Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Briley Holder

3/31/2021

Briley Holder - Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Briley may be small, but she’s mighty! Despite being bullied at times, Briley is proof that mental toughness trumps physical strength. In the summer before her Junior year, she backpacked across the mountains of Europe with eleven strangers as part of a leadership program. Her journey took her across four countries in 23 days. There were times when Briley was crying in pain, asthma inhaler in hand. Instead of giving up she showed steadfast determination and persevered. As a result of that experience, Briley now confidently stands up for herself as well as others who are otherwise seen as weak.

Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about? Tell us about it!
The summer going into my junior year, I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone and go on a backpacking trip through the Alps and Pyrenees in Europe. When I got to the airport and saw 10 girls I have never met, I immediately knew it would be the best and most challenging three weeks of my life. We hiked and slept in hostels, living out of a backpack the whole time, which is not something I was used to. We also got to go sea kayaking in Spain. This does not seem like a traditional “fun” trip, but I turned out to be the best experience of my life.

What is a favorite memory from that trip?
We were sea kayaking and my arms just gave out; I couldn’t paddle anymore, so me and my friend got clipped to the back of a speed boat and dragged behind the boat on our kayaks. It was the best time and definitely an unforgettable experience.

Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography

What is one tip you'd advise someone taking the same trip in the future that you learned?
I would suggest that you go into the trip with an open mind and a willingness to be pushed outside your comfort zone. The trip is 100% what you make out of it, and you have to have an open mind and a positive attitude, or you won’t have any fun. Make the best out of every moment because it flies by.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LSS) Student of the Year Fundraiser, which is an eight week fundraising event for LLS. I was able to raise $15K over the course of 8 weeks by giving business presentations at the corporate and personal level. All the teams that participated were able to jointly raise over $1.6 million for LLS.

Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography

What was your senior portrait experience like with Stephanie Q Durham Photography and what did you love most about it?
Stephanie truly is a miracle worker! She made everything so fun and tailored the whole shoot to my personality. She put so much time and consideration into the shoot. Surprisingly, I hate having my picture taken. But with Stephanie, I was laughing the whole time and actually excited to continue the shoot.

Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
The importance of staying true to who you are even when it gets hard. These days, especially with social media, it is so easy to get caught up in comparison. However, it is so important to realize people show the highlights on social media. Never change for anyone. It sounds difficult to do, but your differences make you stand out, so you should embrace them!

Look for Briley in issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 45

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Cierra Reynolds

7/23/2020

Cierra Reynolds – North Carolina
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by
Marcella Colette Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Cierra Reynolds is an inspiring teen because of her Faith, her trust in God, her family and her leadership roles in the community. Cierra is a youth worship leader at her church and Senior Mentor in many community organizations. She gets to experience, full circle, the impact that she makes on those around her. Cierra strives to be the best leader and allows her life experiences and inspirations to push her to do her very best and reach her ultimate goal in life, which is to be the voice for all youth and have a positive impact on all.

Photography by Marcella Colette Photography

What I enjoy most about serving others through my faith is the positive impact I see on their lives. Increasing their faith through my worship really does make me and others stronger believers in Christ. My faith in God has impacted my life, not only spiritually but mentally. The way I think, the way I move, my growth as a person. Having faith means to have complete trust in someone or something, and I believe when you have complete trust you have no other worries in life.

My role as a Youth Worship Leader, at The Park Church in Charlotte, NC. I am a part of the Judah Choir; we serve every second Sunday and we also serve at other churches youth events. I lead worship to the entire congregation. I’ve been singing in the Judah Choir since I was 4 years old, then got the opportunity to sing with the adult praise team at the age of 10, and ever since then I’ve been full-time leading worship on second Sundays. I really enjoy serving in this ministry because singing is my form of worship. Senior Mentor in my community, I am a senior mentor for an organization called The Sandbox, my role and the mission for the organization, is when a child is diagnosed with cancer, life-altering, or terminal illness, we help the people in our community to meet the practical, and emotional needs of families at the time of diagnosis or referral. We create opportunities for families that encourage friendships, create lasting memories, produce joyful experiences and most importantly, restore hope. I am also Drama Club Co-President at Mallard Creek High School.

Photography by Marcella Colette Photography

Serving and Volunteering to help others has become a passion of mine ever since elementary school. I went to a Montessori School, and the main teaching “principal” was to always volunteer within your community. I would always be the student who stayed after school, helped during my lunch, and even came to volunteer with gardening or any school events. And, not knowing this then, I know now how that prepared me for all the work and service I do now. I really enjoy helping others & giving back. Knowing that I can do something in this world, whether that’s in my church serving or volunteering in school. It makes me a better person every day, I really give all thanks to God and my Mom, Rachel Reynolds, for supporting me in all that I do.

