Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kyra Arasmith

9/21/2021

Kyra Arasmith – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kyra Arasmith is an accomplished track athlete. She went to state last May in track for the 100 hurdles & the 4x400 relay. She is in national honor society where she does a variety of charitable activities. She works part time at the Buckle and is a cheerleader. She has a heart of gold and is always so friendly with everyone. Here is what her mother had to say about her: I think Kyra is inspiring because she is a very determined individual and does not quit when faced with adversity. One example of this is when she wanted to advance in her math classes. She took a self taught online summer trigonometry class offered at her high-school. With diligence she was able to accomplish her goal and with an A. Another example is when she decided to try out for the cheer team. She had no cheer experience. She asked a friend & a neighbor that had cheered to teach her the jumps & movements. She spent numerous hours learning the cheers & the form. In the end she accomplished her goal & made the team.
Kyra is also very giving. She took time at her younger brother's football games to teach the little sister's some of the high school cheers. She brought her extra poms from previous years of cheering to give to the girls. She did this throughout the entire football season last year.

Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed on my goals and plans for the future. I feel that there is a need for more primary care doctors and the ability to help more people is what drives me to pursue a career in the medical field.

What are your goals for the future and what steps are you taking now to get there?
My goal for the future is to become a primary care doctor. Some steps I am taking to get there include applying to colleges, applying for scholarships, & putting a long-term budget plan.

Tell us about your cheer career. When did you get started and what do you love most about it? What is your team like and what are your goals for this year?
I started cheer my freshman year because I thought it looked like a lot of fun! I love the community we have created throughout my high school career. We as a team work together to create a fun inclusive environment where we can all rely upon each other. This year I would like to work towards inspiring the current 8th graders to try out for cheer. I am doing this by volunteering at the middle school where I will help to teach the students some cheers and dances.

Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson

Share with us about your track skills. What is your biggest or favorite?
My favorite track event is hurdles. I fell in love with it when I watched my sister compete in this event. It is amazing how fast and smooth someone can run over the hurdles! I became infatuated with learning to do this myself. After lots of falls & bruises I was able to make it to state track last May.

What charitable activities do you do through the NHS and what is your favorite?
In NHS we assist the school with activities such as: freshman orientation, dental screenings, we volunteer to help at the local college’s football games, & we run the concession stand for our high school games. This names a few of the things we do.

Why did you choose Reflections Photography and what was your photo shoot day like with Carman? What surprised you most and what did you love most about the experience?
I chose Reflections Photography because Carmen is fun to work with, she has a great eye for detail, and is creative when taking photos. I loved trying different poses and being creative with Carmen! I was most surprised by how quickly Carmen can take so many wonderful photos.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I enjoy art. Mainly pottery. I once made a fish cup for a competition. I also made an ugly mug with a face on it that won an award in my school's competition. I feel that if you put your heart into what you are doing you can do great things!

Photography by Kyra's mom

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
The topic I would choose is about having a positive outlook. By staying positive I believe you can achieve so much more than when having a negative view. When being positive one is able to look at a task or at the world seeing all of the potential possibilities. I think it is crucial to have a positive mindset, especially as we teens learn to juggle our social and academic lives.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I accomplished was juggling my schedule last spring. I had track practice after school followed by going immediately to cheer tryout practice, then homework for my advanced classes. This was a grueling week physically and mentally. By following a schedule I was able to accomplish my goals.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Keep a positive attitude, work hard, and learn from your fails.

Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I plan to be in my first year of med school.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel to each state in the U.S.
Learn to fly a plane
Travel the European continent

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom, because she juggles taking care of my 3 siblings & I, starting her own business, & still manages to find quality individual time with each of us. She never has a negative attitude and I try my hardest to be the same way.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am not afraid to chase my goals or step away from the social norm. I work hard to do what is right for me while encouraging others to do the same.

Look for Kyra in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 49

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Bella Griffin

8/5/2021

Bella Griffin - Kansas
Nomination and Photography by Time Flies KS
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Bella Griffin spent many years in foster care. She was adopted at age 12 and has overcome so many hardships. She is an excellent student and a wonderful role model for younger kids including her 5 younger siblings. Everyone that meets Bella falls in love with her positive attitude and generous heart.

Photography by Time Flies KS

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
Being in foster care was challenging. Nobody understood me or took the time to help me work through my thoughts and feelings. I had a lot of anxiety and struggled to feel good about myself. My parents have helped me learn my worth and encouraged me to try new things. I’m very grateful.

What do you wish everyone knew about being in foster care and/or the foster care system that most people don't unless they are/were in it?
You lose absolutely everything you knew. I moved to 7 homes that I can remember. Sometimes I would move with a day or two notices. People that don’t understand what it’s like to be a child in foster care will say that we are crazy or bad kids. Kids in foster care have no voice. I acted out to have some control. My parents made it safe for me to work through all those feelings and helped me understand that it was ok to be angry and it was ok to heal.

What advice would you give to kids going through what you already went through?
Surround yourself with people that have similar goals. Don’t listen to that inner voice that tells you that you don’t deserve safety and unconditional love. You do.

What advice would you give to parents looking to take in foster care children/teens for the first time?
Expect kids to reject you at first. Don’t expect them to know how to act. They don’t know how to accept the boundaries and love of a family. They have most likely been figuring it out on their own for a long time.

Photography by Time Flies KS

You are now the big sister of 5 younger siblings. What are some of your favorite things to do with them, and what is it like having so many small people look up to you?
I love to play board games, especially clue. My siblings and I play video games sometimes too. My youngest sister likes to play barbies and fix my hair. I feel a great responsibility to set a good example for them. Most of the time it’s great to have a big family.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I think being a normal kid is inspiring. People spend a lot of time doing things they think will look good on a resume. I have done mission trips, and helped at-risk kids, but I would never want kids that don’t have the same opportunities that I do to feel like they aren’t good people. Sometimes doing normal everyday tasks and making it to the next day is inspiring.

Tell us more about the mission trips you've been on. Where did you go, what did you do there, and what did you learn from your experiences?
I went to Texas with my church. We spent time in a small community that needed extra support. I learned that I had value even though I was so broken. My mom always told me I did but the children there looked up to me and it was amazing to play with them and read to them.

What is a favorite memory from a mission trip?
Reading to the little kids was my favorite thing. I am dyslexic so I used to really avoid reading out loud. I decided to try anyway, and the kids there loved it
even when I got a word turned around. They just loved the attention they were getting. It made me realize that people don’t expect me to be perfect, they just want me to show up and try.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Anxiety and mental health awareness. Kids often feel like something is “wrong” with them if they don’t feel the same way or do things the same way others do. Having challenges doesn’t make them bad or less than those who don’t.

Photography by Time Flies KS

Tell us about your photo shoot experience with Time Flies KS! What do you love most about photo shoots with your mom?
My friends and I love to do photoshoots with my mom. It’s something we started doing for fun and she created a business out of it.   I am so proud of her work.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Loving who I am. My therapist and my parents worked really hard to help me understand my value.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Try not to focus on all the things you can’t change. Take one step at a time and figure out the positive things you can hold onto. Keep looking for people and opportunities that will help you get where you want to be.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I want to be an esthetician. Hopefully I will be done with school or close to it by then.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Watching scary movies with my boyfriend. He makes it so much fun.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can bend my arms backward because I have double jointed elbows

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to go on a road trip in an RV
skydiving
Visit the Maldives

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is the most selfless, loving person I know. She inspires me to make the most of life every day.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Look past what you immediately see or hear about people and get to know who they really are. People can often surprise you.

Look for Bella in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brianna Katz

6/30/2021

Brianna Katz – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Lauren Melissa Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brianna is bold—both in front of and behind the camera. I met Brianna in our local coffee shop. Her willingness to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger ultimately led to our photoshoot together. And when she isn't spontaneously meeting new people, she is passionate through her servant-leadership. Brianna was the regional president of her youth group, BBYO (the largest growing, international, teen-lead, pluralistic Jewish movement in the world). With her position and her passion to serve others, she ensured that teens were part of the Jewish community and important Jewish conversations were held throughout the area.

Photography by Lauren Melissa Photography

Tell us more about this role. How did you get it, what is it, and what are your roles and responsibilities?
The role of regional president of BBYO consisted of creating, overseeing, and leading both virtual and in person programs for fellow teens. As president I also mentored and aided younger groups of aspiring leaders, and I orchestrated training conferences and conventions with the rest of my board along with other regional presidents. I was elected into the position, and I am forever honored to have been able to serve in it.

What sort of changes were you able to make in your community through it?
I was able to inspire younger members of my youth group to want to get more involved in their community. By encouraging them to be part of the larger conversations our community has regarding religion, community service, and the ever changing allyships we need to create, not only did the teens learn to stand up for themselves, but we taught the adults how to listen to and appreciate a younger voice.

What are you most proud of from being a leader in this endeavor?
I am most proud of persevering throughout the pandemic. Immediately when the pandemic started I joined multiple task forces that worked to move our programming online, support the upstanding workers in our community, and fundraise for families in need.

Photography by Lauren Melissa Photography

What are you doing now to help prepare for this career?
I am currently working full time at a law firm in order to understand the work that goes into law cases, as well as working at a coffee shop. By doing both jobs I am learning how to manage my work, mental health, and financially support myself.

What legacy or inspiration do you hope to leave behind to younger teens you are working with now in this regard?
I hope to leave a legacy of hard work and self love. I am the kind of person who tends to put themself last when it comes to helping others, regardless of who they are. I am learning how to balance my workload, the help I give to others, and the love and care I need to give myself. When I am at my best, I can in turn help others to the best of my ability. I hope younger teens can see this and learn from it as well.

Look for Brianna in issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 47

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Lexie Diskin

1/11/2021

Lexie Diskin – Kansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Caridad Flowers Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: When I look at Lexie, I see a beautiful and strong young lady with a vibrant personality. She has not always had it easy. Lexie was born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, and missing her left ear. The whole left side of her face was underdeveloped. She has Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital condition which has required her to have multiple surgeries over the years. Lexie has never allowed her condition to hinder her in any way. She is a tough competitor who plays on her high school and competitive softball teams. She is a member of the Teen Advisory Board at Children’s Mercy Hospital where she has had her numerous surgeries. Lexie is a member of the National Honor Society and Yearbook Editor are just a few of her activities. She is a caring individual and volunteers at Shadow Buddies Foundation which is an organization that provides support for special needs children. Lexie would like to pursue a career in pediatric nursing because of the nurses that have been there for her through all her surgeries. I am extremely proud to nominate Lexie. I can't think of anyone who would be more deserving. She is truly an inspiration.

Tell us about your Goldenhar syndrome.
My journey with Goldenhar syndrome has been my whole life, and I will continue to live with it my whole life. I have had about 30 surgeries, and each is different and usually builds off of one another. Some are easier than others to recover from but no matter what from the help of my family, friends, and doctors I am always able to push through.

What do you do as Yearbook editor and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
As a yearbook editor I oversee all of the operations, choose the fonts, colors, design of the book, and I look over all of the pages and edit them before they are sent off. I want to leave and make a book that people can look back on and be proud of their school and everyone that went there.

Share with us your softball journey.
Softball and baseball has been a part of my life since the day I was born, my entire family plays, has played, or coaches. I started playing softball when I was in second grade. Usually kids start in tee ball, but I didn’t even know I was going to be able to play any sports until my doctor finally cleared me to play (with a face mask on at all times). I am so passionate about the sport because I understand that I might not have been able to play it, and meet all my amazing teammates and coaches, and learn so many valuable lessons. My biggest accomplishment is playing on a very competitive team and play some of the best competition in the nation, and even after all of my surgeries I always come back.

How has volunteering at Shadow Buddies helped you in your quest to pursue a career in pediatric nursing?
I actually got a shadow buddy when I was little, and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone on my journey and that there are other people just like me. I have seen so many kids who go through so much for their age. This has made me want to become a pediatric nurse because I want to be someone that they can connect with and they can talk to, and I want to be there to make them feel more comfortable during their hardest days.

Look for Lexie in issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 42

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kyra Arasmith

Kyra Arasmith – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bella Griffin

Bella Griffin - Kansas
Nomination and Photography by Time Flies KS
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Katz

Brianna Katz – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Lauren Melissa Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lexie Diskin

Lexie Diskin – Kansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Caridad Flowers Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

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Kyra Arasmith

Kyra Arasmith – KansasNomination & Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman JacksonIssue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Bella Griffin

Bella Griffin - KansasNomination and Photography by Time Flies KSIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Brianna Katz

Brianna Katz – KansasNomination & Photography by Lauren Melissa PhotographyIssue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Lexie Diskin

Lexie Diskin – KansasInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination and Photography by Caridad Flowers PhotographyIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kyra Arasmith – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Reflections Photography - Carman Jackson
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bella Griffin - Kansas
Nomination and Photography by Time Flies KS
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Katz – Kansas
Nomination & Photography by Lauren Melissa Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lexie Diskin – Kansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Caridad Flowers Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine