Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Addison Harvey

8/1/2020

Addison Harvey – Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jamie Harvey
Photography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope Cure
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Addison Harvey is a passionate teen with an incredible work ethic and loving personality. She puts forth hard work in everything she does, dancing up to 20 hours a week while using her passion to help manage her schedule and strong academics. Addison has anxiety which can pose challenges; however, she has learned to use her strengths through dance and school to overcome difficult situations. We are extremely proud of her as she advocates for herself and others in similar situations. Her kindness and heart come through not only in dance but also through the ways she treats others.

Photography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope Cure

What inspired your passion for dance, and how has dance helped you in different areas of your life?
I started dancing at the age of 2½. I have loved it ever since. Dance has helped be me in so many aspects of my life. I have been able to use dance as a place to thrive away from my anxiety.

How have you dedicated 20 hours per week to dance while also managing your schoolwork?
I use the study hall to get some of my school work done. I also get my school work done in a few hours that I have between school and dance. I use schedules and agendas to make sure that I plan out my entire day, from when I get my school done, to when I have dance. I also make sure to do my work on any breaks that I can get.

What challenges have you faced through having anxiety, but in what ways have you overcome them?
There are times when my emotions overwhelm me due to my anxiety and it makes me feel like shutting down. Initially, I would have outbursts that could be hard for others to understand, however, in working with my counselor I have gained tools that help me deal with those situations and remind me of how to center myself. Breathing deeply and taking time away helps me calm myself and regain my perspective of the situation.

Photography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope Cure

Tell me a little bit about how you pursue to help those in need through helpful causes.
I have done three photoshoots with Dance Hope Cure. DHC is an organization that raises money for dancers with cancer. I love to do the shoots with them because I get to know dancers with cancer and am able to listen to their stories and be and advocate for them. It is awesome to be there for them and be able to donate my time and earnings to a really good cause.
Also personally I spend time getting to know other kids with similar challenges. I really love to share things that help me but also to make sure that each of them understands they are not alone.

How does your kindness and positive personality shine through how you treat others, and always volunteer to help those in need?
I make sure that I treat others how I want to be treated. The golden rule. If I was having a bad day, I would want someone to cheer me up. Or if I wanted to be respected then I would want someone to respect me. One day I noticed a boy in my school eating by himself, I understood how that felt and so I made sure I went and sat with him to keep him company and make sure he knew I was there for him. I had the support of my teachers which was awesome as well. I knew we were both supported and it felt great.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I know this may sound really silly but getting my round-off back tuck (Cartwheel landing with feet together then doing a back flip). I was able to get it because of my amazing teachers helping me and my dedication to getting it. I practiced every day to get it. One day, everyone in my tumbling class was getting a skill that they had been working on. I thought that if everyone else can do it then why can't I? So I asked my teacher, Mr. Noel, to see if he thinks I was ready to do it. He said he thought I was ready, so I tried it even though I was really nervous. I did it and I felt great about it. It taught me that even when I am not confident in something, trying to achieve it will be more successful than not trying.

Photography by Starquest

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
If you want to reach a high level of dance, sport, or academic you have to have a positive outlook on it. If you say you can’t, then you will probably end up not being able to do it. Yes, there will be ups and downs, but you can’t let those define you. If I let what others said about me or if I let those negatives define me, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Oh and also remember that if you aren’t able to do it the first time, then try again the next time when you have a chance.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?” is a really hard question to answer. I don’t want to rush life. I am only 13. I don't want to make plans for my future self. I was put on this earth for a reason and I just don’t know that reason yet. God has a plan and I will follow that plan. I just don’t want to be rush that plan. But I will say this. In five years, I can see myself graduating from High School and applying to college. In five years I hope to be the best part about everyone that I care and love for.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to watch Grey's Anatomy from ABC and research medicine especially Multiple Sclerosis (MS). My grandfather passed a few years ago due to MS and some other complications. All I know though is that, if he were here today he would be so proud of me and what I have done. I miss him every day. You don’t realize what you have until you don’t have it.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Yes. I am double jointed so I can do weird things with my fingers. I also can put my legs behind my head and rock up and down. :)

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Kindness and how far it goes. I was bullied a lot last year and it was because someone thought that it would be okay to take the bullying to Instagram. I think that people just don’t understand how important it is to be kind. You never know what someone might be hiding or dealing with at home or school. Like my old principal used to say, “We expect you to treat your fellow students with respect and kindness because we never know what may have happened before coming to school or last class.” One small drop of kindness can change someone's entire day.

3 Things on your bucket list
Meet Misty Copeland
Dance with the American Ballet Theater
Be in the Radio City Music Hall Nutcracker

Who do you find inspiring?
Misty Copeland and all of the people around me.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think that I am inspiring because of some of the things that I have/am going through because I think that telling parts of my story to others can make them see that if you persevere and keep going, it will be worth it.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Thank you for this opportunity.

Addison will be featured in issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 36

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Alexa Fucello

3/10/2019

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Alexa Fucello – 17 - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography
Issue 17 | Leader

The Nomination: Alexa Fucello. Alexa’s light shines so bright! She is compassionate, brave, witty, fun, loyal & classy! She is also resilient. She says things don’t always come easy to her. But she always tries to find the positive and continues to work hard to achieve her goals.

At school she has become very interested in business and plans to select that as a major in college. She also plans to audition for a collegiate dance team. In school, she is the incoming President of their Future Business Leaders of America chapter and a member of the National Honor Society.

Her leadership with her school's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America is a point of pride. Last year as an officer and advocate for the FBLA organization, she was able to reach out to other students and increase membership. As the current President of the chapter, she continues to work to advocate and grow their presence in the educational community.

Alexa’s greatest interest and passion is dance. She has been dancing for 14 years as an elite company competitive dancer and has achieved many awards and accolades through the years.

Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography

What kind of business are you most interested in and why?

I developed a keen interest in business through my high school career pathway program. I began to take business courses and realized that this was an area that I wanted to continue to pursue; not only did I enjoy learning about various aspects of business, but I found that I had a knack for it. I credit my business teachers at my school for helping to develop my interest in business as well. As of right now, my plan is to pursue Marketing and Entrepreneurship in college. I really enjoy some of the creative aspects of marketing and hope to develop and own my own successful business someday.

Tell me about the FBLA organization and your duties within.

I joined our school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter my sophomore year. Through FBLA there are many learning opportunities that include state and national conferences as well as competitions. I have enjoyed competing at the regional, state, and national levels. I am actively involved in our chapter and was elected the first female FBLA President at my school. I’m working hard in my senior year to market FBLA benefits and potential business careers to female underclassmen.

Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

While I am ready to start the next chapter of my life and enjoy all the new experiences the next four years of college will bring, I do have a vision that in five years I will be employed by a great company and starting my successful career.

Dance image by Mike Gillette

How did your interest in dance begin?

This will mark my 15th year as a dancer. When I was two and half years old, my mother enrolled me in my first dance class. My parents thought dance would be a fun activity, but it quickly turned into a passion that shaped the person I am today. I have been with the same studio, Savage Dance Company, for all 15 years. My teachers and mentors at Savage have had a huge impact on my growing up, not only as a dancer but as a person. My time in the studio and on stage has taught me more than just technique. There was a time when I was not as confident as I am today. Performing on stage in front of hundreds of people pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be vulnerable on stage. I learned at a young age how to deal with a tremendous amount of pressure in the heat of competition. I’ve learned valuable lessons in perseverance, how to rebound from disappointment, the benefits of hard work and commitment, and how to humbly celebrate success. One of the most valuable things I have gained from dance are the friendships I have formed that will last a lifetime.

What is your favorite type of dance and why?

While I enjoy all genres of dance, my two favorites are contemporary and lyrical. These forms of dance really allow me to express myself and my emotions through art and movement. It is hard to describe, but when you can touch an audience with the emotions you are feeling and are trying to convey, it is a very rewarding experience.

Alexa's interview will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Addison Harvey

Addison Harvey – Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jamie Harvey
Photography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope Cure
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexa Fucello

Alexa Fucello – 17 - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography
Issue 17 | Leader

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Addison Harvey

Addison Harvey – VirginiaInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Jamie HarveyPhotography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope CureIssue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alexa Fucello

​Alexa Fucello – 17 - MarylandInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis PhotographyIssue 17 | Leader

Featured

Archives

Categories

Addison Harvey – Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jamie Harvey
Photography by Mike Gillette Photography - Dance Hope Cure
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexa Fucello – 17 - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography
Issue 17 | Leader