I’ve always been the athletic child and came from a very athletic household. I played basketball, cheerleading, soccer, dance/gymnastics, and tennis. All starting at the age of 4. My love for tennis began when I went to a tennis camp at a local rec center and then going into high school, I knew I wanted to play a sport, sophomore year I tried out for the tennis team and made it.
My faith has completely impacted how I serve and who I am as a person. I live everyday having complete trust in God, and when I’m serving, as a youth worship leader, I really get to be free in that space. As a person, growth and positivity runs through my veins. It really is decreasing me, Increasing God. Living life and loving without limits.

Photography by Rachel Reynolds

One way I can encourage other teens to give back to their communities and make a difference in their environments, just like I have, is by using my voice and my platform. Many teens want to make a difference in this world and in their communities but may not know how. Telling teens that at first, it’s okay not to know, but try new things so you know what you want to do. Whatever it is that they are good at, their communities need. Have Dreams, Always Love, Grow in Faith.

Cierra 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

Brianna Salang

4/17/2019

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Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bri is one of the most independent and driven young ladies that I've had the pleasure of meeting. She is poised, athletic, and obviously gorgeous! She has committed to the University of Texas at Arlington for this coming fall! I'm lucky to have her on my model team this year and wish her all the best in the future!

Tell me about the Angie Read Photography organization.
I am a part of Angie Read Photography’s Power Team. The Power Team is included with other junior and senior girls, like me, from all different schools and areas. The team has been brought together by Ms. Angie herself and the motive of the group is to improve self-confidence, women empowerment, and leadership. With that being said, we do various things to achieve these goals such as group and individual photoshoots, hair and makeup lessons by cosmetologists, entrepreneurship speaker/presentations, community service, and college preparedness info sessions. Being a part of her team has been such an amazing experience and has truly boosted my confidence in so many areas rather than merely physical beauty.

What do you think people will remember most about you when you graduate high school?
Throughout my high school career I’ve always been known to be open minded and kind to every person I met. I’m a go with the flow kind of girl and I’m a strong believer in the typical cliché “everything happens for a reason”. I believe people would remember me as a down to earth girl who never lost track of her goals, because even though I’m more of a free spirit, I’m extremely determined and invested in my future and never failed to work hard in my studies.

Tell us what your biggest accomplishments have been.
My biggest accomplishment by far is being able to officially say that I will be the first in my entire family to pursue a higher education and go to college. I’ve been waiting for the college letter of acceptance for as long as I can remember and being the first of my family to achieve this goal is a huge deal for not only myself but my entire family. I hope that in doing so, I set an example for all my younger siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews to continue their educational careers after high school.

Another significant accomplishment in my life was a couple years ago during my sophomore and junior year of high school when I started a nonprofit profit organization. This nonprofit organization was designed to encourage underprivileged children from low income families in the Houston area to want to learn and exercise. I gathered a few girls to join my team and a couple days every week after school we would go up to this school and start an after-school academic and athletic enrichment program. We’d come with lesson plan activities, English lessons, technology introduction, and created a soccer team with the kids to promote healthy exercise and teamwork. Towards the end, my team and I were able to raise over one thousand dollars to donate to the school to go towards school supplies for the kids and sports equipment.

What are some ways you build up your self-confidence and esteem?
I used to struggle a lot with confidence and had so many self-esteem issues to where I depended heavily on makeup every day to make me feel better about myself. To gain self-confidence I changed some habits of mine and began a new routine. I slowly started to wear less and less makeup and got more use to my own skin. Now I rarely wear more than mascara and I try to focus on natural beauty and how God created me and learn that makeup wasn’t created to cover up but to enhance the beauty that’s already there. To be more self-confident you must let go, don’t be afraid to be you whatever that may be. I built up my confidence mainly through the change of how I used makeup, and how I used my voice. By this, I mean that a lot of my confidence came from how I presented myself and before I used to never speak out as much or say my mind like I do now. So I decided to change how I used my voice and spoke my mind, stood up for myself if necessary, etc., and it truly changed my whole mentality and made me realize I do have a voice and it does mean something.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in photography? What sparked your interest?
I’ve always been interested in photography since I was little. I used to get cameras for Christmas and various holidays, and I would capture every image in sight. As I grew up, I joined a photography club in school and then finally bought my own first professional camera. From then on, I obsessed how with one click and just the right angle and lighting, you could capture someone or something’s most beautiful and still standing moment. After joining Ms. Angie’s Power Team, it truly has rejuvenated this passion for photography not only behind the camera but in front of it as well.

Brianna will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Abigail Fickel

4/2/2019

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Abigail Fickel - Wisconsin
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kim Rossing Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Abby Fickel is a senior at Arrowhead Union High School. She is a Varsity swimmer and President of her local DECA chapter as well as serving on the Wisconsin DECA Leadership Council and National DECA Writing Team. She is a state and international winner in the DECA competitions. She is also a lifeguard and has coached swimming lessons for five years including a special passion for helping disabled kids and those with special needs learn to be safe in the water. Abby serves as a mentor teaching weekly Sunday School classes and a youth leader at her local church as well as on the Elmbrook Teen Leadership Council and Youth Program Team.

Abby is VP of Community Events for her National Honors Society chapter and also participates in the Best Buddies organization, Chinese club and Math Team. Last year, she founded a Peers4Peers club at her school to address the rising epidemic of vaping and teen mental health issues. Her group has trained over 50 students in the first year to be peer counselors and her video for the state Elevate competition won first place and will be shown to thousands as a movie trailer to help share a positive message of “Choosing the Highs of Life.”

Abby is an exemplary student and a National Merit Scholarship SemiFinalist. She hopes to study science and business in college with a focus on Neuroscience or Cognitive Science and possibly attend medical school in the future. She is the oldest of four children and is greatly loved!

Abby founded a Peers4Peers club at her school to address the rising epidemic of vaping and teen mental health issues. Her group has trained over 50 students in the first year to be peer counselors and her video for the state Elevate competition won first place and will be shown to thousands as a movie trailer to help share a positive message of "Choosing the Highs of Life."

Tell us about your local DECA chapter and things you do in the organization.

Arrowhead DECA is an organization of marketing and business students who participate in business competitions and various community service projects. I personally believe that the most influential part of our chapter is Hawksfest: the annual fall festival that raises thousands of dollars for charity. This past year, the chapter held another successful Hawksfest, filled with food, games, local businesses, and more! Providing fun for all ages, we were able to donate $7,000 to Make-A-Wish and $2,000 to both HAWS and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Through my role as President, I have the amazing opportunity to oversee all activities, hold meetings, help operate the school store inside Arrowhead, and more. DECA has provided me with the incredible chance to see first-hand how an organization can give back to the community! Additionally, I have gained invaluable knowledge in the world of business, inspiring me to continue studying business administration in the future.

Tell us more about the Peers4Peers club you helped found at your school.

On Friday afternoon, excited chatter filled the corridors as students made plans for the home football game and weekend festivities. By Monday, however, tearful hugs, red faces, and clusters of friend groups inundated the halls. The stark change in mood occurred after news quickly spread that a beloved student had lost her battle with cancer just after her sixteenth birthday. After her death, pain ensued for all. Some slipped into depression, others turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Seeing my best friends in pain rattled me, and left me feeling utterly helpless. Students needed trusted individuals to help them work through the emotional turmoil Katie’s death created without turning to unhealthy options. Through the counseling staff, eventually, Peers4Peers was created; a club of peer mentors who are professionally trained to identify struggling students, teach stress management techniques, and promote healthy lifestyles. One of the greatest joys of being a founding member of Peers4Peers has been the clear evidence of the impact our group has had on my high school. Not only have I been able to work with individuals battling mental illnesses, but I have also had the opportunity to partner with local drug-free coalitions to spread awareness.

How did your passion for swimming begin?

I began swimming at age 9, and since that point, swimming has played a huge role in my life. The sport suits my personality perfectly, allowing me to challenge myself individually, while in a team atmosphere. The past 4 years of varsity swimming have taught me about time management, team spirit, and effective leadership. Serving as captain in my senior year was an honor, as I had the opportunity to share my love of swimming and passion for life with the underclassmen.

What does “Choosing the Highs of Life” mean to you?

Last year, I- along with two friends- created a short video to inspire others to “choose the highs of life,” instead of alternatives. The video warned against prescription drug abuse and drugged driving. The majority of the video was filmed while I was on spring break in China. The inspiration behind the video stemmed from the realization of how precious life is. When one fully embraces the opportunities life offers, it is incredibly rewarding. To me, choosing the highs of life means living life to the fullest by finding happiness in the natural beauty surrounding us.

Video link: http://elevateyou.org/psa-competition/

What are your plans for the future?

While I have not decided on a career, I plan to study neuroscience and business over the next four years, possibly on a pre-medical track. Additionally, I plan to minor in Chinese. While these three topics might seem completely unrelated, it is my hope that a blend of science, language, and business will lead me into a career in which my primary focus is serving those around me. At this moment, I am considering pediatric neurosurgery, however, my career choices have been quite fickle as of late (no pun intended)!

Abigail Fickel was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Briley Holder

Briley Holder - Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Cierra Reynolds

Cierra Reynolds – North Carolina
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by
Marcella Colette Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang

Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Fickel

Abigail Fickel - Wisconsin
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kim Rossing Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Briley Holder

Briley Holder - GeorgiaNomination and Photography by Stephanie Q Durham PhotographyIssue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Cierra Reynolds

Cierra Reynolds – North CarolinaInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography byMarcella Colette PhotographyIssue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang

Brianna Salang - TexasInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Abigail Fickel

Abigail Fickel - WisconsinInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Photography by Kim Rossing PhotographyFeatured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Briley Holder - Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Stephanie Q Durham Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Cierra Reynolds – North Carolina
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by
Marcella Colette Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Salang - Texas
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Fickel - Wisconsin
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kim Rossing Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine