​Nomination: London Collier is a senior at Summit Christian Academy. London is an inspiring teen because she is kind, goal driven, and loving. She loves to try new things. She has been in gymnastics, dance, taken piano lessons, and also helps out with the children’s Sunday school class at her church. She has maintained a straight A grade average since kindergarten, and takes her academics very seriously. After graduating, she plans on obtaining a law degree specializing in corporate law. However, the best part about London is her love for her family!

​What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
I take great strides to do my best academically. I have maintained a straight A, 4.0, grade average since kindergarten. I plan to major in corporate law after high school.

What else would you like to talk about?
My current goal is to get a job working with the public so I can gain real world experiences.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I love politics! I find it fascinating how historical politics have changed yet remained the same over the years.

You’ve maintained straight A’s since kindergarten—what drives your commitment to academic excellence, and how do you stay motivated year after year?
I’ve just always felt it was my responsibility to do my best as a student. So, from a little kid up, I realized that when I put in the effort, I could achieve good grades. As I went from grade to grade, I continued to strive to do my best because I knew I could achieve it.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a law degree, and what draws you specifically to corporate law?
I chose to major in law because I find it interesting. I also think my detail-oriented personality will fit it well. I chose corporate law because I like the idea of learning about businesses and how they work.

You’ve been involved in so many activities like gymnastics, dance, piano, and volunteering at church—what have these experiences taught you about yourself?
Each activity taught me a little about my strengths and weaknesses. They also taught me how to enjoy interacting in different environments.

What do you enjoy most about helping with the children’s Sunday school class, and how has that experience impacted you?
My favorite thing about helping wit the children’s Sunday school class is helping the kids with crafts. It’s always fun! This experience has taught me how to have patience and not cry over spilled milk.

You said you love politics—what about it fascinates you the most, and how do you see that interest connecting to your future in law?
I’ve always been interested in politics because it’s so relevant. It not only shapes my world but the world of those I love. This connects to my future in a law career because law and politics go hand in hand.

Your family was mentioned as such an important part of your life—how have they influenced who you are today?
My family is the center of my life, and knowing I have their support allows me to feel confident in pursuing my goals.

What advice would you give to other teens who want to achieve their goals while staying grounded in kindness, faith, and family like you do?
You have to stay authentic to who you are and not become so goal focused that you lose sight of your values.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would find me at the beach with my toes in the sand.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Hopefully in five years I’ll be pursuing a master's degree in law.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity is around the holidays to decorate and shop for Christmas.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Complete law school
2. Get married and start a family
3. Own a vacation beach house
How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
A family member recommended her. The experience was relaxed and fun. Buffy made me feel comfortable in front of the camera and kept me laughing.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
Buffy Jones is very kind and talented.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
It’s totally out of my comfort zone! This was my first photography session since I was 8 years old. I typically am very uncomfortable being photographed, but Buffy’s pictures made me feel relaxed and well photographed. This is a whole new mindset for me!

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
Totally go toward my college career!

Look for London in issue 96 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

​Nomination: Anna is one of the most determined and hard-working young women I know. She approaches everything she does with intelligence, confidence, and heart. Anna gives her all and inspires those around her with her dedication and drive. She doesn’t wait for opportunities, she creates them. Her strong work ethic, kindness, and beautiful spirit shine through in everything she does. I am so proud of the smart, compassionate, and resilient young woman she’s become, beautiful inside and out.

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
My civil engineering internship gave me hands-on experience working on real projects, where I learned about design, problem-solving, and teamwork in a professional setting. It helped me develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the field. Being part of both the Spanish National Honor Society and the English National Honor Society reflects my passion for languages and academic excellence. These experiences highlight my hard work, ambition, and versatility across different areas.

What else would you like to talk about?
Currently, I am working on my college applications to pursue my dream of becoming a civil engineer. I have always been passionate about going to college and making my parents proud, so I am looking forward to taking this next step towards becoming a young adult. My biggest goal at the moment is to finish all of my classes strong, and set a good example for my younger siblings, Makenna and Luke.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
One of my biggest passions at the moment would have to be investing in the stock market. With my parents’ help, I am able to go on the stock market and assess the line charts in order to see which stocks I may want to buy or sell. I think this is a great way for young people to get first hand experience with the global economy while also establishing savings.

What first sparked your interest in civil engineering, and how did you know it was the right career path for you?
My interest in civil engineering actually started from watching videos from software programs like Solidworks and AutoCad online. I thought the way engineers were able to design structures and make them become a reality was very alluring. I took particular interest in civil engineering because the field is not only focused on the economy, but also fundamentals of engineering that play into politics and the natural environment. 

Can you share a memorable project or challenge from your civil engineering internship that taught you something valuable?
My favorite engineering project that I participated in during my internship had to be when the group helped the engineers at Bleyl (Conroe, Texas) to calculate elevations needed to for drainage at a storage facility. This was my favorite part of my internship because it highlighted the importance of collaboration needed for projects. This was also a great experience because it allowed the interns to evaluate real work that we could be doing in the future.

You mentioned being in both the Spanish and English National Honor Societies — how has your love of languages influenced the way you think or communicate?
I think being well versed in two languages would be very helpful to anyone. Living in Texas, there is a lot of Hispanic- American influence around me, so it has been useful to sort of adapt to a different culture while it is also associated with my own. I find it interesting to learn about new cultures and especially study languages that make communication with people more effective. Participating in these groups allows me to communicate with a multitude of people from different backgrounds, and I value that because I believe we should always be open to learning new things.

What do you enjoy most about the process of setting goals and working hard to achieve them?
The thing that is most valuable to me when I achieve a goal would probably be the feeling I get when my parents tell me they are proud of me. Being successful in something is rewarding in itself but when it is recognized by the two people in the world whose opinion matters most to you, it feels like the greatest accomplishment ever.

How do you balance your academic goals, extracurricular commitments, and time with family and friends?
The main thing that I would say helps me maintain a balance between work, school, family and friends, and extracurricular activities would definitely be the idea of time and place. I do my best to do all of my classwork and homework if I have it in school, although having a rigorous and demanding workload does make that challenging. I also try to set a good balance of how many hours a week I work in order to make time for other things in my life such as family, friends, and school activities. 

You said you want to set a good example for your younger siblings — what lessons or values do you hope they learn from watching you?
The most important lesson that I hope my siblings learn from me would be the value of their minds. One thing that I personally struggle with is being too competitive when someone understands or knows how to do something that I don’t. In the past, this has made me upset and compare my abilities to others, but now I feel more comfortable being wrong or not being able to do some things. I hope my siblings learn from me that everyone is unique in their own way, and that their skills and personalities are valued, appreciated, and loved.
 
What have you learned about yourself through the college application process so far?
I would say the main thing I have learned about myself throughout the college application process so far is that Houston will always be home to me, but also that I should be more geographically optimistic. I feel as though Houston could offer me any opportunity and can give me the chance to succeed in whatever I put my mind to. When I first started applying, I had schools set all over the world from Arizona to New York. Throughout the application process, I became more optimistic to go about more experiences and places. I learned I want to experience may even be something outside of Houston.

Your interest in investing is so impressive! What drew you to the stock market, and what advice would you give to other teens who might want to start learning about it? 
I was first introduced to the stock market in my 8th grade business class. My teacher had us use a simulation program to learn how the stock market works. I learned how to estimate when to buy and sell a stock and which stocks will do well considering current social and political conditions. 

Who or what inspires your strong work ethic and drive to create your own opportunities?
Something that inspires my work ethic would probably be the idea my future family would have of me. When I have children, I want them to know their mom does whatever she can to give them everything they want and need. I want them to know that their mom is hardworking, resilient, and educated. I also want them to know that doing whatever it takes to set yourself apart from peers will never be a bad thing. When you are passionate about something, it is shown through your actions and your willingness to do hard things.

Looking ahead, how do you hope to use your education and experiences in civil engineering to make a difference in your community or the world?
Once I become a civil engineer, I plan to use my degree to make a difference in my community by making extraction of oil and gas safer and more efficient. This would be beneficial not only for companies, but also for the environment. 

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
My dream job would definitely be to work as a civil engineer with my PE (professional engineering license) in the oil and gas industry. I have always been interested in engineering, specifically offshore and oil and gas principles because I grew up around it , and I am still passionate about someday pursuing a career in that. A big part of why that is probably has to do with my dad, I look up to him and I think the work he does is helpful to the economy and is very interesting. 

