Chloe Meiners

Chloe Meiners – Washington
Nomination by Angie Meiners
Photography by Sunny Wright Photography
Issue 94 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Chloe Meiners is fearless in pursuing her dreams and creating opportunities to excel in so many different areas. She is an athlete with an incredible academic record, Her leadership ability shines through as she constantly challenges herself and explores new opportunities while encouraging and empowering her friends to pursue new opportunities and try new things. It is her super power. When she fails, it is her stepping stone to do better, be better. She has a great sense of humor and a touch of sarcasm that keeps things real.

Photography by Sunny Wright Photography
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Turning Failures into stepping stones is a fantastic thought process. What did you change the next time?
A recent challenge, is when I totally got destroyed at track meet and lost a very important race. I had to reflect on how to improve and get my times up for the next season. It also made me really miss soccer and realign my priorities to improve and train to be better in both sports.

Share a time you nudged someone out of their comfort zone. What happened, and what did you learn as a leader?
I don’t really nudge people out of there comfort zone, I encourage them to take risks or support them to take the next step. An example would be on the soccer field, I always want someone to dribble, shoot, or make the right pass and make the most of their opportunities. I might guide them or cheer them on depending on what they need to just go for it.

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
One of my most inspiring qualities is that I am always pursuing new opportunities to test my own boundaries. This mindset has led me into some of my most rewarding and entertaining accomplishments. I have performed in my school talent show the last two years, doing a dance routine with friends (we are not dancers). I joined track as a junior and was able to place in several races. I competed in DECA for the first time and was able to compete at state. By not limiting myself, I am able to continually try new things.

Performing a dance with “non-dancers” at the talent show is bold—what pushed you to say yes, and what did it teach you about leadership and vulnerability?
One of my friends really wanted to do the talent show and it sounded fun, so I said, yes! I usually have a hard time saying no, so I didn’t even give it much thought. It was fun to make the routine and I was one of the “lead dancers”. It taught me to take a chance and be vulnerable and it was fun.

DECA rookie to state—what was your event category, and what business or presentation skill did you walk away using in everyday life?
My friend and I did the partner category of buying and merchandising. I loved this because you got to pitch different business ideas. I loved creating and presenting. I think it helped me improve my public speaking and quick responses to questions, and being prepared for anything.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Soccer! I could talk about soccer forever. I love this sport and all the activity and traveling that comes with it. What makes soccer so important to me, is all the people I get to share it with. I have met so many amazing people through soccer, I am fortunate to call a lot of them my best friends. Not only has soccer blessed me with so many amazing mentors and close friends, it has taught me collaboration and cooperation to achieve a common goal.

How does that help you connect with teammates/classmates when the stakes are high?
When stakes are high, being encouraging to your team is really important. You don’t want them to feel bad or give up if they mess up. I always tell people it’s what you do after the mistake. Recover. This helps builds bonds as a team because we all went through something stressful and difficult together.

Student-athlete + content creator + strong academics—walk us through a typical weekday. Which habits or apps keep you on track?
My normal weekdays are pretty busy and I use my planner a lot. It is the only reason I stay focused and on time with my assignments. I also use a large desk calendar that I write all my events in. During this time of year (Fall) I have high school soccer every day, whether it be a game, or practice, and I usually have some homework or project I need to get done.

What role do you naturally play on and off the field?
I’m always talking and having fun. I do focus, but at times I have to separate from my friends . I can also be serious and competitive, but I just love the team and that’s what makes me love soccer.
How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
You know when you see a picture and you are just drawn to it? When scrolling on Instagram this happened. I was just drawn to Sunny’s style. Her pictures were beautiful, not over edited, and in beautiful locations. When taking my pictures, I loved how she made sure to “capture me” and how confident she made me feel. So many of my pictures have a genuine smile and true laughter.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My mom nominated me. She is someone I strive to be like. She is compassionate, caring, and one of the best people I know. She lifts me up constantly and never lets me doubt myself. She is always working hard, from starting her day at 5:00am with a walk to 9:00pm helping me fill out college applications. She never stops. My favorite memories with my mom are traveling to Seattle with her, we always go out to eat and shop and listen to podcasts on our drive up to Seattle. I love spending time with her and enjoy her company.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to be in teen magazine not only to earn a scholarship but hopefully be “inspirational” to others and show teens that even though we are young we can make an impact in the world. Every day teens impact the world in big and small ways and this magazine allows teens to share the ways they do that. I also think this would be an incredible opportunity and an enlightening new experience.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I won the scholarship, I would use it towards college. I plan on going to a 4-year university and playing sports and this scholarship would help me pursue that dream. I plan to major in biology and then get my graduate degree.

Looking ahead to college: what area of biology are you most excited to explore, and how do athletics shape the way you set your academic and career goals?
I really am not sure yet. I still have a lot of interests around biology and I am having trouble narrowing my focus. I would love marine biology or researching DNA to stop diseases, or learning about forensic biology. Being an athlete helps me be very driven I like to do things well and make sure I give my 100%.


Look for Chloe in issue 94 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 94

click here to nominate an inspiring teen