Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Amanda Szymborski

6/25/2019

Amanda Szymborski - Michigan
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan Photography
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: I met Amanda Szymborski about a year ago and immediately knew she was somebody special; she has a personality that exudes so much positivity and happiness. Things others say about her is she is always friendly and accepting. She sets an excellent example of work ethic by being in the National Honor Society, participating in school clubs, and being the varsity team captain for golf and tennis. Amanda has made an impact in the community through volunteering and assisting whenever needed. Amanda is someone who truly makes the world a better place and enhances the lives of everyone she is with.

How did you first become interested in tennis to now being the Varsity team captain for your school?
I have “played” tennis ever since I can remember. But my version of playing was just hitting the ball in the street in front of my house with someone. I always enjoyed doing that so my freshman year I decided to join the tennis team, as soon as I stepped on the court, I knew I was meant to be there. I wasn’t very good when I first started, but I put a lot of energy and time into tennis year-round and eventually became one of the best players in the school.

What is the Links program at your school and how did you become involved in it?
The links program is when you spend an hour of your school day to help a student on the autism spectrum be social. Students on the spectrum don’t have the best communication skills so that is why you are there. I joined the links program when one of my teachers suggested I should participate in it. They thought I would be a great link.

Tell me a little bit about the student leadership committee and what your role is.
The student leadership academy is a selected group of outstanding students: students that participate in class on a daily schedule, are kind and polite, and responsible. Almost every single Wednesday morning the group would meet up and we would have guest speakers who would teach us how to speak in front of crowds. Part of the leadership academy is we plan a huge party and we raise money to go towards local charities. Going through the process of the party we set up meetings with local businesses to try and get donations. With all the money we raise, we have to decide what to spend it on and how much to spend on things.

What responsibilities come with being a part of the National Honor Society?
NHS requires you get at least 20 hours of community service per year. I like to spend my time at the local food bank and volunteering my time working at kids camps.

How have you managed to balance all the activities you are involved in while maintaining a strong academic record?
I’m not going to lie it is very tough, but it is doable. Being involved with sports and other after school activities takes up a ton of time, but you just have to remember you are a student athlete. Being a student is always your first priority. On bus ride to games sometimes you have to study for that big test tomorrow or do your homework instead of talking to your teammates. If you’re stuck, your captain or other teammates probably took the class and can help you. All your friends want to hang out, but you have a boat load of homework, you might have to stay home and do your schoolwork over hanging out with friends. I maintained my strong academic by doing all the above, I would take my schoolwork to matches and miss out on times when my friends were hanging out, but it’s worth it in the end.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I always write stuff down in my reminders and calendar on my phone to make sure I don’t forget about something!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them to never give up and always maintain a positive work ethic! Where you get in the future depends on what you are doing now, the amount of work you put into it. Everyone has bad days or weeks but don’t let it get in your head, prevail through the rough patch

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe I am so inspiring because I have the ability to remain free spirited in anything I do. I can adapt well to anything in any given circumstance, and love reaching out to new opportunities and people of all ages. I always maintain my smiling face and positive nature. I consider it an amazing blessing that I am looked up to by children, striving to work and become as talented, if not more talented than me, in the future. By seeing and observing my consistent, positive work ethic, I’ve learned and grown throughout the years. I hope this truly inspires many young people to always work hard and to never give up, ever.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to spend time with my friends! My friends mean everything to me and inspire me to strive to always become a better person each day and have helped to teach me so many valuable life lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My whole life, friends and family always remind me of how determined and strong minded I am. Always striving to accomplish my goals whether they take hours, days, even years to accomplish.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find all my friends, and parents inspiring and mind changing. All my friends have a special characteristic that no one else I know is anything like, they are all their own person each possess a valuable, inspiring, original outlook on life which has helped to shape my values opinions and beliefs. My parents both have a high education and worked their butts off in college to be as successful and diligent as they are today. Without all their lessons and work motives I would not be the person I am today.

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Pizza but it has to be just cheese
Pink lemonade mixed with sprite
Dogs because they are so loving and loyal

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to participate in a mission trip, travel through Europe, and lastly go to all the tennis opens (French open, U.S. open, Australian open)

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Recently, to add on to my tennis career journey, I found out I was named all state for 1 doubles! I consider it an amazing accomplishment, that paid off with long hours of practice, and by maintaining a thoughtful, persevering mindset.

Amanda will be featured in Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Regan Keating

3/8/2019

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Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

The Nomination: Regan Keating is an inspiring teen for many reasons! She cares about community. She has a sweet soul. She qualified for State in doubles tennis. She is much more than a picture. She is kind, understanding, and friendly to everyone she meets.
How long have you been playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was in 8th grade. I started late, but immediately realized tennis was for me! So naturally I played tennis in my freshman, sophomore, and senior year. I am happy to say I lettered all three years. I was not able to play my junior year, because I needed back surgery, which meant a 6-month recovery. At first, I was sad to not be able to play for four years, but the break from tennis allowed me to reflect on life.

What has tennis taught you?
It has taught me to never give up. After my back surgery I did not know if I even wanted to play, but I did and worked hard through the season to eventually make it to state. Tennis also taught me about friendship. I couldn't had made it to state without my doubles partner. I am grateful for the friendship we developed throughout our season.

Do you see yourself playing tennis in the future?
I had considered playing in college after some offers, but I think I would rather just focus on school and play tennis for fun in my spare time.

Do you participate in other activities?
I tutor ESL kids after school once a week. We work on homework, play games, and learn a bible story. I also am a member of Youth to Youth which is a prevention club. We get to go to our middle school and help mentor kids on topics like mental health. Another hobby I have recently picked up is taking ballroom dance classes and salsa classes.

What do you have planned for your future?
I really want to travel and experience new cultures. My goal is to become fluent in Spanish and work as an interpreter or become an immigration lawyer.

Regan was featured in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Grant Eubanks

3/7/2019

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Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

The Nomination: Grant Eubanks is a senior at George County High School, where he will be graduating with highest honors. Grant is inspirational for his drive and determination, not only in academics but sports. Grant has played tennis for his high school since 7th grade and qualified for state championships two years in a row. He hopes he qualifies this year as well his senior season.

How did you become interested in starting a career in tennis?

My interest in the game of tennis began out of curiosity. I had heard the stories of two of my uncles playing on their high school teams, and I decided that I wanted to try my hand at tennis, so my dad and I found a teaching pro at The Mobile Tennis Center. After every lesson, I began to enjoy the game more and more. My enjoyment quickly turned into a passion for a game that I had just started playing. I had no idea that 8 years later I would be the singles player for my school, two-time qualifier for the state championships, and ranked in the top forty in Mississippi at sixteen.

How does playing tennis help you inspire others?

I think that my involvement in tennis inspires others because tennis is not a sport that gets much attention. I do my best to inspire more people to play and have managed to grow the tennis community in my town considerably. I have helped many people discover the game that I love so dearly.

Tell me about your experiences qualifying for the state championships.

When I was a sophomore, I became one of the few players from my school to qualify for the state championships and the first to qualify in boy’s singles. After qualifying, I was elated, and I celebrated with my teammates. The next year, I qualified playing mixed doubles, but in addition to qualifying, my partner and I won the district mixed doubles championships.

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to be a tennis player?

Since I have the privilege of coaching and advising young players in my community, I would advise younger people that wanted to start playing tennis to go out and find a professional coach: this makes all the difference later in one’s tennis career. When I started going to tennis lessons, my knowledge of the game grew as well as my passion.

Do you plan in continuing to play tennis in the future?

After finishing high school, I will play tennis for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After playing in junior college, I am going to play in adult leagues and on USTA teams. I am also considering getting my USTA coaching certification. Tennis is the game that anyone can play for their entire life, and I plan on playing as long as I am able.

Grant will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Tennis

2/13/2019

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Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15

I started tennis at the YMCA when I was 7 years old, and absolutely loved it! When I became more advanced, I started going to the Township tennis court and took lessons there as well.

When I heard there was a tennis club in middle school, I knew immediately I wanted to participate. We had the option to play singles or doubles. When our first practice came, I was super excited! When our first match came along, my partner and I were both kind of nervous, but luckily it was a home match which made us a bit more confident. We WON 4 to 6 and it felt really exciting to be playing again!!

My entire experience playing tennis was and still is amazing. I always have a blast playing and often think to myself how lucky I am to even have the privilege to play tennis! I want to play tennis next year, in five years and for my entire life!

Tennis, By Simme Salguero, was published in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15

click here to submit an article for inspiring teens magazine

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Amanda Szymborski

Amanda Szymborski - Michigan
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan Photography
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Regan Keating

Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

Grant Eubanks

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Tennis

Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15

Featured

Archives

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Amanda Szymborski

Amanda Szymborski - MichiganInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan PhotographyIssue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Regan Keating

Regan KeatingInterview by Larissa CheliusNomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock PhotosOhioIssue 15

Grant Eubanks

​Grant Eubanks - 18 - MississippiInterviewed by Zoe D'AngeloNomination & Photography by​Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake PhotographyIssue 18 | Sports

Tennis

Article & Image By Simme Salguero Pennsylvania​Issue 15

Featured

Archives

Categories

Amanda Szymborski - Michigan
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan Photography
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15