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
I found my photographer, Angie, on Instagram. Throughout my junior year, I would see posts from girls from my school who worked with Angie. Immediately, I fell in love with her work. When the time came to apply for her team, I had no hesitation. When I work with Angie, I feel confident, relaxed, and natural. She makes the whole experience amazing while also building a relationship with each of her clients.

Tell us about the program you are in at Angie Read Photography. Why did you join, what experiences have you had, and what are you looking forward to next?
The program that I am in with Angie is called Power Team 2026. This is essentially a group of high school senior girls who get together to take pictures, do volunteering, and participate in group activities. Not only is this group for modeling, but it also is great in helping the community by building a healthy environment and fostering good social skills in young adults. I love being in this group because it has allowed me to meet new people, visit new places, and be able to express myself through modeling.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My favorite memory with the person who nominated me, my mom, would probably have to be the nights when we just sit out on our porch and talk about anything. We can talk about good things, funny things, and sometimes even bad things. She might not know how much I enjoy those nights, but it truly does make my heart happy. I admire my mom’s kindness, and ambition and I hope to be a sliver of what she is one day.
 
Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine because I believe it would be a great way for me to express my passions, share my platform, and reach out to others. Being in this magazine would be an amazing opportunity for me to connect with other young adults who share similar passions, while also highlighting how I am an inspiring teen.
 
If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I do win the scholarship, I will definitely put the money towards school. College is expensive and this money would be a huge blessing for me and would help tremendously with my dream of becoming an engineer.
 
Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I would like to thank my family for helping me get to where I am today. Thank you to my mom, Ashley, for teaching me how to be strong in every aspect and to try again even when I fail. Thank you to my dad, Brad, for showing me how to make the best of any situation and teaching me that it’s okay to be wrong. To my sister, Makenna, for treating me with unconditional loyalty. My brother, Luke, for inspiring me to be more outgoing and kind. 
 
 Look for Anna in issue 96 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

​Nomination: Trystan has been there for me since day one. If I ever need anything help with schoolwork or just someone to listen to, she's always there. Before I had therapy, I had Trystan. No matter how much she goes through, she never lets it stop her from supporting others. She is one of the most passionate people I know. If she wants something, she’ll strive for it, even if it’s brand new. I am inspired to have the fire she has, and I love her so much she’s my closest friend!

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
Passion is one of my defining traits, and for me that passion shines brightest through FFA. It has shaped who I am and continues to drive me forward. I work hard to balance school with my goals, striving to stay on top academically so I can earn acceptance into Texas State University. Beyond my own ambitions, I want to be known as someone who genuinely cares for others and gives her all in everything she does.

What else would you like to talk about?
Outside of school, I dedicate time to volunteering through the NHS, which has allowed me to give back and grow as a leader. I also gained valuable experience as a cheer coach for two years, where I learned patience, responsibility, and how to inspire younger athletes. More recently, I started working as a retail stylist at American Threads, which has taught me professionalism, teamwork, and customer service. Each of these roles has shaped my work ethic and strengthened my passion for connecting with and supporting others.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am deeply passionate about philosophy it’s something I could talk about endlessly. I love exploring life’s biggest questions and learning how different thinkers have tried to understand the world and human nature. Philosophy excites me because it connects to so many areas, from ethics to politics, and it challenges me to think critically. I also enjoy history, because it shows how ideas, cultures, and events have shaped the present. Together, they fuel my curiosity and are what I want to pursue in college.

Your passion “shines brightest through FFA.” What supervised agricultural experience, contest, or chapter project are you proudest of, and what did it teach you about leadership and grit?
I am most proud of being part of Barnyard Buddies, a program in Waller County where we pair with a child with special needs and spend the day together. It’s one of my favorite events of the year. It has taught me patience and reminded me how different everyone can be, but also how much we are the same. That experience always inspires me to lead with compassion and empathy.

You’re aiming for Texas State University. What do you hope to study there, and how do you see FFA/NHS/cheer shaping the way you’ll get involved on campus?
I plan to double major in Philosophy and Political Science. While many of my high school activities may come to an end, the lessons I’ve learned from FFA, NHS, and cheer will stay with me. FFA taught me leadership, NHS taught me service, and cheer taught me perseverance. Together, they’ve shaped the way I’ll get involved on campus through leadership roles, service opportunities, and community-building.

