Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Reagan Webb

12/19/2020

Reagan Webb – Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Suzy Zollinger
Photography by
INfinite Smiles Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Reagan is an inspiring young lady because of her work ethic, intelligence, and commitment to achieving her goals. This is evidenced by her devotion to her passion of dance. Reagan has danced with a local studio for over 14 years. Each week contains hours of practice and traveling for competitions and performances. She has embraced the very definition of discipline, perseverance, and sheer grit. This is only one example of why I consider her to be inspirational. She also has achieved high academic success while participating in several activities including the tennis team and working part time at a local restaurant.

Photography by INfinite Smiles Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination leave out?
I feel that my nomination was accurate to who I am, but if I had the chance, I would highlight the service hours that I do at Camp Kanakuk. This past year I had the honor of getting to be a part of Mi7, a missionary to serve others for seven days. During those 7 days I got to truly be a servant for the Lord and help others along the way. The best part of the week was when I got to go shadow my teepee to help them grow in their faith. I also would add that in my high school I try to be as active as I can and help encourage my peers to get connected. Some clubs and activities I'm in are NHS, DECA, FBLA, FCA, dual credit, student council, Concert Chorale, Innovation Track through UCM, Student Leadership team at my local dance studio, the IN crowd through Infinite Smiles Photography, and my job at a local restaurant Heroes. Throughout all of this I have had the honor of being a leader and role model for my peers and younger kids.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I would present on perseverance and overcoming adversity. This year has been rough and challenging on everyone especially the 2021 seniors. This year we've struggled with whether we're going to school, where we want to go to college next year, knowing if our gpa and act/sat scores are good enough, scholarships, and so many more. I feel that this year with COVID-19 has added extra obstacles to our daily lives than any other group of seniors. I would also talk about staying strong the remainder of the year. With being stressed out of so many things we have to remind ourselves that it's okay to take a break and to remember the things that matter the most.

Photography by INfinite Smiles Photography

Tell us about your life as a dancer. When did you start to where are you now with it?
I started dancing when I was 2 years old in a creative movement class. When I was in 3rd grade, I joined my studio’s competition team. I began to study all genres of dance and ended up falling in love tap. Now I am in the studio 5 days a week and share my love for dance with my students I teach.

What styles do you study? What are your favorite styles of dance and why?
I study all types of dance. I do lyrical, jazz, musical theater, tap, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, and I studied pointe for a while. My favorite style of dance is tap and lyrical. I enjoy tap because I like that I can make noise with my feet. The sounds that I can make with my tap shoes are always new and exciting. Lyrical is also exciting because I am able to express how I am feeling most.

What is a favorite memory from dance?
My favorite memory is being in rehearsals with my friends and having fun together. The best classes are the late ones after a long day of Sunday rehearsals because that’s when we're all tired and silly. As well as the competitions. We have all made some amazing memories together.

Photography by INfinite Smiles Photography

What keeps you motivated and how do you use that to impact others?
I am motivated because I want to excel in everything I do. Also, the best feeling is when I am getting ready to take the stage and I get a rush of excitement. I realize all my hard work will be showcased in this moment and my performance will leave a lasting impression if I do well.

How have your health issues affected your dancing?
My junior year of high school I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I was unable to dance during this year and had to sit on the sides watching my friends do what I love. I started a therapy program that helped me return to dance slowly, and then completely. It is still sometimes difficult to keep up with the pace of my dance classes.

How do you mentor younger children and why do you think it's important?
I think it is important to encourage and support younger dancers. I teach two dance classes during the week and try to build relationships with the younger dancers. I encourage them, and support them by attending their competitions and providing notes of encouragement and small gifts to commemorate events like the Nutcracker, or a Dance Recital.

Photography by INfinite Smiles Photography

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel the world
Become a pediatrician
Adopt a child in need of a family

Who do you find inspiring?
My Grandma is the most inspiring person I know. Before she passed away, she taught me many lessons about helping others, and being encouraging to others. She is the nicest person I have ever known.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I hope that I will be graduating college and on my way to premed. My goal is to become a pediatrician and help children in need.

Look for Reagan in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 41

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Izabella Valdez

11/23/2020

Izabella Valdez - Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nominated by Nicole Riek
Photography by Infinite Smiles Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Leadership comes natural to Izabella Valdez because when she sees others struggle, she is driven to take action. She wants to help others out any possible way that she can. She also believes that serving as a mentor or guide to others, who may not see their full potential, not only benefits the individual but also the community as a whole. Izabella demonstrates her leadership through kindness that can be seen in her interactions throughout her academics (NHS, A+, Dual Credit, AP & Honors courses), work environment (Sonic), athletics (Varsity Cheerleader, Varsity Softball & Varsity) Basketball) and within her peer group. She truly is a beauty soul both inside and out!

What sports do you play currently and how have they helped you through the pandemic?
The pandemic has altered many aspects of our school year. Thankfully, I was able to finish a season of Varsity Football Cheer and Varsity Softball to maintain a sense of normalcy during these uncertain times. As another season of sports begins, Varsity Basketball is helping me stay motivated and focused on my goals to finish my senior year strong and healthy both physically and mentally. Without sports, as coursework has been optional this year, I believe my drive may have become depleted. Athletics not only has helped me stay engaged in school but is a lifeboat for my mental health.

What motivates you to succeed?
My basketball coach, Mrs. Stambursky, taught me a very important lesson about teamwork. Everytime we went to the baseline she would say, “Look to your right. Look to your left. You will make it in time for her, for your teammates.” Each time we would line up I would turn to my teammates and say “I’m doing this for you.” I didn’t just make it to the line for myself, I made it for them. Your mistakes were everyone’s mistakes. It became bigger than yourself as you propelled your teammates to push boundaries with you. My teammates were the driving factor of my motivation and success.

What is an example of how your actions have affected others?
I was granted the opportunity to tutor a kindergarten class at Ridgeview and have continued to help my assigned class beyond my tutoring. I created numerous connections that I am extremely grateful for. Due to these connections, the para-teacher opened up about her experiences within her position and my supervising teacher invited me into her home to babysit. Beyond my connections with the staff, my most valued interaction was the one I made with my kindergarteners, as I was part of their growth academically and it truly made my experience a cherishable one.

What are your beliefs towards inclusion and love? How can positivity alter your state of mind?
I live by the simple saying of ”If you don't have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.” Every word, every action has a positive or negative cause and effect. Individual’s energy spreads like rapid fire and feeds off each other. It is harder to bring people up once they have been knocked down through negativity. I strive to be the positive reinforcement that attracts others. I choose to focus on altering environments through my positive interactions and intentions. Positivity can be the one small shift needed to stop an endless cycle of toxicity.

What are your struggles and challenges and how did you overcome them/are overcoming them?
I broke my ankle in April of my Freshman year and had to sit out of many opportunities with sports. I experienced depression as I envied others' ability to workout and condition. The constant feeling of not meeting expectations tore me apart. It wasn’t until I stopped throwing a pity party for myself and persevered through the pain, that I saw a dramatic difference. I never missed a day of therapy and pushed through hours of extensive at-home exercises. This determination enabled me to walk before I was intended to and ultimately paved the way towards my comeback in athletics.

What are your aspirations and future goals?
I am extremely curious about the inner workings of the human brain and therefore my aspirations are to be a neuroscientist. To alter someone's life for the better in all aspects is what motivates me to pursue my professional dreams in this area.
A personal goal of mine is to be a positive influencer towards helping others become present in all that life has to offer. Being mindful not only ensures that a single second is not missed but creates appreciation so that nothing is taken for granted as we are only granted one life to live.

Look for Izabella in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Aden Black

10/29/2020

Aden Black - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Ron Klein Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Aden Black: As a photographer, my most successful sessions usually result from working with a client who is willing to open her heart and soul to others. For anyone, but perhaps especially teenagers, revealing the truth of self can seem risky and a little scary, Aden is not only willing to reveal her truth, she actively seeks to share it with others.
As a musician, singer and songwriter, Aden writes and sings about the life she is living - both her joys and her struggles. She writes of love, but also rejection and heartbreak. Her music reminds others that they are not alone in their sometimes complex and messy feelings. She sings about the futility of comparing one's self to others and putting up with toxic relationships in order to feel connected. As she muscially charts her personal course through the struggles and successes of teen life, she inspires others with the knowledge that self-love and acceptance fortifies one with the strength to be fearless and the determination to love life fully.
Her willingness to expose her true self during our senior session inspired me to dig deeper into her story. I hope by calling attention to Aden and her music, her message will resonate as much with others, especially teens, as it did with me.

Photography by Ron Klein Photography

Tell us about your songwriting. How long have you been writing songs and how did you get started putting the songs to music?
I started writing songs when I was about fourteen years old. The first time I wrote a song, I was crying as I wrote the piece. Coming home after being rejected from the tv show The Voice, I was devastated. So I channeled my feelings into words about constantly feeling let down and told no for something I loved. Once I finished writing the song, I felt extremely better. So from then on, I’ve always found songwriting as a coping mechanism, and started to develop and get better with my technique to channel past emotions and develop my skills as a musician.

What is your favorite song you wrote and what is it about?
My favorite song that I’ve ever written is probably still the first song I wrote. It’s called “This” and for how young I was, I used some complex chords, and created a solid melody. However, the lyrics themselves are my favorite part. It’s about how for most of my middle school years, and for a solid chunk of my freshman year in high school, I was constantly haunted by my own demons due to bullying, growing pains, and struggling to fit in. It all became one large demon in my head that told me I was never good enough, that I wasn’t pretty enough, and that I’d never fit in. Yet, I had no word to call this feeling, so I called it this and wrote about how I just wanted this feeling gone. In simple words, I just wanted to feel proud of myself and happy for once. I think everyone has those moments when they’re extremely down on themselves, and they definitely don’t want to feel that way, so it's definitely a special song to me.

Photography by Ron Klein Photography

Where have you performed? What is your favorite part of performing?
I have performed in various stages in the country with a program called School of Rock and around my town St. Louis. I’ve performed at stages like The Ready Room, the Pageant, Delmar Hall, the Old Rock House, and more across the Midwest (Indiana, Cleveland, Chicago, etc.). Personally, my favorite part of performing is the crowd interaction. I love connecting with an audience and telling a story with the music I perform. I not only sing it, but really feel it and perform it with my whole body.

What was it like having a COVID graduation?
It was TERRIBLE! I’ve been an orchestra and choir kid my entire life. Every year at my school, the orchestra and choir perform. I’ve been able to play for three graduations, and yet I didn’t even get to perform at my own graduation! It felt like a tailgate, and though I was glad to get my diploma, it definitely was not how I expected after four years of hard work to finally receive it.

Photography by Ron Klein Photography

What is your biggest challenge with online college and how are you overcoming it?
My biggest challenge is socializing and playing music. I am a music major, specifically in performance. Though I am extremely happy to go to USC out in Los Angeles because it is my dream school, it's not exactly the best situation right now with everything being over Zoom. Zoom was definitely not designed for music classes, so I’m currently not enrolled in a performance class, and frankly that stinks. As for socializing, I find myself trapped in my room almost all day long doing schoolwork and Zoom classes. I have no friends in my hometown who aren’t at college right now except one, and it’s really hard. It’s very easy to sit back and get really depressed in this setting. However, I’m willing to do what it takes to go to college sooner. The key thing for me to overcome this is reaching out to people in my classes and trying to get to know them, hanging out with my friends that are also online for school right now, and staying in touch with my friends away from home.

What are other ways you could help people learn about mental health?
I think one way I could help spread awareness about mental health is talking about it. It is almost frowned upon for teens to discuss their mental health. Your Instagram profile needs to be picture perfect, yet that's not reality at all. This stigma is probably the biggest reason mental health in teens is getting progressively worse. Bringing awareness to it, talking about it, and giving people resources for help is the key way to help improve this stigma that mental health shouldn’t be talked about. The only way to overcome it is to talk about it!

Look for Aden in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Sophie Hamra

10/1/2020

Sophie Hamra - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by
Jessica Lynn Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sophie Hamra is an inspiring team because she devotes herself to taking care of everybody else before she takes care of herself. She wants to dedicate her life to taking care of animals as well she wants to become a veterinarian. She strives in school maintaining a 3.9 GPA. While doing extracurricular activities and working a job. She such a sweet beautiful soul.

Photography by Lucy Vandeven

If you get the opportunity to be interviewed, what would you most like to be interviewed about?
If I got the opportunity to be interviewed I would personally like to be interviewed about my passion for animals and how I pursue to dedicate my life to taking care of them.

What have you done to help animals and how did you get started?
I’ve grown up around animals, they’re all I really know. My mother and I were always the first to bring injured animals into our home and nurse them back to health. We’ve had animals from squirrels, to rabbits, to horses. It’s always been a life goal to make sure the lives that make me happiest are the healthiest.

Photography by Michelle Hamra

What about animals made you want to dedicate your life to them?
Animals live a very simple life compared to humans and our pet’s whole lifespan is a very short portion of ours. We are their happiness. Who wouldn’t want to make them as happy as possible?
What is your favorite kind of animal to care for? My favorite animal to take care of is rabbits. My mother has implanted the love of rabbits into my brain since I was a baby. I have taken in wild baby rabbits as well as domestic ones as pets. They are so intelligent and oh so cute!

How have you worked toward your goal of becoming a veterinarian?
I take a vet assistant class at my high school, as well as an SOE class where I can go and job shadow veterinarians in my area! At the end of the year, I can become a certified vet assistant. It’s such an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to pursue my dreams ever further.

Photography by Amanda Zimmerman

Do you ever have fears when it comes to working with animals, if so how do you overcome them?
I try to put all of my fears to the side and worry about the animal before myself. Animals can sense fear, and it makes them anxious to present yourself in a fearful way towards them. I want to make animals comfortable with me, so they can ultimately trust me. It’s part of being an animal lover, truly.

Sophie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Bode James

8/28/2020

Bode James - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bode James is an Inspiring Teen at Clark County High School. Bode is kind, caring, and goes out of his way to treat other classmates with humility and kindness. He's so very humble, and whenever we try to organize "group class sessions," he never wants to leave anyone out. He's very involved in football, band, basketball, track, National Honor Society, and other leadership groups - not to mention he's a HUGE Kansas City Chiefs fan and fully understands the importance of teamwork!

Tell me a little bit about your family life.
My Father & Mother are high school sweethearts, & soon to he married 21 years. I have a brother who is 3 years younger than me & I am extremely close with my Grandparents on my Father's side. My Grandfather, My Mother's Father, passed away from lung cancer before I was even born or thought of so I never got the chance to meet him, even though I get told I have some of his mannerisms.

What sports are you active in and what do you like about them?
Football, Basketball, & track. I like sports not only because it is competitive but because we are One Team. We Respect & support each other as a whole.

How does it feel knowing you are an inspiration to others?
It feels pretty good. Knowing that something I have done, even if it is a little task, could possibly have had a positive impact on them.

What do you like so much about spreading kindness to others?
If you, yourself, spread kindness then you are likely to receive the same outcome. Treat others how you, yourself want to be treated.

Tell me about your group class sessions at school.
The Group sessions are great. We have a lot of different personalities, but we try and make the right answers or choices for everyone involved.

Why is it so important to you, to not have anyone be left out?
Everyone should be equal. If not, you could have a negative impact on that person left out. No one ever wants to be left out of anything

Bode will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Mady Johnson

8/20/2020

Mady Johnson - Missouri
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Mady is an amazing representation of what it means to be an Inspiring Teen! She uses her passion for swimming to teach private swim lessons, help with the local swim teams. She helps with bible school, mentored Kindergarten students at summer school, mentored 4th graders, and is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and many other leadership groups!

Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography

What inspired you to want to start swimming and to join the swim team? Who are some athletes that you look up to?
My parents are the ones who inspired me to start swimming and join the swim team. I grew up in the water because I do not remember a time when I had not been swimming. I joined the team at age 6 and have been working my way up to more competitive teams since.

What is your favorite memory from being on your swim team?
My favorite memory from being on my swim team is probably driving to practice with one of the other girls on the team early in the morning or playing water polo together on Saturdays. Our new coach, this summer let us play water polo after hard practices.

Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography

What is a lesson that swimming has taught you that you will never forget and think that everyone should hear?
One lesson that swimming has taught me is time management. I have had to learn time management since I practice an hour away from my house and also have school. I have to go to school, get all of my homework done, drive to practice, and still make time for extra activities that I want to do with my friends or family. This is a good life skill to have because it will help me in the future when I go to college and when I get a job.

Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography

Besides wanting to be valedictorian, what other goals do you have for your future? Do you hope to continue swimming?
Besides being valedictorian, I would like to go to college and get my degree in chiropractic. I do hope to continue swimming. I think I want to grow into the person I am meant to be and keep swimming. I’ve been swimming my whole life and I do not think that I will stop.

Mady will be published in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Reagan Webb

Reagan Webb – Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Suzy Zollinger
Photography by
INfinite Smiles Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Izabella Valdez

Izabella Valdez - Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nominated by Nicole Riek
Photography by Infinite Smiles Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aden Black

Aden Black - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Ron Klein Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sophie Hamra

Sophie Hamra - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by
Jessica Lynn Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bode James

Bode James - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mady Johnson

Mady Johnson - Missouri
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Reagan Webb

Reagan Webb – MissouriInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Suzy ZollingerPhotography by INfinite Smiles PhotographyIssue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Izabella Valdez

Izabella Valdez - MissouriInterview by Inspiring TeensNominated by Nicole RiekPhotography by Infinite Smiles PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aden Black

Aden Black - MissouriInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Ron Klein PhotographyIssue 39 ​ of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sophie Hamra

Sophie Hamra - MissouriInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Jessica Lynn PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Bode James

Bode James - MissouriInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Teri Hooper PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Mady Johnson

Mady Johnson - MissouriInterview by Olivia BushNomination & Photography by Teri Hooper PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Reagan Webb – Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Suzy Zollinger
Photography by
INfinite Smiles Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Izabella Valdez - Missouri
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nominated by Nicole Riek
Photography by Infinite Smiles Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aden Black - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Ron Klein Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sophie Hamra - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by
Jessica Lynn Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bode James - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mady Johnson - Missouri
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by Teri Hooper Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine