Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Catherine Aguilar

9/28/2021

Catherine Aguilar - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Captured_Time Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Catherine has a beautiful inspirational soul. She radiates kindness and always encourages others to do their best. Her outstanding commitment to the high school competition cheer and sideline earned a varsity letter as a freshman. Catherine excels academically as well maintaining a 4.3 GPA. I couldn’t be more proud to nominate such a driven lady.

Photography by Captured_Time Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would love to share my love for dance and cheer. I grew up taking various styles of dance classes and competing in dance competitions on the east coast. When I entered high school I joined the cheer team and I believe dance really helped prepare me.

Tell us about your dance career - how did you get started and where are you at with it now? What types of dance do you study and which is your favorite?
I started dancing when I turned 4. I took a ballet/tap combo class and loved it. Contemporary dance was my favorite style of dance, but I participated in jazz, musical theater, tap, and pointe.

Photography by Captured_Time Photography

What is a favorite accomplishment from dance?
I have two favorites from my years of dance. The first was being awarded a scholarship to the NUVO dance convention and the second was receiving a platinum score and best facials award for my solo competition dance.

How was it transitioning to cheer in high school? What is your team like and what do you bring to the team?
At first starting cheer was tough due to COVID. We were unable to practice or perform certain stunts, but we made the best of it. I love the friendships I have made with my teammates. We have so much fun and work well together to achieve goals. I would say I bring plenty of encouragement and positivity to the team.

Photography by Captured_Time Photography

What is a favorite memory from cheer?
My favorite cheer memory so far has been participating in the regional competition. It was an amazing experience and huge accomplishment participating as a freshman.

Tell us about your photo shoot/s with Julia Aguilar / captured_timephotography. How do you work together to come up with great ideas for your shoots? What special memories do you have with your mom combining both of your creativity this way?
I love getting the opportunity to spend extra time with my Mom doing something we both love. She is so creative and has the best ideas for different shoots. We always laugh and joke the whole time which really helps me be comfortable in front of the camera.

Look for Catherine in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 49

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Nakayla Foster

6/25/2021

Nakayla Foster - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Nakayla is very involved with her church and community she participates in the praise dancing team, sings on the choir, and volunteers at the daily bread. She loves sports, especially track where she competes at Rustburg High School. Her dream is to attend NC A&T University where she wishes to study there to become a lawyer and run college track. In Nakayla’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

My hobbies are running track, I love going out and doing things I haven’t done before, I enjoy having game nights with my family and going places with my friends. I am very busy with track because I just got finished with school track but now I am running AAU track so that takes up majority of my time during the day.

I am most proud of how I have significantly improved in track. Ever since I started, I have noticed I have focused more on improving and I have became faster each year. Track has always been my go to sport even after all the other sports I have participated in.

My academic and athletic goals are going to NC A&T for law and also running college track. I have always said I wanted to be a police officer or a lawyer ever since I was in elementary school. The reason I want to be a lawyer is because I love to debate but at the same time I also like to help and defend people.

I have conquered many things in Track such as breaking my school’s record in all of my running events, winning the State Championship, and also getting my PR at every track meet. I have come such a long way ever since I started running when I was 8.

I practice every day for about 2 hours. Majority of the time I am working on coming out of blocks at the start line or sprinting drills. The hardest thing to overcome when I am training is definitely trying to catch my breath quickly enough before my coach makes me run again. At a track meet after I have completed my events, I feel very accomplished and satisfied with my performance.

I feel like whatever you want to do in life you can do as long as you put your mind to it. Never let anyone down talk you or tell you that you are not going to be able to accomplish what you want to accomplish. Always be positive and stay focused on your goal.

I have been a part of my church ever since I was little. I started praise dancing at the age of 4 and I also sung on the choir. I enjoy praise dancing because it is another way to worship God while moving around at the same time.

When I first volunteered at the daily bread it was really sad to watch people from the streets come in with dirty clothes and no food or water to drink. Volunteering made me appreciate the small things that we take for granted.

Look for Nakayla in issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 47

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Angel Bringas Fonseca

3/17/2021

Angel Bringas Fonseca - Virginia
Nomination by Jessy Fonseca
Photography by Caitlin Swanson Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Angel Bringas Fonseca is an inspirational young man. He has traveled to many different countries in his young life. Most notably Fiji where he learned about the ecosystem and the effects of climate change. He wants to bring more attention to the effects that climate change is having in the world and to help fight against it. He loves fashion, modeling, and photography.

Photography by Caitlin Swanson Photography

Tell us about why fashion is so important to you?
Fashion is very important to me because it is an expression of the person. It not only expresses a person but also an entire culture. Fashion is very different around the world and because of that there are so many different looks that are magnificent. I also love how fashion always changes it is never the same. The reason I think that is so important is because it relates to us humans so much because we also never stay the same we always change.

What aspects of fashion are you most interested in?
The aspects of fashion that interest me the most is the use of bright colors. The use of bright colors only happens during spring and summer. That makes spring and summer fashion way more diverse because there are so many different types of colors to work with. Another aspect that I am very interested in is design. I love the way some designs reflect things in nature in a subtle way. Design is also ever changing and that is another reason why I love the use of different design patterns.

Photography by DanielFonseca02

What is your favorite thing or things to take pictures of?
My favorite thing to take pictures of is people. Every person has a story and I feel through photography I can bring someone’s story to life.

Photography by DanielFonseca02

How would you define your style of photography?
I would define my style of photography as portrait photography. I love walking around the city with my friends and taking pictures of them in a natural setting. The natural setting for portrait photography I think is very important because it captures what an everyday person does and how there is beauty in the life in an everyday action.

Photography by Caitlin Swanson Photography

What is your favorite travel destination and or memory for you?
My favorite travel destination is Fiji. I went there when I was seventeen years old by myself. It was such an adventure I sometimes find myself thinking about how much that place changed me. My favorite memory was a night when my friends and I were walking on the beach and looked up and saw the night sky full of stars. I think of that moment many times and I constantly think of the many shooting stars we all shared together.

Look for Angel in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 44

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Ethan Carter

12/4/2020

Ethan Carter - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Ethan Carter has been captain of his school’s soccer team for 3 year. He received the all state player award. He is on the National Honors Society and is a student leader. He was able to go on 2 mission
trips to Nogales Mexico with his church to help rebuild retaining walls, lay concrete floors and help in a kid’s cafe. He plans to continue helping people by becoming a physical therapist. His parents think he is a special kid and I think he is pretty special too.

Nomination & Photography by Sherri Fox Photography

Tell us about your soccer career. When did you start, where & what position do you play?
I have been playing soccer for a total of 6 years. I first started playing soccer in the 7th grade. When I first started playing, I played defense but once I moved up to varsity I began playing midfield and striker.

What is a favorite memory from soccer?
I have made a lot of memories playing soccer in the past couple years, but I think my favorite memory would be when I scored my first goal off a header to tie the game up in the second half.

Nomination & Photography by Sherri Fox Photography

Tell us about your role in NHS. What are you most proud about being a member?
I am a member of NHS with about 20 other people from my school. We volunteer 20 hours as a group each year in our community. We also do 20 individual service hours a year. Last year for my service hours I helped my uncle coach a girls’ soccer team. I am proud to be an NHS member and help my community out.

That's so cool you got to go to Mexico. Tell us about your mission trips there. What were your conditions like and what did you get to do there?
Every year during the summer I get the chance to go to Nogales, Mexico with my church. Nogales is a very poor and neglected part of Mexico. When you go to Nogales you realize how lucky you are to live in the United States as they don’t have the luxury of having simple things that you’d think most people have. It makes you realize how lucky we are and thankful you are to have things like running water and toilets that flush. I really enjoy going to Mexico and helping the community there. We do things like paint houses, make concrete floors for them, and set up stable houses. I’d encourage anyone who has the chance to go on a missions trip to go and see how God can work in your life.

What did you love about it so much that you wanted to go back?
I loved just helping the community and spending time with the people. I also enjoyed seeing how God used that trip to work in my life.

Nomination & Photography by Sherri Fox Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I volunteered for childcare at my church. I volunteered as assistant coach for a girls soccer team.

What do you love about volunteering for childcare at your church?
I just love having an opportunity to give back to the church in anyway I can and I think that helping in childcare is one fun way to do that.

How did you get involved in assistant coaching for a girls' soccer team? What has a favorite memory with them been?
I got involved in coaching the girls’ team because I really enjoy being around the game of soccer and my uncle happened to be coaching a JV team that year. I made some good memories there but my favorite was probably watching the girls apply everything they worked hard on in practice.

Nomination & Photography by Sherri Fox Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
God and sports

Please share more about this topic and why you feel it's so relevant to teens today.
Im very passionate about sports and God. I think that sports are something that are so common in teens’ lives today and it is a chance for teens to have fun doing something they love. Sports are also a good opportunity to be exposed to people you normally wouldn’t be around and to make new friends and connections. Sports can expose you to people and can be a good bridge to a friendship. As a Christian I also try to use sports to be a light to others and draw people to Christ.

Look for Ethan in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 41

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kylie Sandberg - Role Model

11/30/2020

Kylie Sandberg - Virginia
My Role Model: My Mom
Inspire Team

Growing up I was very close with my mom. She taught me some very important things throughout my childhood. Above all she taught me the importance of service and giving back. I grew up with lots of family history involving cancer. I lost both of my grandfathers to cancer and my dad is now a cancer survivor.

As a child I remember my mom taking me to numerous Relay For Life events throughout the community. Relay for Life is The American Cancer Society’s largest fundraising event. Later in my life in March of 2020 I decided to take on my 8-year-old dream of opening my own bakery and turning it into a reality. I started to sell sugar cookies and decided to donate all of my money to Relay For Life to help fundraise for Cancer Research. Without my mom’s constant support, I would not be able to say, “I raised $8,000 for my Relay For Life team”.

My mom is my best friend and my biggest fan. I want to thank my mom for being the strongest, kindest, and most compassionate mother and friend. My mom graduated from Old Dominion University from their nursing school, and I plan to follow in her footsteps. I will be attending ODU in the fall of 2021 to studying nursing. I love you mom and I’m so lucky to have a best friend and mom all in one.

click here for more information on the inspire team

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madison Welch

10/23/2020

Madison Welch - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jenna Moran
Photography by Jolly Jen Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Madison Welch is a compassionate person. She shows grace in situations that don't always deserve grace and inspires others to be better people. She pushes people to see the good in others and shows compassion to others by helping. Madison has been a huge part in helping her little sister through her severe struggles with mental illness. It also goes to show since nursing is her planned major. She will be able to show her patients with her knowledge, caring, and nurturing side to help get them back to good health. Madison encourages us all to do better and be better to each other and is a great example of inclusiveness.

