Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Faithanna Olsson

8/4/2021

Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Faithanna Olsson is an inspiring person because she has started a photography business from the ground up all while balancing family & friends, high school, & staying involved in serving at church & being a light & encouragement to other people.

Photography by Faithanna Olsson

How did you get your photography business started?
I started asking friends if they would go places with me that I thought would make good photo backgrounds, just having fun (which I still do!) But people started really liking my photos, so I made a photography Instagram account and one day realized it was something I could use to make money. After that I made some business cards and started getting paid clients.

What was the biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was becoming confident in my new title. People would either look to me for instruction or undermine my skill set. I had to learn how to be confident with both reactions and learn how to not only snap a photo but direct people.

What do you love most about photography?
I’d say I have two favorite things in photography. I like showing people how beautiful they are the way that God made them. I also love capturing memories that people can look back on and show their kids one day. If you’re in Oklahoma, I’d love to do a shoot with you. You can find me on Instagram @folssonphotography. I have the lowest rates you’ll find and the most personal experience.

What do you love most about running your own business?
I like the independence.

Image by a friend

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My educational journey in its specifics, I'm doing 18 hours of college classes this fall. Also that I am a writer and want to get published soon in a magazine, and publish a book before college graduation.

That's awesome you are so far ahead of the game with school. Has covid helped or hindered that? How?
As far as the school experience goes, covid has hindered. My first day of school last year was hectic, I showed up to class, but no one told me the class was online. I ran to the library to watch it on livestream, but I couldn’t hear anything. The online quality got better, but I prefer in-person learning. I am more focused that way. However, as much as I have a distaste for online school, I didn’t let it stop me from being one of the top three students in my university Comp 1 class at only sixteen.

What do you love to write most?
My favorite thing to write is fiction writing, specifically the genre I write most is considered to be “romantic suspense”. I am currently co-authoring a book with one of my closest friends which I hope to publish before my college graduation. I have recently dabbled in devotional writing to hopefully be published by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Image by a friend named Abi

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I am very passionate about my faith, I am a Bible believing Christian. My faith ties into not only my name, but everything that I do. In speech class last year each speech I gave implemented the love of Christ in some way. I am working on writing devotional posts to hopefully be published with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In my photography I do not edit photos very much because I want my clients to find confidence in the way that God made them not a perfected computerized version.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
This will only resonate with people who have had my English teacher, but in my freshman year I was the only student in the entire school to get a perfect score on her test essay. How I accomplished it can be broken into three easy steps, letting the Holy Spirit guide me, reading a ton of Sparknotes and using big words.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I’d say you need a lot of initiative and time management skills. Most importantly though trust God, I would have never seen myself here but thankfully I listened.

Image by a friend named Taylor

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I’d say I would be a graduate from Oklahoma Christian University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing. Hopefully one published book, maybe a husband and maybe I’ll be doing an internship at The Daily Wire. That said I’m open to wherever the Lord leads me.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Going to church and trying new ice cream places are two of my other favorite things.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can tell you if a relationship will last or not, I have yet to be wrong in a prediction.

3 Things on your bucket list
I would love to study abroad, I want to scuba dive; and this one is really shooting for the stars but it would be the coolest thing ever if a book I wrote got turned into a movie.

Look for Faithanna in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kenady Humphers

12/3/2020

Kenady Humphers - Oklahoma
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Brandi Price Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kenady Humphers is a warm, happy, and positive young lady who looks to help others. She works passionately with the Assistance League non-profit. Serving on the teen Board and chairing successful fundraisers, Kenady leads inclusive teams which clothe many children in her community. As a dedicated soccer player, she competes on the national level. Kenady is a natural defender but often shows her selflessness and versatility by playing any position needed to be victorious. Kenady also pursues lofty educational and spiritual goals. She has plans to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology and then a career focused on helping children.

Photography by Brandi Price Photography

What is one of your favorite memories from soccer?
I have several good memories, and I am always in good spirits after winning a game, but if I were to pick one memory it would be winning the 6A state championship in 2019. My high school soccer team was going through playoffs in the spring of my sophomore year. We had reached the state championship. The stakes were high, so we were all really nervous for the game. I will never forget my excitement after winning. My entire team celebrated and we were smiling the entire way home.

Photography by Brandi Price Photography

What does leadership mean to you, and what do you think makes a good leader?
To me, leadership means using your abilities and status to help others around you become the type of person they want to be. Too many "leaders" use their role in a negative way when leadership should involve helping others grow mentally by working together to achieve common goals. A good leader has flexibility with their outputs and is willing to work well with others. Leaders must also be selfless and put themselves in a position to mentor and help those around them. In my opinion, a leader is often defined by those around them.

Photography by Brandi Price Photography

What are your roles in Assisteens of Norman and what do you love most about it? What should people know if they want to get involved?
Assisteens is the teenage auxiliary of the Assistance League non-profit organization. I have been a part of the Norman Assisteens since August 2015, and I have been on the board since August 2018. I have served as the fall and spring fundraiser chairs, and I am currently the Operation School Bell chair. The thing I love most about Assisteens is the environment created at every Assisteens event. Everyone is involved and really cares about what is going on and helping ease burdens in our community. To get involved you can search up your local Assisteens chapter online. Hopefully there is a local Assisteens chapter near you and you can sign up for the next school year!

Photography by Brandi Price Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don't assume anything is guaranteed. I have worked really hard to get in the position I am today, and one of my biggest regrets is assuming that I was guaranteed something. Nothing in life is absolutely guaranteed and we must not forget that. We need to remember to constantly work hard and give our best efforts if we want to be successful. We can think we are guaranteed to win a certain award or get a certain job and this mentality can cause us to produce less effort. A sense of entitlement is dangerous, so always give your best.

Look for Kenady in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 41

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Gretchen McPherson

8/20/2020

Gretchen McPherson - Oklahoma
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Gretchen McPherson brings sunshine and laughter wherever she goes, showing His light to everyone around her. Gretchen volunteers for an organization called The Little Lighthouse which helps children who have special needs and offers support to their families. She not only works with the children, but she is also a Junior Board Member at The Little Lighthouse. Gretchen has an amazing voice; her hard work and talent has won her several solo vocal awards and recognitions. Her passion is to pursue Musical Therapy and work with both special needs kids and adults to help them heal through music.

Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography

How long ago did you get involved with the organization Little Lighthouse? How did you find out about them?
4 years.

What is your role when you volunteer with Little Lighthouse? What do you love so much about working with them?
I assist teachers with learning, attention, sensory, and special classes like music, crafts, and PE.
Seeing the kids happy and growing. I love being a part of their progress and the look on their faces when they overcome an obstacle or conquer a milestone.

Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography

How did you get a spot on Little Lighthouse's Junior Board? What is your role in this position?
The Junior Board is made up of high school and college volunteers, chosen through an application process with recommendations. We meet monthly to plan fundraisers to promote and raise money. I have served as a Board Member and as Secretary.

Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography

What has working with children and people of special needs taught you?
We all have a purpose. Success is measured differently for all people; we all have different abilities and celebrating our own level of accomplishments is amazing. Despite how society measures their abilities these kids are so happy and completely unphased by the opinions of others. We should all strive to live a life so focused on loving each other that we do not let the world distract us.

Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography

How did you find your passion for musical therapy? What made you want to pursue it as a future career?
For as long as I can remember I have loved music; I play guitar and sing. Even as a young child I had an exceptional amount of love for children with disabilities as well as elderly that need extra care. My first summer at Little Light House I discovered that I could use my gifting of music and my love for children with special needs to help them learn and grown. It just all made perfect sense.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I want to encourage other teens to find what excites them and seek God for their calling. God places a calling on each of our lives and it is up to us to discover that calling and use it for His glory! Don’t try to copy someone else. We were all created unique with our own specific gifts. Nothing gives more joy, happiness, and confidence than living out God's plan for your life. Quit chasing popularity, life isn’t a contest about who is better. Life is truly about living your own calling.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
My plans are to attend Oral Roberts University. I would be a senior in college majoring in Musical Therapy. Working at the ORU Musical Therapy Clinic taking the final steps toward my degree and future career. Maybe I’ve found my person and will be engaged, planning a wedding

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I am on the Varsity Golf Team. Not sure anyone really loves golf, but I do enjoy spending a beautiful day on the course and competing against myself to get better.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Being confident in your uniqueness. Quit trying to impress everyone and consuming yourself with the opinions of others. Be the weird girl, the shy guy, the funny kid, the smart kid. Be athletic or musical. Just be You!

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m an only child with sibling pets; two Bulldogs, and one cat.
A member of National Honor Society
I serve in Champions Club at my church. A program for children with special needs
I am on the worship team at school where I lead worship and play the guitar

Gretchen 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

Faithanna Olsson

Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kenady Humphers

Kenady Humphers - Oklahoma
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Brandi Price Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gretchen McPherson

Gretchen McPherson - Oklahoma
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Faithanna Olsson

Faithanna Olsson - OklahomaNomination by Emma SchweitzerPhotography by Faithanna OlssonIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kenady Humphers

Kenady Humphers - OklahomaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination & Photography by​Brandi Price PhotographyIssue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gretchen McPherson

Gretchen McPherson - OklahomaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Amanda Hitchen PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Faithanna Olsson - Oklahoma
Nomination by Emma Schweitzer
Photography by Faithanna Olsson
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kenady Humphers - Oklahoma
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Brandi Price Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gretchen McPherson - Oklahoma
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Amanda Hitchen Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine