Abigail Doran

Image by Lisa Weaver

Abigail Doran - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Tyna Norman
Photography by Lisa Weaver & David Beckham Photography

The Nomination: Abigail Doran is a fantastic leader, cheerleader and Instagram influencer her ig handle is amod78. She has been cheering since kindergarten and is involved in competitive cheerleading for her high school. She has overcome a lot to be involved in the sport. She has scoliosis and is still a flyer for the team. In middle school she was bullied a lot by members of the cheer team, but she did not quit the team because she loved the sport. She has recently changed schools from a very small school to a very large school and will be trying out for their cheer team where the competition is much harder. This will help her learn new skills, make new friends, and learn a new program.
Due to her scoliosis Abigail had to give up her love for competitive gymnastics where she won numerous all-around titles and was the USAG state beam champion but she’s now a gymnastics coach and she is able to teach young girls the sport she loved!
She’s also focused on her academics and has a 3.5 overall GPA and she’s almost done with her sophomore year.
She just happens to be a signed model with the top modeling agency in Ohio - Heyman and has done ads for Huffy and recently did an ad for the new makeup line for Tarte cosmetics called Sugar Crush carried at Ulta Beauty. 

Image by Lisa Weaver

When did your career in cheerleading begin? What is your favorite part about the sport? 
I began cheering when I was in kindergarten and tried out for the school team in 7th grade. My favorite part is being able to cheer on the football and basketball teams. I love both sports, but my favorite is basketball and to be able to stand on the court and cheer on a close game is super fun!

What are some ways you stay positive through the cheer season as you have scoliosis? What were some thoughts you had when you found out you had it?
I have to go to the chiropractor a lot which helps, but I focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t. There’s a lot of people who are a lot worse than I am so I’m extremely fortunate! When I first found out I had it, I had never heard of it. Our school nurse was the first to find it and then I had to go through a bunch of follow up testing. I was sad when I had to give up tumbling however, I can still cheer!

Image by Lisa Weaver

​How did you deal with bullies on your team? How did you keep your confidence up during that time?
The bullying was by far the worst. School bullying is a very bad situation to be in. It started out slow and then got bigger. It lasted for about 2 years. At first, I ignored it thinking it would go away but it didn’t. Then the 2nd year was the worst and it turned to social media bullying, so my mom had to get the school involved. My school did not handle the situation well and some of the parents were not nice about it. 
I stayed positive by focusing on what I liked to do and being around friends that were supportive and by telling my mom what was going on. 

What is your favorite part about being a gymnastics coach? How many hours a week do you coach? 
Since I couldn’t tumble anymore, what’s the next best thing than to coach!? I love to teach, and this is how I can still be involved in the sport I love and share my expertise with others. I coach up to 20 hours a week and coach mainly gymnastics, but they have me teach a couple cheer classes also. It’s the best of both worlds!

​​Tell us about your modeling agency. When did you start modeling? What is your favorite part about it? What job are you most proud of?
I started out doing pageants but then grew out of them and wanted to go into something else. So, I sat down for a photoshoot and submitted a picture to our state agency and was signed in 2018! 
My favorite part is being able to put on makeup and cool clothes, and I love posing for the camera. I’m most proud of my Huffy job that’s on Amazon and my Tarte Cosmetics for Ulta Beauty. 

Image by David Beckham Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice is be yourself - not someone else
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
My goals are to continue my modeling career and attend college and go into the medical field. 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others because I have encountered a lot of obstacles along my journey, but I don’t let the roadblocks stop me. Life isn’t easy and the road along the way is hard work. If you have a goal expect there to be problems achieving it, but don’t let it stop you - keep going!
How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
My mom is definitely my organizer. She helps in this area! We all need a partner because we can’t do it all ourselves. 
What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I have several; I love rap music, hanging out with my friends, making funny videos, love to travel, I love roller coasters, and working out.
 Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My hidden talent is I’m a really good rapper
Who do you find inspiring? 
I find inspiring stories about people inspiring but Selma Gomez is inspiring
Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
That’s hard because I love both pizza and tacos, soda, and cats
3 Things on your bucket list
Sky diving, the biggest roller coaster I can find, and travel Europe

Abigail will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 

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