Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Madison Insolia

7/14/2021

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Madison is inspiring in every way! She is bright, funny, loving, athletic, faithful and an extremely talented young lady. With her dedication to dance and music, as well as incredible artistic abilities in drawing, she captivates everyone around her. Madison's positive outlook has helped her family get through the most difficult of times. Her smile is infectious, and her personality is grand. She even won Miss Jr. Preteen Atlanta, GA when she was 8 years old! There is no challenge that she can't face with grace and determination. Madison inspires to be a sports journalist in the future.

Leah Custer Photography

Tell us about your dance career. How did you get started, what dances are you studying now and what do you love most about it?
My dance career actually started due to an end of a cheer career! I was the tiniest girl at the time, so that made me the flyer, although my dad did not like that. He walked onto the gym floor, told me to get down, and that was it! Off to try dance it was…and I fell in love with it! I started off with just the basic classes like Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. My favorite was Hip Hop when I was able to take those classes! I was the youngest one to make it into the Pre-Professional Company at my dance studio in Georgia, so that made me fall in love with dance even more, knowing hard work can pay off! Then, when my family had moved to North Carolina, I came to competitive dance studio and I LOVE it. The studio is my second home, as it is often where you’ll find me most, day in and day out. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I do pretty much every style here, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Pointe, and even technical classes for conditioning and strengthening. I could write a book about what I love about dance, but the biggest thing would be the way I can become a different person when I am on stage or in the studio. I can leave all my worries behind and dance my heart out without a care in the world because it’s a way to express something I may not be able in a verbal way. I also love the bond it creates. My team are my best friends, even more so than school friends, and I know that they will ALWAYS have my back and I have theirs.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from dance?
I have so many favorite memories and accomplishments from dance! Although I would have to say a personal favorite is one that just recently happened at this past seasons’ nationals! I performed the best I think I ever have, placing first for a duo with another teammate of mine, 11th overall with my solo out of almost 300 Senior solos, and winning the final championship with a dance that is probably the most near and dear to our team’s heart. It tells a story of women empowerment and the feeling of knowing we performed our absolute best, AND was able to get that Victory Cup, is the best feeling in the world!

Leah Custer Photography

What type of music are you involved in? We'd love to hear more about it.
With dance comes my love for music.. all types! Dance allows me to have such a variety of music taste, whether it be from pop, all the way to classical violin or jazz music. Additionally, music runs in my family. Both of my brothers were in the marching band playing percussion, drumline, and saxophone. I grew up going to their band competitions or just hearing them at football games and I fell in love with that too! So, I started hanging around my brother as he was at home practicing percussion, specifically piano, and I began to teach myself and learn from him! Once I hit middle school, I was able to have the opportunity to be in the band so I did! I played the Oboe for about 3 years and that allowed me to really grow my knowledge in reading and understanding music. Music is something I hope to never lose!

Please share an artic creation you love with us.
The images I have shared with you are a yearbook I designed for my middle school when I was in 8th grade, and various murals I drew and painted in my brothers’ office building! Art is a way I can express myself, much like music and dance. I love the endless possibilities I can create with every art piece and I know that will never change. I always have the urge to be creating something new. I find it so enjoyable, and even relaxing!

What should we definitely know about you in 100 words or less?
You should definitely know about my personality. I am humble to admit that I have a very positive, bubbly, and resilient personality. Through any situation that comes across my path, I always remain thinking about the positive outcomes of the situation and how it could potentially better myself and others! This comes from a saying I very much value, “Everything happens for a reason.” My family, friends, and even coaches/mentors always say I am such a light to be around! A smile can say a thousand words, as I always show my positivity by lighting up a room with a smile! It is something I know can encourage other’s day to become better, as well as for my own day!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Something that my nomination does not cover is my high desire to always lead others down the right pathway in life! Often my friends and family tell me how amazing I am at giving advice, and I take this into heart. I strive for always wanting to help others with whatever the situation may be, as I feel it is so heartwarming to know there is someone they can go to when in need of help. I love listening to others and taking in every detail so I can give the best advice possible! Leading anyone and everyone down the right path brings me so much joy, and knowing I can help, even if it is in the slightest way possible, I know I have done the right thing. That’s what makes me the most filled with joy.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers, it would most definitely be on the topic of commitment. I am a competitive dancer and I am strongly committed to it! I feel that commitment in life is highly valued and will lead a person to great success! I would explain to my peers that being committed to something whether it be a hobby, sport, etc., can lead a person to be a great leader and often lead to success in finding something that they might pursue in the future. Being committed to dance has taught me how to grow as a human being, how to become a leader, how to work hard for what is deserved, to stand up for myself, and to even learn to never give up.

Look for Madison in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Trent Cole

6/16/2021

Trent Cole - North Carolina
Nomination by Laura Cole
Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Trent Cole always tries his hardest in life. He always gives his best. He loves everyone and always has a smile on his face. He always tries to make everyone happy and if he ever sees anyone is not happy he makes it his job to make sure he does everything in his powers to make that person happy. He has a gift to make people happy. He has the sweetest personality and is so humble and kind and cares about everyone!

What would you most like to be interviewed about/what should we know about you?
Sports

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Sports

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
Being kind and a positive person

Look for Trent in issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 47

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kaitlyn Swaim

4/14/2021

Kaitlyn Swaim – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Twin Exposure Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kaitlyn Swaim has overcome many obstacles in her high school years. She has wanted to be a NICU nurse ever since her little brother was in the NICU when he was born. Kaitlyn completed her CNA at our local community college while also attending high school with a 3.9 GPA. Kaitlyn has cheered for 12 years, been on her high school track and field team for 4 years and works part time. She will continue her studies in nursing when she graduates in June.

Photography by Twin Exposure Photography

How has the pandemic affected your school life and what is one unexpected, good thing that came out of it with school?
I made the decision to go 100% remote at the beginning of this year. This gave me more time to work at my job, as well as work to better myself. This time away from class taught me responsibility and how to hold myself accountable. It gave me a new sense of independence, and I learned how to better manage my time.

Was it hard doing both high school and community college at the same time? How did you manage?
Doing both high school as well as community college definitely came with it’s struggles. One particular day my class was scheduled to have a clinical at 4:00pm, and my high school cheer tryouts had been scheduled on the same day at 3:30pm. I remember coming to class straight from school and changing from my cheer clothes into my scrubs in the college restroom!

Photography by Twin Exposure Photography

What do you love most about cheerleading and what has been your biggest accomplishment?
There are so many things I love about cheer, but my most favorite is seeing all the young children at ball games. I vividly remember being that age and wanting so badly to be where I am currently. I absolutely love being able to make a difference in the lives of those girls who were just like myself.

What encouraged you to stay in cheer for 12 years and what is a favorite memory?
I have been faced with many obstacles over the years that would have given me every excuse to quit, however, I wanted more than anything to be an example for my little sister. I know that she looks up to me, and I want her to see that no matter what happens, you can still come out on the other side strong.

Photography by Twin Exposure Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I’ve struggled with my mental health for many years. I have also been faced with difficult relationships and events that made me question my self-worth. In February of 2020, I dedicated my life to the Lord through baptism, and I can confidently say that I would do it again every day. I want more than anything to help young girls who have faced adversity and are struggling to love themselves. I hope to spread mental health awareness and be a positive light to those who are in need.

What are your goals for the future?
After graduation, I plan to attend Davidson-Davie Community College for two years, before transferring to a four-year university to major in Nursing. I hope to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as I have dreamed of doing since I was very young. It has also always been a dream of mine to be a mother one day, and I hope to eventually have a family of my own.

What was your photoshoot experience like with Twin Exposure Photo and what did you love most about it? What is a favorite memory that will always stick with you about getting to spend this time doing your senior portraits?
My experience with Twin Exposure Photography was absolutely wonderful! Eric Hinkle does an amazing job and is so much fun to work with. I was constantly laughing, and I felt like I could just be myself. His ideas were always spot on, and I cannot say enough great things about my experience. I love my small hometown, and I will forever remember walking around downtown Thomasville and taking pictures in my favorite places.

Photography by Twin Exposure Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
The best advice I can give someone would be to never give up. You are so much stronger than you think you are, and your worth is immeasurable. I am a strong believer in faith, and I believe that trusting the Lord’s plan and giving your heart to him, is the absolute best thing a person can do.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I hope to have successfully completed the Registered Nursing Program at my local community college and continuing my education at a four year university. I hope to work at a pediatric office, while completing my Bachelor’s degree.

Look for Kaitlyn in issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 45

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Salem Parker

2/3/2021

Salem Parker – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: A photograph catches emotion for one moment in time. For Salem, you would need many photos to show the emotions and inspiration that she shares daily. However, it is times when Salem is not in front of the lens of others that her true inward beauty shines. Salem is a natural communicator on so many levels. She is compassionate and loving with an authentic embrace. She is a mentor who lifts others up in athletics and academics. Salem can warm your soul with a musical or a dramatic performance. But most importantly, Salem will lift your name in a quiet prayer on your behalf in your time of need or just because she feels led to do so.

Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC

What do you want us to know about dyslexia?
A little bit more about me and my dyslexia is that I was diagnosed in the third grade because we could start to tell a difference from me and the other students. From that point on I knew I was different from everybody else in the classroom but that didn't stop me from working twice as hard and still getting top of my class. Most people didn't even know I had dyslexia. But I believe that my dyslexia is why I can talk in front of people and why I can persevere through any crisis. Dyslexia has quite a few downsides but when you compare them to what you get out of it I wouldn't trade having dyslexia for anything.

What do you think are your best leadership qualities?
I believe that the best qualities to have so that you can be a great leader would be to have a level head but also show everybody that you mean business. Also, I believe that you must be willing to make sacrifices of your own so that your team is better qualified for the job. To be a good leader you must also be a team player which can be very hard at times. Right now, I have been trying to improve on making sacrifices of my own so that my team can get better and grow. Also, I've been trying to get to know everybody that works with me better so that I can be a better leader for them. It can be hard being a leader because everyone won't like you and you will have to deal with all the problems that are thrown your way. But it's better to look at all the amazing things you're getting out of it than the bad.

Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC

Why do you love being in leadership roles?
The whole reason why I take every opportunity to be in a leadership role is the feeling that you get when you meet all the new people and other leaders that are in your group. But what I believe is the best feeling is whenever you can get up in front of everybody and speak. Speaking can be the scariest part of being a leader. But getting up in front of a crowd and speaking or when you're in the huddle rallying your whole team up for the big game is the best feeling ever. I'm most passionate about speaking about things that are extremely important to me so that I can spread my message to as many people as I can.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them that they should trust their guts and to take the leap of faith out into the world. Also, I will tell them that they must believe in themselves if they want to get anywhere because that is a key trait into success.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I see myself either in college getting a degree or in the field of Christian ministry.

Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I see myself either in college getting a degree or in the field of Christian ministry.

3 Things on your bucket list
Going to Germany, skydiving, and going to Grease

Who do you find inspiring?
My biggest inspiration is my parents because they have helped me through everything but also my coaches from basketball inspire me. My coach Mike Russell and jazz (Jazmine Charles) are two of my biggest inspirations in life. They inspire me every day to be a better person and to always try and never give up. They push me to be the best that I can be.

Look for Salem in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kymberlee Scott

11/20/2020

Kymberlee Scott – North Carolina
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Steve Jordan Sports Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kymberlee Scott is an outgoing, fun living teen with one of the most bubbling personalities I even photographed and has a smile to match.

Photography by Steve Jordan Sports Photography

What do you feel are the positive and negative effects of social media in a teen's life?
On the positive side of effects of social media, I think social media can help teens- explore their individualism and creativity, develop social and communication skills, and can give others inspiration. The negative effects of social media can sometimes out way the positive, one way being the high standards on how you look, teens have unrealistic ideals of how they think they need to look because of the “standards” set by famous social media influencers, which can lead to low self-esteem and low self-confidence.

How can teens use social media in more of a positive light?
Just by using social media to build up others and friends can help have a positive impact. People should support each other and treat each other with respect; this should also be true online. Build one another up, don't tear each other down.

Photography by Steve Jordan Sports Photography

What are some practices you use to be more confident? Can you give us an example?
Confidence is ultimately about being comfortable in a wide variety of situations that would make most people feel uncomfortable. For me I tend to try and stretch of my comfort zone little by little. It doesn’t have to be anything big, it could be anything like trying out a new style or look or approaching a new person from school and talking to them.

How should one avoid the pitfalls that one can fall into when on social media?
Social media should feel like a fun experience, not one that contributes to negative thoughts and feelings. If the latter is the case then I think increasing face-to-face time with trusted friends that are good influences, and minimizing time scrolling online can actually help avoid the pitfalls of social media.

Photography by Steve Jordan Sports Photography

What would you say is the biggest challenge for teens your age and how can they overcome it?
I would say peer pressure is the biggest challenge, since teens our age are starting to become more independent, our peers naturally play a greater role in our life. Since we have school and other activities, we spend more of our time with peers than we do with your parents and siblings. And more often than not we become close friends with some of our peers and we tend to become influenced by those peers because we want to fit in, do what others are doing, or have what others have. More often than not peer pressure can lead us into difficult situations where you don’t know what to do.
My advice for overcoming peer pressure is to listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable, even if your friends seem to be ok with what's going on, it means that something about the situation is wrong for you. This kind of decision-making is part of becoming self-reliant and learning more about who you are.

Look for Kymberlee in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madison Insolia

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trent Cole

Trent Cole - North Carolina
Nomination by Laura Cole
Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaitlyn Swaim

Kaitlyn Swaim – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Twin Exposure Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Salem Parker

Salem Parker – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kymberlee Scott

Kymberlee Scott – North Carolina
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Steve Jordan Sports Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Madison Insolia

Madison Insolia – North CarolinaNomination by Anna InsoliaPhotography by Leah Custer PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trent Cole

Trent Cole - North CarolinaNomination by Laura ColePhotography by TAP PhotographyIssue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kaitlyn Swaim

Kaitlyn Swaim – North CarolinaNomination and Photography by Twin Exposure PhotographyIssue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Salem Parker

Salem Parker – North CarolinaNomination and Photography by Tayson Photography, LLCIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kymberlee Scott

Kymberlee Scott – North CarolinaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination and Photography by​Steve Jordan Sports PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trent Cole - North Carolina
Nomination by Laura Cole
Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kaitlyn Swaim – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Twin Exposure Photography
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Salem Parker – North Carolina
Nomination and Photography by Tayson Photography, LLC
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kymberlee Scott – North Carolina
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Steve Jordan Sports Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine