Ashlyn Robinson

Ashlyn Robinson - Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Albright Studio Photography
Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Ashlyn is a senior at Williamsport Area High School with many accomplishments. She is a volunteer firefighter, a Nationally Registered EMT, the first team ALL-STATE first baseman, starting pitcher for her high school softball team, and an active member of her Church. While just being honored for her 100th career hit, Ashlyn also assists in coaching the middle school's softball team. Her whole life is not about softball though, through all her activities Ashlyn maintains academic honor roll and is a member of National Honor Society. She is a student ambassador and placed 1st in the Skills USA Emergency Medical Technician division, along with being the Student Advisor for the Homeland Security CTE program at Williamsport. She also has been working with Homeland Security Juniors, sharing her knowledge and experiences so they can be successful for when they take their EMT test. She works hard to inspire younger generations of softball players and first responders. She is a well rounded girl willing to put in what it takes to succeed.

​What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
I’m a hardworking and passionate individual who puts my full effort into everything I do. In softball, I’ve spent countless hours training to improve my skills and become the best player I can be. I also coach pitching and hitting, building strong connections with younger athletes over the past three years. I bring the same dedication to being a first responder, training regularly and gaining experience with local ambulance companies while volunteering at community events like the Little League World Series and the Hughesville Carnival.

Where do you think your strong work ethic and passion first came from, and who or what has influenced that the most?
I believe my strong work-ethics and passion came from my parents. They have always told me that you can earn anything as long as you work for it. With my dad owning our family business, he has spent countless nights working to support our family a day at a time. He has shown us that nothing gets handed to us, and you have to work for it. I have applied this within my softball and my firefighting, showing others that good things will come to you as long as you put the work in.

Can you share a moment when you had to push through a challenge or setback, and what that experience taught you?
Over the summer, a strained hamstring sidelined me during softball season. It was crushing to watch my team compete from the sidelines, feeling helpless but not hopeless. Once the season ended, I dedicated myself to the gym, strengthening my muscles to prevent future injuries. Pushing through the emotional toll of being hurt, I focused on restoring my health. This experience taught me that success is only possible when you prioritize your physical and mental well-being first. Hard work requires a healthy foundation.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
Last year, I was named 1st Team All-State First Baseman in 6A, achieving a goal I set at the start of the season. My high school honored me by displaying my photo in the commons. This year, I aim to build on that success and continue working hard for those who support me. Beyond softball, my goal is to become a certified firefighter-paramedic and serve my community. After gaining experience, I hope to return to teaching and inspire others in a career I’m passionate about.

What does a typical day look like for you as you balance academics, athletics, and serving your community?
Currently, I take duel-enrollment courses to prepare for post-secondary expectations, which requires significant studying and writing. After school, I play softball and build lasting memories with my team. Most days, I head straight from the field to my fire company to train and respond to local emergencies. Despite a packed schedule—even on game days—I consistently prioritize my education. Balancing athletics and community service has taught me to manage my time effectively, ensuring my school assignments and grades always come first!

How do you stay motivated during busy or overwhelming seasons when everything demands your time and energy?
I stay motivated by looking towards the new memories and accomplishments that some with time and energy. Like I said, nothing gets handed to you for free, and you must work hard for the things you want. Even though some things can become overwhelming and stressful, I always remind myself that God is there to help me overcome that stress. He knows how hard I work and always reminds me that good things come to those who are patient and work hard.

What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
One topic I could talk about for hours is my work as an EMT. I’ve learned anatomy and physiology, basic pharmacology, treatments, and how the body responds. There’s so much the human body can do that I never realized before my training. You could say I’m a bit of a nerd for it! Understanding how the body functions is incredibly important, and it’s helped me treat patients more effectively while motivating me to keep learning and exploring new topics.

Can you describe a moment as an EMT or volunteer that deeply impacted you or changed your perspective?
While working the Little League World Series, a man suffered a medical emergency. Amidst the chaos, I saw his daughter crying in the crowd. I led her to our first aid stand, bonding with her and providing comfort while we treated her father. Before they left, she gave me a heartfelt hug. This experience solidified my purpose: as a first responder, we are the comfort and support system for people during the worst days of their lives. We provide hope when they have nowhere else to turn.

What advice would you give to other teens who are interested in becoming first responders or entering the medical field?
Stay humble and open to criticism. This is a career that is based on learning and experience. When someone gives you criticism, take it and learn from it. It will not only make you better, but it is something that you can take home with you and apply it to the future. No one in this field is looking to make you worse; they only wish to see you succeed. This is a brother/sisterhood that you will find only wishes to watch you become a better responder and a better person.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
People look up to you for being yourself, not someone you’re not. I admire individuals whose personalities shine and who embrace who they are without apology. Over the past year, I’ve grown into that kind of person—someone who stays authentic in any situation. Remaining calm, confident, and true to myself, especially in leadership roles, builds trust with others who are looking for someone to follow and believe in.

How has being a leader on the field and in emergency situations shaped the way you handle pressure?
You must learn how to keep your composure in tough situations. If you show others that you are stressed or that you're upset, it affects the teammates or colleagues that you are working with. Being able to regulate your emotions in tough situations not only shows others your strength, but it shows them that you know what you're doing and gives them full confidence in you. Keeping your composure in sticky situations will only make you a better leader, whether it comes to an emergency or leading a team to a state championship.

In what ways do you hope to continue inspiring younger athletes and future first responders?
I aspire to coach softball and instill the same morals in my players that the sport taught me. Softball builds more than just athletes; it shapes successful individuals prepared for the real world. Similarly, as a first responder, I want to mentor others by sharing my knowledge and experiences. My goal is to help them become not only skilled responders but also exceptional employees and people. Whether on the field or on a call, I am dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders.

What does success look like to you beyond awards and recognition?
Success to me is being there and showing up for the people I love and the people that I work with. Knowing that I made a made a difference in someone's life is enough success for me. I want to be the reason that someone works harder every day and reaches for the stars. Whether that's a colleague, a player, or even a patient, I want to be the reason that they decide to work hard for their future.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
I wish to be a Firefighter-Paramedic Instructor, where I can work at all my passions equally. Being able to experience all of my passions at the same time would be my biggest dream. Although the workload to balance all these passions would be a challenge, nothing compares to happiness and the experience that I would gain from that career.

What is one of your favorite memories with something that means a lot to you about Maddy Fiori from Albright Studio Photography, who nominated you?
The person who nominated me is so friendly and is always outgoing with what they do. She has such a kind heart, and even though we are opposites, she always puts a smile on others' faces! No matter what mood I am in, what kind of day I am having, seeing her always puts a little sunshine into my day.

Tell us more about your photographer — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
The photographer who took my photo is a very outgoing person and is highly extroverted. They always have so many great ideas for different photo opportunities and what will make me look my best. I feel like we really connected during my senior photos. I’m not much of a photo-person myself, but they helped me come out of my shell to make the session memorable! They have also always rooted for me in my extracurricular activities and have been a big part of my childhood.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard of Inspiring Teens Magazine when a local athlete was nominated and shared her voting links on social media. Seeing her recognition inspired me and made me realize how meaningful it is to be celebrated for your hard work. Being part of this magazine motivates me to continue growing as both an athlete and a person. It shows that working hard and staying humble can earn you the spotlight you deserve. Even if you haven’t found your spotlight yet, you shouldn’t give up—there are people who care about your dreams and accomplishments just as much as you do!

If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
I would use it to pay for my education that will help me work towards my dreams. After high school, I plan on attending Pennsylvania College of Technology and major in Emergency Management & Homeland Security. I also plan on attending the college’s paramedic program after earning my Bachelor’s Degree. This will help me pay for meal plans, textbooks, supplies, and tuition.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
What made me say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge is the scholarship that I could potentially earn. Having one more thing to make pay for my education takes a lot of relief off my shoulders. When I first started, I was so excited and texted as many people as I could. It was so heartwarming seeing the amount of support that I gained from my school, fire department, and softball family. It made me feel so loved and supported.

What is one moment during the challenge that made you feel proud or realize you were growing?
When I gained almost 100 votes within twenty-four hours of gaining my link. I was shocked at how many votes I had earned during that time. I didn’t realize how many people supported me and was willing to show me their support if it meant I had one more accomplishment and one more scholarship under my belt.

How have you changed or grown since being part of Inspiring Teens—in confidence, mindset, or taking action?
I have. I have gained so much confidence in myself, knowing that I am making a difference in other people's lives. Not only that, but it has assured my mindset that I’m not alone in this journey. There is always someone that I can turn to and ask for support if I need it.

What challenge or fear did you have to push through, and what did overcoming it mean to you?
Something that I had to overcome was the fear of failure. Failure within softball and being a first responder, failure leads to growth. You can continue to grow if you haven’t experienced failure. It is what makes you a better person and what pushes you to work harder.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
Do it! It is such a great opportunity to make yourself heard and to see the support system you have around you. Not only that, but you could win a scholarship as well, nine times out of ten there is something that you must pay for in your education. It’s also a great experience, and also a lot of fun!

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?
I hope to gain even more support from others and show others that good things come to those who are patient and work hard. I will truly feel successful when I win the scholarship. It will show me that all my hard work paid off.
What have you discovered about yourself, or accomplished, through participating in this contest that surprised you?
I have found that I am a woman of many talents! There aren’t many things that I can’t do! Hopefully I can build onto my experiences and earn even more accomplishments.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
I would like to thank my family, coaches, teachers, teammates, friends, and mentors for making me the person that I am today!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Thank you so much for this opportunity!

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Most likely, either enjoying my time with my family or spending time with my friends! If not, I am working at the fire department.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am super excited to be enrolled at Pennsylvania College of Technology and play college softball!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing that I had ever accomplished was completing all of my modules of my firefighting classes. It was physically demanding, but i worked hard to keep my strength up to keep me going.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Set goals and don’t let up. Find something for you to work towards.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself working as a Fire-Medic for a fire company in the Lancaster area.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I enjoy the outdoors and like to spend time doing activities that involve me being in nature!

3 Things on your bucket list
1.) Visit Yellowstone
2.) Visit Fort Worth, Texas
3.) Take a tour of New York Fire Departments!

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mentor, Frank Shank, very inspiring. He is very transparent and always works hard to serve his community.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe people find me inspiring because of how hard I work to get to where I want to be in life.

Look for Ashlyn in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

click here for more information on issue 102

click here to nominate an inspiring teen