Ayla Hatfield

Ayla Hatfield - Indiana
Nomination & Photography by April Moore Creations LLC
Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Ayla Hatfield has maintained a 3.89 GPA while balancing part-time work and dual credit honors classes, demonstrating consistent discipline and drive. Through college-level coursework, including equine veterinary science, Ayla is already building the foundation for her future at Purdue University, where she plans to pursue veterinary science with focus and determination.

Photography by April Moore Creations LLC

What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
I have been a member of 4H for the past 8 years. I have done pigs all 8 of those years following in my dad’s steps. I have done dairy heifers for 3 years to get out of my comfort zone and try something new.

What inspired you to follow in your dad’s footsteps with pigs, and how has that connection shaped your experience?
Following in his footsteps felt less like a choice and more like honoring something meaningful. Working with pigs has taught me responsibility, resilience, and pride in hard work. It’s also strengthened my bond with my dad. We understand each other in a deeper way. Now, every day in the barn feels like carrying forward a legacy while creating my own story.

What have stepping outside your comfort zone with dairy heifers taught you about yourself?
Stepping outside my comfort zone with dairy heifers has shown me that I’m capable of more than I usually give myself credit for. At first, I felt unsure and intimidated, but learning to handle and care for them built my confidence over time. I’ve realized that growth doesn’t happen when things feel easy—it comes from pushing through discomfort and staying patient with myself. Working with the heifers has also taught me to stay calm under pressure and trust my instincts. Now, I see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles, and that mindset has changed how I approach everything.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
I am currently working toward becoming a livestock veterinarian. My passion for animals has grown ever since I was a little kid. I want to be able to help as many farm animals as I can. I’m currently in FFA doing veterinary science and next year will be pursuing animal science through the school and doing an online course this summer to better understand horses’ behaviors and the best way to train each horse.

What does your vision for your future at Purdue University look like, and what excites you most about that next step?
My vision for my future at Purdue University is to grow both academically and personally while pursuing my passion for agriculture. I see myself gaining hands-on experience, building connections, and learning from people who share the same drive. What excites me most is the opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment and discover new strengths. Being surrounded by innovation and tradition motivates me to work harder and dream bigger. I’m especially looking forward to creating lifelong friendships and taking steps toward a career that makes a meaningful impact.

How do you balance school, work, and your involvement with animals while staying focused on your goals?
My vision at Purdue University is to grow academically and personally while pursuing my passion for agriculture. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience, meet driven people, and challenge myself in a new environment. I look forward to building lasting connections and taking meaningful steps toward a future where I can make an impact.

What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I feel really passionate about all the animals I have ever owned, especially all of my pigs. In the past 8 years every batch of pigs I’ve gotten had shown me different challenges to overcome. They have all made me a better person by showing me that you have to work harder than expected to see the results you want.

Can you share a specific challenge you faced with one of your animals and how you worked through it?
One challenge I faced was working with a stubborn heifer that refused to lead and would panic easily. At first, I felt frustrated, but I realized she needed patience, not pressure. I started spending extra time with her, building trust through consistency and calm handling. Progress was slow, but eventually she began to respond. That experience taught me that patience and understanding often work better than force, both with animals and in life.

What lessons have your animals taught you that you carry into other areas of your life?
Working with animals has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of consistency. They rely on me every day, no matter how busy life gets, which has strengthened my work ethic and commitment. I’ve also learned to stay calm under pressure and adapt when things don’t go as planned. These lessons carry into school, work, and relationships, reminding me to be dependable, understanding, and willing to grow through challenges.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
I have learned to lead with my mind and emotions over a physical emotion. This would be pertaining to a sport that I used to play and realized that it no longer benefited me to become the person I wanted to become.

How did making the decision to step away from that sport help you grow as a person?
Deciding to step away from that sport was difficult, but it helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me to listen to myself and recognize when something no longer aligns with my goals. I learned that letting go isn’t failure, it can be a step toward something better. That choice gave me more time and energy to focus on new opportunities, helping me become more confident, self-aware, and intentional about my future.

In what ways do you see yourself leading or making an impact in the agricultural or veterinary field in the future?
In the future, I see myself making an impact in the agricultural or veterinary field by advocating for animal welfare and supporting producers through hands-on care and education. I want to lead by example, showing the importance of responsibility, compassion, and ethical practices. Whether working directly with animals or alongside farmers, my goal is to build trust, share knowledge, and help improve both animal health and the sustainability of agriculture.
 
What is your ideal dream job as a livestock veterinarian if it were offered to you today?
My ideal dream job as a livestock veterinarian would be working closely with farmers to support herd health, prevent disease, and improve overall animal welfare. I would love a role that combines hands-on fieldwork with problem-solving, where every day brings something different. Being able to build long-term relationships with producers while making a real impact on both animal care and agricultural success is what motivates me most.

What advice would you give to other teens who are trying to find their passion or step outside their comfort zone?
My advice to other teens is to not be afraid of trying something new, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Growth happens when you push past what feels easy. It’s okay not to have everything figured out—what matters is being open to experiences and learning along the way. Pay attention to what excites you and challenges you, and don’t let fear hold you back from opportunities that could shape your future.

What does success mean to you beyond grades and accomplishments?
To me, success goes beyond grades and accomplishments. It means growing into a person who is responsible, resilient, and true to their values. Success is showing up consistently for the things and people that matter, even when it’s hard. It’s about learning from mistakes, building strong character, and finding purpose in what I do. True success is feeling proud of who I am becoming, not just what I achieve.

What is one of your favorite memories April Moore, who nominated you, or something about her that means a lot to you?
April used comedy to help me keep my natural smile when I was really cold and struggling to stay warm.

How did you connect, and what was that experience like?
Our session was during a cold wintery day and she knew how to keep me smiling and keep me focused on my pictures.

Are you part of a model team with April Moore Creations LLC? If so, tell us about it.
I am part of a model team with my photographer, where I get to represent different projects and creative shoots. It’s been a great experience for building confidence, learning teamwork, and expressing myself in new and creative ways.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine from April Moore, my photographer. I enjoy reading the bios and stories about other people and seeing what inspires them.

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 the scholarship to help pay for my college tuition and help me pursue my dream of becoming a livestock veterinarian.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
I said yes to the Inspiring Teens challenge because it felt like a chance to step outside my comfort zone and share my story in a meaningful way. I wanted to challenge myself to be more confident and open. When I first started, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, but that quickly turned into gratitude. It has been encouraging to reflect on my experiences and realize how much I’ve grown through them.

What is one moment during the challenge that made you feel proud or realize you were growing?
One moment during the challenge that made me feel proud was when I reflected on my experiences and was able to put my growth into words. It made me realize how much confidence I’ve gained and how far I’ve come from when I first started. Being able to share my story honestly showed me that I’m growing not just in skills, but in self-awareness and confidence in who I am becoming.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, I would tell them to go for it. It’s normal to feel nervous, but growth comes from trying things that push you outside your comfort zone. This experience has helped me build confidence, reflect on my journey, and realize the value of my story. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be willing to try.

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?
Beyond votes or placements, I hope to gain confidence, self-awareness, and a deeper appreciation for my journey. This experience has already helped me reflect on my growth and share my story in a meaningful way. I want to leave knowing I challenged myself and stepped outside my comfort zone with purpose. I would feel truly successful if I come out of this more confident in who I am and inspired to keep growing and pursuing my goals.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
I would like to thank my mom and Dad, Andrea Thompson and Curtis Hatfield. I would also like to thank April Moore because without her I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do this.

Look for Ayla 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 about issue 102

click here to nominate an inspiring teen