Claire Notz

Claire Notz - Wisconsin 
Nomination by Pattie Notz
Photography by Laura Lynn Rhode Photography
Issue 94 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​Nomination: Claire Notz is an inspiring teen whose drive, kindness, and dedication set her apart from the rest. Whether through academics, athletics, or community involvement, Claire shows resilience and a strong work ethic, balancing responsibilities with grace. She is passionate about making a difference, holding a board of directors position with a local non-profit organization to provide resources and reduce the stigma around mental health struggles. After high school, she plans to pursue a degree in psychology, continuing her passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in the world. She is admired for leading her life with kindness.

Photography by Laura Lynn Rhode Photography 
​

​You serve on the board of a mental-health nonprofit—what motivated you to take on that responsibility, and what’s one decision or project where your voice truly shaped the outcome?
I was motivated to accept this position because I’ve seen firsthand how mental health struggles impact teens, including myself, and I wanted to be part of the solution. It is always powerful to see how my perspective could make resources feel more approachable and less intimidating for others my age.

Tell us about a moment you helped reduce stigma at school or in your community. What did you do, and what changed for the people involved?
At school, I am a member of the Hope Squad- Peer Lead Suicide Prevention Group, where I started open conversations around mental health by sharing resources and encouraging peers to speak up without shame. By normalizing those conversations, I saw people become more willing to ask for help instead of staying silent. It reminded me how small actions—like starting the conversation—can create lasting change.

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
My energy, compassion, creativity, and empathy. I possess the ability to bring people together and uplift my peers with authenticity. I am not afraid to think outside of the box, take initiative, stand up for what I believe in, and chase my dreams with determination. My curiosity about the people and world around me fuel me and I hope to turn my passion for helping others into a lifelong mission.

What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about the power of resilience and personal growth. Life doesn't always go to plan, but I have learned that challenges can shape you into a stronger and better version of yourself. I strive to use mistakes as lessons, staying motivated and continuing forward. I feel confident that I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for the experiences I've had, even the bad ones. Resilience is what allows us to grow into the best versions of ourselves.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Anything related to psychology or the human mind. I love understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. I could talk forever about how experiences shape us, how the brain processes things, and how mental health impacts everyday life. I enjoy learning new perspectives and learning how I can help others through compassion, support, and understanding. I view psychology as a way to make sense of the world and a tool to help others.

Share a challenge that didn’t go as planned. What reframing or habit helped you turn it into growth, and what did you learn about yourself?
There have been times when events or moments in my life didn’t turn out the way I imagined. Instead of seeing it as failure or a set back, I reframed it as a learning opportunity. I realized that not everything has to be perfect to make an impact, and that resilience is about adapting and moving forward. That mindset helped me grow more confident in myself.

When a friend opens up about mental-health struggles, how do you support them while keeping healthy boundaries and guiding them toward appropriate resources?
I listen first without judgment, letting them know they are not alone. Then, I encourage them to seek professional help or talk with a trusted adult, because I know I can’t fix everything myself. By being a supportive friend while also pointing them toward the right resources, I can care for them without overstepping my own limits.

You balance academics, athletics, and service with grace—what systems or rituals keep you centered on busy weeks, and how do you reset when things unravel?
I stay centered by keeping a routine, setting priorities, and making sure I carve out time for self-care, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes. When things get overwhelming, I reset by stepping back, taking a breath, reminding myself why I started in the first place, and what I am working towards. That perspective helps me regain balance and keep moving forward.

What’s a common myth about teen mental health you’d like to debunk, and what evidence or experiences have shaped your view?
A common myth is that teens who seem “happy” or “successful” don’t struggle with mental health. In reality, anyone can be going through challenges behind the scenes, no matter how put-together they look. Through my own experiences and those of my peers, I’ve learned that checking in on people, creating safe spaces to talk, and simply being kind is essential, because you never truly know what someone might be going through.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
Laura had done pictures for one of my friends and I loved how natural they looked. Since she is local, it was easy to connect with her and form the beginning of the experience she felt more like a friend than just a photographer. She made the entire experience comfortable and fun, helping me to feel confident and like myself in front of the camera. Her positive energy and genuine personality turned the session into more than just photos.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My mother is the strongest person I know. She has endured countless setbacks and continues to try and be the best version of herself for her family. He resilience inspires me daily. She has taught me the value of hard work and determination. No matter the challenge she continues pushing forward, while still finding time to support me and my dreams.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine to motivate others by sharing my storing. This opportunity will allow me to inspire teens to overcome hardships, believe in their dreams, and keep pushing forward. More than anything else I want other teens to know that there is always more to their story, never give up. Each person creates their own path, and I want to show others that it is possible to do anything you put your mind to.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I win a scholarship, I will use the money to help pay for my education. College is expensive and this will help reduce financial stress and allow me to focus on my studies. My education is very important to me, and this will only help my dreams become more obtainable.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
My dream job would be working as a psychologist, specializing in helping teens and young adults navigate mental health challenges. I would love to create safe spaces where people feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow into the best versions of themselves. I would also potentially like to specialize in helping teens and young adults navigate grief after the loss of a loved one.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I would like to thank my family for always being my biggest supporters. I would also like to thank my best friend, her strength, resilience, and constant encouragement inspire me every day. I’m also grateful to my teachers mentors who have believed in me and pushed me to keep chasing my goals.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I want to remind others that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. Life is about learning, growing, and finding your own path. Every challenge is an opportunity to build resilience, and every small step forward matters. Also, it’s okay not to always be okay, you are so loved, and your story is not over. Keep pushing, keep working to become the best version of yourself. I am proud of everyone one of you.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
I would likely be spending time with my family or friends, they make doing nothing feel like the best thing.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I’m excited to finish my senior year strong; enjoy all the special moments, and then prepare for college, where I’ll start my journey toward a psychology degree.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Stay true to yourself, work hard, and never give up when things get tough—challenges make you stronger. Even when things get rough, it always gets better.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I see myself in college, pursuing a psychology degree.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love fishing, it allows me to relax and spend time with my friends. There is also no better feeling than the feeling of a fish on your line!

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel to both Greece and New York City, go skydiving, and start a nonprofit dedicated to teen mental health.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think others find me inspiring because I stay determined through challenges, and use my voice to make a difference.

Look for Claire 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

Image by Pattie Notz