Tell us about your main experience with mental illness, how it has affected you, and what you do about it now.
My main experience with mental illness has been with my little sister. About two years ago she had severe depression and anxiety. I had never been around anyone that had something so severe. It was very real and very scary for her along with everyone around her. It made me a better person in so many ways and made me more aware of the battles some people fight. It taught me patience and opened my eyes to appreciate a healthy family. Ever since watching my sister fight her battle I see things a little differently. I see that it takes more than just words to get someone through their battles and that they are not cured overnight. I realized that it takes patience and strong will to overcome these obstacles.

How has this helped shape your future and your plans for college and a career?
Going through this with my sister definitely solidified that I wanted to be in the medical field. I feel like walking this journey with her opened my eyes to the joy of helping someone overcome huge obstacles. I am so proud of her for what she has overcome and the battle that she beat. I owe her a huge thank you because she opened my eyes to so much and she helped lead me to what I want to do for a career.

What would you say is the biggest “hidden” mental health issue among teens, and how do you recommend teens reach out to get help?
I think there are a lot of teens that suffer from anxiety and depression. I feel like with all the pressures from school, friends, and other outside sources it’s easy for teens to feel overwhelmed and not know who to turn to. I hope to be an advocate for my peers and teens to reach out when they are struggling. I think it’s a huge problem with teens and they don’t feel comfortable talking about it which leads them down other dark paths. I recommend teens to reach out and get help no matter how scared they are because there is always someone who wants to be there to help them.

Please share your story of overcoming a devastating injury and how you got back to being able to play again. What drove you to work so hard?
My freshman year I tore the labrum in my shoulder at the beginning of softball season which resulted in surgery and many long months of recovery. I had to do 6 months of physical therapy which was extremely painful and exhausting. Physical therapy was not only physically draining but also mentally. Not being able to be out on the field opened my eyes to all the time that I took advantage of when I was able to play. Watching all my friends out on the field drove me to work so hard to get back to the game that I loved most. The whole process taught me a lot about myself and how to have patience and trust the recovery road.

Look for Madison in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 39

click on here to nominate an inspiring teen

Samantha Stafford

10/10/2020

Samantha Stafford - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Kylie Sandberg
Photography by Alisha Stafford (above)
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Samantha Stafford is one of the most beautiful girls inside and out. She is continuously helping her friends and being an outstanding role model in her community. She volunteers so much of her time giving out food to the homeless. Samantha also is involved with her school heavily. She is a part of band and is such a talented oboe player. She was recognized for her oboe performance on a state level and has been awarded for her hard work multiple times! She is passionate about being a great student, and it shows by all the things she has accomplished such as being a part of multiple honor societies and other academic awards. She inspires me to always work hard and always be kind to everyone. She is the most deserving of this opportunity.

Photography by Moses Chung

We don't get many oboe players! Tell us more about why you picked that instrument, what you love about it, and any songs that you love to play and/or are most challenging for you.
I picked oboe honestly because I wanted to be better at something than my sister. We both played violin and piano and she was always better. When I picked up oboe I had finally found something that I was good at. I’m a person who tries to be different in certain aspects and try new things. Oboe is something I do not have in common with many of my other friends. I think the most challenging piece I have ever played was the Mozart Oboe Concerto in C Major because I struggled to portray his difficult yet beautiful style. All in all I love oboe and all the opportunities it has to offer!

What about classical music do you find so valuable and how has it impacted your life?
Classical music is in and of itself so beautiful. Though many others do not care or disagree with me, I find so much room to express emotion and feelings through music. I think being able to play anything in classical music give you the opportunity to be creative with what you are given! I used to hate classical music and practicing until I met one person in my high school life that changed my entire perspective of music. He told me one day I will end up majoring in oboe and he was right! I am blessed I was given amazing music instructors that have changed my perspective of classical music and taught me to love it.

Photography by Jahnel Rae Bashford

How did you get started with volunteering and what are some of the volunteer services you have participated in?
I got started with volunteering through different churches VBS. I have always loved to sing and dance since I was a kid and so when I was asked to become praise and worship leader for a VBS camp I was ecstatic. I also feed the homeless down near Hampton, VA every month. We package food, clothing, and hygiene kits to pass out to the homeless. The absolute best part in this experience is seeing the amount of love being shared among us.

Photography by Jahnel Rae Bashford

Tell us more about a volunteer service that you participate in regularly or one that you have as a favorite.
Feeding the homeless is definitely one volunteering service I love. It takes up quite a bit of time in my morning and afternoons, but it is 100% worth it. Some individuals and families do not live a privileged life like a lot of us are. My favorite part about this volunteer service is getting to see this one family. I love picking out clothing and toys for the kids to enjoy! Being able to grow connections and bonds with these homeless people is another one of my favorite parts. Knowing that I can at least give a little to these people brings me so much joy and contentment.

Photography by Jahnel Rae Bashford

Tell us about your role in your honor societies. What are they and what do you do in them?
I am in the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and Tri-M which is the music honor society. Most of these involve community service projects as one would expect. For some reason I love English which is why I chose to apply for that honor society. In that honor society we listen to lectures about different novels that are prevalent in our culture or society these days. It makes lectures even better knowing our English departments passion for literature!

Look for Samantha in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Juliana Conza

10/8/2020

Juliana Conza - Virgina
Nomination by Leslie Pierce
Interview by Inspiring Teens Team
Photography by Elite Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The nomination: Juliana is the most well rounded child I know. She balances SCA, being class president, cheerleading, field hockey, leadership positions in honor societies and so many clubs, all while maintaining a 4.1 GPA, volunteering all over the hampton roads at Filipino events, Navy sponsored Character Breakfasts, elementary school events, bible school, and so much more. She created Juliebug’s Bear Hugs at age 10 and has had multiple fundraisers for Asthma Awareness. Juliana inspires me so much because she always finds a way to juggle it all with a positive attitude.

Photography by Elite Photography

You really do a LOT! Tell us more about your leadership positions in your clubs.
Kellam High School is full of so many clubs and activities for students to take advantage of. For me, I wanted to try everything out and see where my passions lay. I am a cheerleader at my school and was the captain of the JV cheerleading team my Sophomore year.

I have been my class President since my Freshman year. I love planning different events for my class, organizing fundraisers, and planning memorable events such as graduation and prom.
In SCA I am an executive board member, and currently running for Vice President. SCA creates events for the school, such as announcements, homecoming, casholas, spirit weeks, and decorates the halls for holidays and awareness months.

In NHS I was the Junior Advisor, and currently in the running for Vice President. I helped organize and sign people in for NHS sponsored events, I helped find volunteer opportunities, and I helped come up with meeting agendas. I was a member of the Cultural Club at my school and helped plan the Cultural Festival, where I was able to Hawaiian dance and share my love of dance with everyone.
I recently joined the Varsity field Hockey team last year and will be captain this year if we have a season. I am a Drama Thespian and have participated in numerous shows and musicals, and have even helped at the Summer Drama Camp and participated in Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, which is where you collect cans instead of candy during Halloween.

I am also a mentor for the Freshman through this program called advisory at my school. I want to be remembered as a student who promoted diversity and unity and inspire others to try new things and change the status quote.

Photography by Elite Photography

Why is leadership so important to you? How would you describe your leadership style?
Throughout the years I have been involved with so many leadership workshops. I attended workshops at local high schools when I was in middle school, had the opportunity to go to VBLW, which is a weeklong leadership camp sponsored by the city for all VBCPS high schools, was a leader for the citywide Elementary School Leadership Workshop, and was a delegate and staff member for my high school’s leadership workshop.

Leadership has and always will be a passion of mine. Leadership, to me, is being a strong advocate and role model for your community and peers. Leadership is about guiding others to an overall goal. Leadership is an act of service. You serve your community and organizations. I believe that strong leadership is all about attitude. Keeping a positive attitude, even in difficult times creates a space that is inclusive and welcoming for all to be a part of.

As a leader you are looked up to, so it is very important that you are always giving the best version of yourself. As a leader it is important to establish trust, diligence, and grit amongst your peers because these three factors create a strong atmosphere ready to take on anything! I believe that my leadership style can be described as affiliative. I care so much about people and their emotions. I think it’s the best to understand people and get to know their story. You can create a friendship and an understanding for their strengths and weaknesses, and what amazing contributions they can bring to the group.

Tell us more about your platform for asthma awareness.
When I was 10 years old I competed for the title of Miss Virginia Beach’s Outstanding Preteen 2013. For the Miss America organization, contestants must create a platform for something they are passionate about and raise awareness. I wanted to create a platform to fundraise for something and inform people about a topic that isn’t often talked about. I created “Asthma Awareness- control the disease”, and “Juliebug’s Bear Hugs”, which were both ways I was able to fundraise and spread awareness.

I read to many elementary schools throughout the years discussing the topics of air quality and the effects of pollution on lung development and breathing ability. I read a children’s book from the EPA called “Why is Coco Orange?”. It was so amazing to see how excited these elementary schoolers were to find out the air quality each day to make sure it’s okay to play outside, especially for their fellow classmates who have asthma.

“Juliebug’s Bear Hugs” was a fundraiser I had to raise money to purchase asthma and allergy friendly teddy bears for children hospitalized with chronic lung problems and hospitalized because of asthma. This meant a lot to me because as a child I would constantly be in and out of the hospital for issues regarding my breathing. Playing sports still affects my asthma today, but I want to inspire others to not let health problems control their life. With asthma, it is important to know your body, know how to control it, and know ways to prevent an asthma attack. I hope that I can continue this platform and give more awareness to my community, and make it known. I want to fundraise more towards helping those who have trouble affording the medications needed to control their asthma.

Photography by Elite Photography

Tell us about the Rainbow Camper award, and how you got it.
The Navy Seal foundation sponsors children whose parents are a part of the Special Warfare to go to camp every year. I went to this camp from age eight until I was twelve years old. It was the highlight of my summer and it was so exciting making new friends and creating bonds. At camp there are numerous activities to do there. There are land activities like zip lining, riflery, archery, climbing tower, field, martial arts, skateboarding, and so much more. In water there is sailing, banana boating, and kayaking. Each activity has levels going from Blue to green based on expertise. I didn’t know that a Rainbow camper even existed until my second to last year of camp.

I had levels from over the years, and when I saw my score sheet, I was determined to earn Rainbow Camper before my last year. I worked hard and got out of my comfort zone with many activities, such as riflery and skateboarding. Every day, with the support of my cabin mates, went to activities to earn levels. My last task was to go down a half pipe and stay on the board to earn Green and finally get the title of Rainbow Camper. I worked hard and kept falling and eventually had to stop because I hurt my leg so bad. I was so upset and hurt. I was determined to change my attitude and come back again next year determined to go down the half pipe.

The following year, the second day of camp, with the help of one of my past counselors falling and showing me to face my fears again, I finally did it! To me this moment meant everything to me. It inspired me to work hard and take risks out of my comfort zone once in a while. Most importantly it taught me to be that role model that my counselor was to me, and to help inspire others to go after and accomplish their dreams.

Pick a place you volunteer at, and tell us a favorite memory of your time there.
My favorite volunteer experience would have to be volunteering at the Elementary Schools for their Fall and Winter Festivals. I absolutely loved these events growing up and know how important it is for each child made the experience even more memorable and exciting. I was able to face paint, do crafts, and get plates and supplies ready to decorate cookies. Face painting was so fun and being involved in the fine arts, I was certainly able to keep up with all their wants of fairy princesses, superheros, and emojis. This was such an amazing experience and really created that holiday spirit I love and enjoy so much!

Juliana will be featured in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Sydney Price

9/24/2020

Sydney Price - Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Ainsley Abbitt
Photography by Lindsay Shaffer
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Sydney Price hand makes and sells her candles where 50% of the proceeds go to NSVRC.

Photography by Sydney Price

What inspired you to start your own non-profit organization hand-making and selling candles, and what is the cause for?
I naturally enjoy staying busy with school, athletics, work, and social life. My high school soccer season just began in early March and was immediately shut-down due to the pandemic. I subsequently found myself with an increased amount of free time from losing my soccer season, no longer working my part-time job, nor attending school. With the at-home orders in place at the time, I was desperate to find a distraction to fill the void. I started viewing videos on youtube and came across candle making! I began with a basic candle making kit and fell in love with the process. After a few candle orders for friends and family, the attention of the products exploded.
I took custom orders, which allowed them to choose from a small variety of colors and scents of their choice. Before I settled on making the business profession a part of my future goal, I always wanted to be a detective in the special victims unit. I decided to combine my passion for both and promote my business as a non-profit organization to raise money for a cause I felt needed more attention. To date, I have donated over $2000 in proceeds to the National Sexual Assault Resource Center (NSVRC). This organization conducts research and provides education and tools to encourage survivors to find healing from their trauma.

Tell me a little bit about how you have managed your organization and how you have helped make a difference by spreading awareness to the proceeds.
When I first started, I offered twenty fragrances and eight colors to allow close family and friends to choose between. When word spread about my custom candles, I realized I needed to prepare a better variety of supplies. I expanded to fifty scents and twelve colors, which made the business grow tremendously. I designed a business platform on Facebook and Instagram, and in the first week, I had over thirty orders. I keep track of my orders by making an "order board" with sticky notes in my workspace. I deliver 12 candle orders throughout the week, six deliveries on Mondays and another six on Wednesdays, spend Saturday and Sunday working through orders, and make trips to the post office on Fridays if required. I'm so thankful for this business and how loyal and trusting my customers are. Because of the organization I'm supporting, survivors share their stories with me and have looked into the NSVRC for more help. My followers share my post, which draws in more awareness of this crime. Between Facebook and Instagram alone, the NSVRC has reached over 800 dollars strictly in donations.

Photography by Lindsay Shaffer

What are some of the pros and cons of originating your own business?
This experience has taught me so much. The most significant gain is giving back to my community. I have met several incredible people in the past five months and have had amazing opportunities to advertise my candles in local businesses. One of my favorite parts of this journey is getting orders that require me to mix scents and provide them with a smell they can't find in stores. As much as I would love to say this journey has been "flawless," I'd be lying. The candle making process to achieve one order takes about four hours. This time frame allows the production and packaging of the order. The packaging alone takes an hour and more prolonged if its a shipment. Trusting the shipment process can be stressful because of how fragile the package is.

As a military child, how are you also involved in your parent's service branches, and what has that experience been like for you?
My dad retired as a senior chief in the navy three years ago. He was very in and out because of all his deployments over his years serving. I cherished being able to attend the family cookouts and functions hosted by his crew members. While he was away, I started applying my time to the Virginia Air National Guard Youth Programs. I began attending conferences for the program, camps, and worked as an assistant for the program's administrator. We packed food bags for troops overseas, participated at the yellow ribbon ceremonies, and created events for military families to bring comfort from missing their loved ones serving abroad. I was elected Youth leader of the year a few years after, and it opened my eyes to how rewarding it is to help people.

Photography by Kristy Price

How are you also involved in other passions of yours, including soccer? How has soccer impacted your plans you have for your future?
I have been dedicated to soccer since I was five years old. I joined a club team for Yorktown, Va, during my middle school years. I moved on to play varsity soccer for Menchville Highschool during my freshman year and have treasured every second of it. The sport has taught me patience, discipline, and how rewarding hard work is.

In what ways have you become a sensational inspiration for others to help spread awareness on important topics going on in the world that need to be addressed?
By taking the time to research the NSVRC, I used it in my business platform to gain awareness on the subject. When you claim that your consumer's money is going towards an organization, they generally want to see where their money is going, which gives them the ability to read and inform themselves of the crime. I aspire to get as many eyes on the charity as possible, trusting that we teach the future generations how dehumanizing sexual assault is and do our best as a community to put a stop to it. Survivors and their families have contacted me explaining how appreciative they were of discovering this charity and have used it to find healing.

Sydney 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

Kylie Sandberg

9/18/2020

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kylie Sandberg is kind to everyone see meets and is so humble. This summer she started a cookie business to raise money for her high school relay for life team. She has raised over $6000.00 and is still baking. She has recently started designing clay earrings to sell as well. Her business right down to the smallest details is impeccable.

Photography by Gray Seniors

Why did you decide to take such an astounding leadership role in the Relay for Life club at your school? Tell me all about the club!
Both of my grandfathers passed away from cancer and my dad is a 3-year cancer survivor. I have always wanted to start my own Relay for life team but never really had the right platform to carry it through. In the beginning of my junior year, I decided this was my year and remembering setting a goal to myself saying “2020 will be my year, my best year”. I wanted to get all my friends, teachers, student body and faculty involved. We were able to schedule an ornament fundraiser in December which raised $100! Next, we planned a Winter dance and a fashion show. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, we were unable to do any of those fundraisers. I absolutely love being President of this club because I surround myself with dedicated and hardworking people. We plan on having lots of fundraisers throughout our senior year, and we hope to be back in school soon so we can carry out plans from our previous year.

How did Relay for Life lead to the start up of your business Hello Kylie?
When I was 7 years old, my Mom took me to my first Relay For Life event, American Cancer Society’s hallmark fundraiser. A year later, I had a dream of opening a bakery and owning a food truck to sell donuts and cookies. Of course, I wanted the food truck to be pink! During the Summer before starting 2nd grade, I sold cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and donuts at my summer camp. I made a total of $40 and donated it all to my mom’s Relay For Life team! So, this sparked my interest to fulfil my 8-year-old dream of opening my own bakery.

With COVID-19, I knew whatever I did, it had to be a solo act with mandatory social distancing. I knew the American Cancer Society would struggle without the funding. I knew cancer patients, cancer survivors, families, friends, and the ones who lost their lives to cancer deserved more. During the month of March, I decided to step up to the plate and “Hello Kylie” was conceived. Through social media and word-of-mouth, I sold homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. 10,000 cookies and 300 earrings later, I am happy to say “Hello Kylie” was a hit. Here I am in September continuing this fundraiser which has raised almost $7,000! I plan to continue this venture with a goal to reach $10,000 by the end of my senior year.

Photography by Kylie Sandberg

Tell me all about Hello Kylie, what you sell, and how your business took off!
“Hello Kylie” is my marque name through social media. It was conceived when a simple email popped up opening with “Hello Kylie.” I thought “wow I kind of like that” and there it was, the beginning of an incredible journey. All the products I sell are homemade and proud to say made by myself! I sell my homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. So far, I have made over 10,000 cookies and 300 pairs of earrings! I had the privilege of opening a Pop-Up Shop at 2 local boutiques during a weekend that raised over $1,000! I have also been given the opportunity to have Hello Kylie at a local Farmers Market next week! My motto is Creating For A Cure.
My fundraiser took off once everyone was sharing my story! After one person shared it was a chain reaction. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be featured in several social media outlets which share my story.

Were you surprised when you surpassed your original fundraising goal of $250 dollars? What is your goal now and is Hello Kylie something you hope to continue for many years even after Relay for life?
Absolutely! I was so surprised by the amount of donations and support I received from my community. This opportunity gave me the chance to meet so many new friends and help to reconnect with old friends. I never thought I would reach the thousands let alone $250. I thought this fundraiser would be completely slow but am grateful for how it took off. I am also grateful for all the kindness and support my community has shown me. My next goal for Hello Kylie is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of my senior year and ultimately inspire others to start their own Relay For Life team. I am also part of my County’s Youth Commission where I hope to use my voice to inspire high schoolers to start their own Relay Team. My goal is to speak at high school and even middle school assemblies to bring more awareness and tell them my story. The more people you get involved the bigger the audience grows to hopefully bring more awareness and donations! I want to encourage other students they have a voice and the ability to make a difference. I want to be the one who pushes them and not be afraid to set big goals.
I do not ever see Hello Kylie retiring soon. I am absolutely continuing this through college and joining my college’s Relay For Life team! The best part being involved with Relay For Life is that everyone shares the same goal to find a cure for cancer. The more money raised, the more opportunities for cancer research.

Tell me more about why you chose to want to pursue a career in nursing? What do you love about helping people?
Helping others has always been one of my biggest priorities. My parents have shown the value of giving back at a young age. I helped with my first Relay For Life serving dinner to cancer survivors when I was 7. Growing up I volunteered walking dogs at the SPCA and in my freshman year I tutored middle schoolers at church after school. I think there is something special about giving back. It gives me so much satisfaction and fulfillment and I also believe giving back gives you a sense of accomplishment. I believe if you have the privilege to give back, why wouldn’t you? My years of giving back and volunteering has been a win-win. It has rewarded me with self-confidence, a feeling of pride and a sense of leadership.
My mom is a nurse and seeing the satisfaction and happiness she brings by helping others inspired me to pursue the same profession. Being a nurse seems rewarding because you are caring for others. I believe and hope the compassion I possess will make me a great nurse like my Mom. I feel becoming a nurse would fit perfectly for the person I am because of the commitment and dedication I put into helping others. Currently I am shadowing a Registered Nurse in my Mentorship class. I am excited for this opportunity and know I will gain insight into a great profession!

Photography by Gray Seniors

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing would have to be overcoming my doubt in accomplishing my goals because of the fear of others judging me. I remember asking students during lunch if they would be interested in purchasing an ornament for a fundraiser we had for Relay for Life. I was laughed at and humiliated. I felt like I was never going to raise even $100 for my Relay team. During quarantine I had the chance to reflect on that situation. I handled it by moving on and writing out all my ideas and everything I was passionate about. I have had to deal with some of the most negative people throughout this fundraiser. Honestly, I feel people wanted to watch me fail. If I let that get to me, I would not be able to be where I am today. One of my most favorite quotes is “haters are my motivators”. As cringey as that is, it truly has helped me become the confident person I am today, and it has helped me grow my fundraiser! Using the people who do not want me to succeed empowers me to just prove them wrong. It is one of my biggest takeaways I have realized from this whole experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them never let a person, event, or even tragedy hold you back from perusing your goals. I would also tell them that good things come with hard work. Hard work comes with ups and downs, so being able to push past the harder times helps to make you more successful. I also feel that when you love what you’re doing everything after that comes easy, so do what you love not what people tell you to do!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself graduating with a Nurse Practitioner’s degree and continuing to complete service throughout my life. I always want to be involved with Relay For Life and eventually I hope to continue baking and spreading awareness in my community and many others. I want to stay connected with all the amazing people I have met through Relay For Life and continue working together until we find a cure for cancer.

Photography by Gray Seniors

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I really love surfing! My best friend’s dad was a professional surfer, so I have surfed at the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Croatan, Virginia Beach almost every weekend to practice this past Summer. It is something I am not perfect at but I’m still learning!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am extremely skilled at carnival games! I discovered this hidden talent last year at my State Fair when I won a 6-foot unicorn stuffed animal that weighed about 25 pounds after one toss at a Toss Up game. Not bragging, but I only paid $4 and my friend spent $40 on the game. I still believe to this day, that day was one of the best days of my life.

If you could publicly present any topic to your peers, what would it be and why?
I would simply say get involved with your community, school, clubs, sports, and other activities to find what you are most passionate about. I really found my purpose through fundraising for the American Cancer Society. I think being involved with more things helps to further push you towards the things that give you the most fulfilment.

3 Things on your bucket list
I have always wanted to take kick boxing lessons because that is just the most fun way to learn self-defense. I have also really wanted to learn a traditional Filipino dance so I can be more in touch with my culture. Finally, I would love to write a children’s book. This book would be all about making your dreams come true, and of course it would end with a “happily ever after.”

Who do you find inspiring?
I find the nationally titled Haleigh Ryan Hurst inspiring. She was newly crowned Miss High School America 2020 just last week. She advocates spreading the pageant’s platform B.R.A.V.E. at schools, which is about anti-bullying, Building Respect And Values for Everyone. I find her inspiring because she is passionate about this platform and sharing her story of being bullied herself. I would also love to one day meet her and share ideas.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others with the way I carried through my vision of Hello Kylie. After the success of my fundraiser, I had 5 other girls reach out to me asking how to start their projects. I also got messages from other girls thanking me for inspiring them to start their own fundraisers. They saw how my story evolved and how hard work really paid off! I am so happy to know that I inspired many others to start their own charity work because there is a whole community to serve.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Another passion I have is cheerleading. I started All-Star cheerleading in Kindergarten at a gym called Fame All-Stars, formerly Paramount Cheer Extreme and now am part of Grafton High School’s competition cheer. In total, I cheered for 12 years. My team holds the title of 2017 and 2018 class 4A state champions and I was awarded the 2018 class 4A Cheerleader of the Year. During my sophomore year, I was given the opportunity to be part of the coaching staff of Grafton Middle School’s cheer program. I volunteered my time to coach their competition routine and in 2019, Grafton Middle School won their competition! With this experience, I currently teach gymnastics class to young girls at my local YMCA and love doing this!

Kylie 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

Ainsley Abbitt

9/18/2020

Ainsley Abbitt – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Ainsley Abbitt started a nonprofit business this summer to benefit a variety of charities. She started by selling her clothes and now accepts clothing donations as well. To date Ainsley has raised over $1100.00 for various charities.

Photography by Gray Seniors

How did you get the idea to start selling your clothes to raise money for charity?
It was a very random decision. One day I looked in my closet and realized I did not own anything that I would gravitate toward. In the midst of this pandemic, I have tried to find a style that showcases who I really am, and my closet was not it. Instead of simply dropping off bags of clothes at Goodwill, I decided it would be better and more likely the clothes would have a revival. I created an Instagram account. At first, I did not think about giving all the proceeds away; however, many of my friends had started non-profits which inspired me to do the same. After posting a few items, and them selling out completely, I thought of what to do with this money. That’s when deciding charities comes into play.

What charities have you chosen to donate your profits to and how did you choose them?
So far, I have donated to eleven charities either local or national. Each charity receives $100 each. Some are from personal experience/preference; others are requested by my followers. I liked the idea of including my followers in this decision because they are the reason I am even able to do this at all. I have donated to Black Lives Matter, Active Minds, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Child Rescue Coalition, Autism Speaks, Make A Wish, The Natasha House, American Diabetes Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Humane Society. All these charities are vastly different and support multiple issues. I encourage you readers to research some of these charities because I know personally I was unaware of how many charities there really are.

Photography by Gray Seniors

How did you spread the word about your nonprofit and raise the money that you have so quickly?
As simple as tagging my clothes on my main instagram as my “Wardrobe.by.Ainsley” account and having wonderful friends and new faces repost their clothing and packages they have received from me. As I have noticed, the shoutouts are the most effective way to spread the word about my nonprofit.

What are some tips that you have for others on starting a nonprofit?
It will be a lot more work than you expect, but it is completely worth it! Keep your head high even after an all-nighter from juggling multiple occupations/projects or if some items don’t sell because everything happens for a reason. Your hard work will pay off and there is nothing better than fulfilling a follower’s request of a charity or seeing them shout out your account. Nothing is more heart-warming than that.

What goals do you personally have for your future and what goals do you have for your nonprofit?
I personally want to attend the University of Virginia next fall. I hope to become a physical therapist for children. After UVA, I hope to be enrolled at VCU for medical school.
For my non-profit, I hope to raise over $3000 by the end of the year. So far I have raised $1500, so I am halfway there!

Photography by Ainsley Abbitt

3 Things on your bucket list
I would love to travel to Europe, primarily Greece and Italy;
Get into my dream university (UVA);
Live in a foreign country for a year

Who do you find inspiring?
My inspiration is actually a friend of mine, she ironically is also nominated for an inspiring teen. She is the person who inspired me to turn my clothing sales into a nonprofit. Her name is Kylie Sandberg and she bakes cookies where all the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. She has raised over $5000 in just 4 months, which is incredible. After seeing the first month of her success occur personally, I started selling my clothes. It started out with just my clothing, but now I sell my followers old clothing as well. Her journey and nonprofit inspired me to hop on the bandwagon and do the same. One day I hope to raise as much money as she has and really make my mark on this world.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
People may refer to me as inspiring due to my hard work. I spend up to six hours a day on my business from styling the clothing, taking the product photos, editing them, packaging items, hand delivering the items, etc all after a long day of school. I start my day at 7am for school and finish at 3pm. After three I finish any assignments, I have due and then the night time is where my business gets all the attention. Throughout the day I am still checking DM’s and posts/stories and polls that I post, but at night I package all the items sold throughout the day, style the new clothing, take product photos, and edit them. That process alone can take up to three hours. Some days I also have to deliver packages. I deliver and donate weekly. Deliveries can range from one-three hours depending on how many and how far away they are. My hard work and drive keep me through these long days/nights which may inspire others.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I would like to thank my mom for helping me learn the ropes of how to really run a small business. I would not be this successful and creative without her.

Ainsley 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

Catherine Aguilar

Catherine Aguilar - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Captured_Time Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nakayla Foster

Nakayla Foster - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Angel Bringas Fonseca

Angel Bringas Fonseca - Virginia
Nomination by Jessy Fonseca
Photography by Caitlin Swanson Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ethan Carter

Ethan Carter - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg - Role Model

Kylie Sandberg - Virginia
My Role Model: My Mom
Inspire Team

Madison Welch

Madison Welch - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jenna Moran
Photography by Jolly Jen Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Samantha Stafford

Samantha Stafford - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Kylie Sandberg
Photography by Alisha Stafford (above)
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Juliana Conza

Juliana Conza - Virgina
Nomination by Leslie Pierce
Interview by Inspiring Teens Team
Photography by Elite Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydney Price

Sydney Price - Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Ainsley Abbitt
Photography by Lindsay Shaffer
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ainsley Abbitt

Ainsley Abbitt – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Catherine Aguilar - VirginiaNomination and Photography by Captured_Time PhotographyIssue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Nakayla Foster - VirginiaNomination and Photography by Sherri Fox PhotographyIssue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Angel Bringas Fonseca - VirginiaNomination by Jessy FonsecaPhotography by Caitlin Swanson Photography​Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ethan Carter - VirginiaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination & Photography bySherri Fox PhotographyIssue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kylie Sandberg - VirginiaMy Role Model: My MomInspire Team

Madison Welch - VirginiaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Jenna MoranPhotography by Jolly Jen PhotographyIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Samantha Stafford - VirginiaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Kylie SandbergPhotography by Alisha Stafford (above)​Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​Juliana Conza - VirginaNomination by Leslie PierceInterview by Inspiring Teens TeamPhotography by Elite PhotographyIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sydney Price - VirginiaInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Ainsley AbbittPhotography by Lindsay Shaffer Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kylie Sandberg – VirginiaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Gray SeniorsIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ainsley Abbitt – VirginiaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Gray SeniorsIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Catherine Aguilar - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Captured_Time Photography
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nakayla Foster - Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Angel Bringas Fonseca - Virginia
Nomination by Jessy Fonseca
Photography by Caitlin Swanson Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ethan Carter - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by
Sherri Fox Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg - Virginia
My Role Model: My Mom
Inspire Team

Madison Welch - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jenna Moran
Photography by Jolly Jen Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Samantha Stafford - Virginia
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Kylie Sandberg
Photography by Alisha Stafford (above)
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Juliana Conza - Virgina
Nomination by Leslie Pierce
Interview by Inspiring Teens Team
Photography by Elite Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydney Price - Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Ainsley Abbitt
Photography by Lindsay Shaffer
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ainsley Abbitt – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine