have gained skills such as effective time management and the ability to find the information I need for many aspects of my life.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I like logic games and puzzles because they challenge me to think, and it's really rewarding to figure them out. I don't have much time for it, but when I do have an opportunity, it's a nice brain break.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I have relative pitch, where I know one note in my head and can find the other notes from there. I know the note C and can use intervals to find different pitches from there. It's handy in choir when I'm learning a new song.

3 Things on your bucket list
I plan to go on a cross-country road trip one day. I also want to release an album of my own and perform a concert of my own music.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my sister inspiring. She's really confident in the things she does and accomplishes a lot of new things quickly. She's also good at writing and poetry, and I love how we storytell.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe my outlook on life inspires others. I see the good in people and situations and hope it makes life easier. My creativity is inspired by the different ideas I have.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I'm grateful for this opportunity to share about myself, which has given me time to reflect on my accomplishments. It's made me proud of how much I've grown in these past couple of years.

Look for Andra in issue 73 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 73

click here to nominate an inspiring teen