Friends describe you as the person who shows up no matter what. Tell us about a recent moment you were that steady support and how you protect your own energy while caring for others.
I try to live by the rule of treating others how I want to be treated. A recent moment was being there for a friend who was going through something tough. She needed someone to listen, so I made sure to show up. Protecting my own energy can be hard, but I remind myself to set boundaries when I need them. I know I can’t pour from an empty cup, so I focus on balancing care for others with care for myself.

You’ve coached cheer and now work as a retail stylist. What’s one skill from each role (coaching and customer service) that you use every day in school or life?
From coaching, patience is the biggest skill I’ve carried with me. It helps me stay calm in school, even when I’m not in the headspace to learn. From retail, I’ve learned how important it is to help out wherever needed, even with small tasks. Both roles taught me that small efforts can make a big difference for others.

When you decide you want something, you “strive to get it,” even if it’s new. Share a time you jumped into something unfamiliar—how did you learn fast, and what surprised you?
When I decided to become an FFA chapter officer, I had no prior plans to pursue it. But once I realized it was something I wanted, I went all in. I even traveled alone across multiple flights just to attend FFA convention, because I knew I had committed to it. What surprised me most was how much confidence I gained from stepping out of my comfort zone.

NHS service hours can blur together unless you’re intentional. Which volunteering experience changed your perspective the most, and what impact did you see (or measure)?
Helping with special needs students changed my perspective the most. It opened my eyes to how differently people think and live, but also how talented and kind they are. I realized that supporting them isn’t about doing things for them, but being present and learning from them too. That experience left a lasting impact on me.

Philosophy lights you up. Pick a big question and tell us how your view has evolved.
I’ve often thought about the question, “What does a good life look like?” For me, a good life is one filled with mistakes, regrets, and lessons. You can look back and wish you’d changed things, but those experiences are what shape who you are. My regrets have taught me resilience and helped me grow into the Trystan DeMott I am today.

History helps you connect ideas to real people and events. Which era or figure fascinates you most, and how does that interest influence your leadership or decision-making today?
I’m fascinated by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians their cultures and innovations continue to influence us today. Learning about their successes and failures shows me the importance of vision, adaptability, and community. As a leader, I try to take lessons from history: thinking long-term, respecting traditions, but also being open to change.

Balancing academics with goals is a point of pride. What systems keep you on track—especially during busy FFA or drama weeks?
To stay on track, I rely on writing everything down either in a planner or on simple sheets I can check off. This system helps me balance my schoolwork, FFA events, and work schedule. Breaking things down into small steps makes big tasks less overwhelming. It also keeps me accountable when life gets busy.

If you could design a small community project that blends FFA, service, and your love of big ideas (philosophy/history), what would it be—and how would you know it worked?
I would create a mentorship project where FFA students teach elementary kids not just about agriculture, but about leadership, history, and ethics. Each student would plant something, care for it, and also reflect on how growth takes patience, responsibility, and teamwork. I’d know it worked if kids could explain not only how their plants grew, but also what they learned about themselves and others in the process.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
My first professional photos were taken in Hawaii, but the photographer who means the most to me is my friend Tessa. We met when I was a freshman and she was a junior in choir at Concordia Lutheran. Now, as a senior, it feels full circle that she’ll be taking my homecoming and senior photos. What I love most is the meaning behind it—capturing this milestone with someone who has been part of my journey.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My best friend Erin has been in my life since I was three and she was four we grew up together at church and stayed close ever since. One of my favorite memories is the summer before senior year, when we spent nearly every day together. Our go-to was always Swig or In-N-Out, and those simple moments became some of the best times. What means the most is knowing we’ll cheer each other on at graduation, even if we’re at different schools. Erin has truly been with me through it all.


Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I first noticed Inspiring Teens Magazine as a freshman, when a girl at my school, Hailey Hunter, was featured. I thought it was amazing to be part of something that highlights teens making a difference. Fast-forward to now, I feel honored to be nominated myself. I want to use this opportunity to inspire others and show that hard work, passion, and staying true to yourself can take you far.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I win a scholarship, I would use it to support my college expenses. While my parents have generously offered to help, I want to take responsibility for my future. My plan is to save the scholarship funds for housing, so I can afford an apartment by sophomore year. That would ease the financial burden on my parents and allow me to be more independent.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
To be the head lawyer at my own firm.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
First, myself because believing in myself was the first step. But mostly my mom, who has always been there. Even when I don’t share everything, she always seems to know what’s going on and says just what I need to hear.

Look for Trystan in issue 95 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!