Gianna Sambolin

Gianna Sambolin - New Hampshire
Nomination by Channa Fox
Photography by StewartSmithPhotography.com
Issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Gianna Sambolin does it all! She is a gymnast, elite cheerleader and dancer. She plays the saxophone, volunteers to help tutor kids in her school and volunteers her time to organize fundraisers that help those less fortunate. She works as a Model and is signed with WSM Talent Agency. She does all this while maintaining high honors in school and she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her work ethic as an athlete and as a scholar as well as her desire to give back to her community is what makes her such an inspiring young lady.

Photography by StewartSmithPhotography.com

Tell us more about your gymnastics career.
I started gymnastics when I was 7 years old. I'm on an Xcel team which is a USA gymnastics competitive team, but it allows a more flexible schedule for me to participate in other sports. I'm currently on an Xcel Gold team.

What is your best event?
Floor is my best and favorite event! Tumbling is one of my favorites parts of being a gymnast. Also on floor, I love learning the choreography to a routine and performing it in front if an audience.

What is a favorite accomplishment from gymnastics?
My third year of gymnastics I won 1st place all around at my State competition!
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Photography by StewartSmithPhotography.com

When did you start cheering and what is the best part of being a cheerleader?
I started cheering when I was 7 years old and the best part of being a cheerleader is performing at the competitions and bonding with my teammates.

Tell us about your cheer team and where you fit in?
I'm currently on two teams. I cheer for my town team and also for my State Elite team.
On my town team I am one of the main tumblers.
For the State Elite team I am a base as well as a tumbler.

What is a favorite memory from cheer?
One of my favorite memories from cheer is last year is when my team wasn’t doing that great all season and we made a huge comeback and placed 2nd place in Regionals. It was the best feeling to put so much hard work in and finish the season placing 2nd at Regionals.

Photography by StewartSmithPhotography.com

How did you find and why did you choose Stewart Smith Photography for your photographer? 
My Mom knew of Stewart and scheduled a photoshoot as a birthday present for me. I had been asking her to start modeling and I wanted to get a portfolio started. Stewart is the best photographer and an awesome person!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
It was the best! We shot two full days, one in his studio and one on the beach and some other outside locations. I loved the whole experience. Stewart gives great direction and makes you feel so comfortable like you're just hanging out taking pictures with a friend. I can’t wait to go back and shoot with him again, it was so fun!
 
If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be? 
I could talk about traveling forever. I love to visit new places, learn how people in that country live and learn about their cultures.

Where are some of the places you've visited? 
I've traveled a lot for a 13 year old. We take a family vacation every year to Aruba which I look forward to. I've been to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel, Belize, Honduras, I've also been to many different states in the USA.

Which is your favorite destination and why?
So far my favorite places are Aruba and New York

What is the most interesting thing you've learned in someone else's culture?
It amazes me when other countries drive on the other side of the road.

What have you learned about people in general in your travels?
Peoples personalities are really different in different parts of the world. For example, when I am in New York everyone seems so serious and is fast paced and in a rush. In Aruba, everyone is happy, more relaxed and not so much in a rush.

Photography by StewartSmithPhotography.com

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I think that hardest thing I've ever accomplished is getting through quarantine. I am always so busy and had a hard time slowing down. Not seeing anyone or going anywhere was very difficult.
I was able to get through this time by having a schedule of activities that I did every day. I did lots of workouts to stay conditioned for sports and facetimed my friends and family to stay connected. I just tried to stay positive through this time and tried to remember it was going to get better soon.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Have good time management, and always put in your best effort. I feel like I am successful in school and sports because I try to do my best every day, and with a busy schedule, having good time management has helped me reach my goals.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I hope to be still modeling, I would love to be a high fashion runway model.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite thing to do is go to the beach. It makes me feel relaxed and peaceful to be at the ocean.
 
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I'm super flexible, I could definitely see myself being a contortionist.
 
3 Things on your bucket list
1.Become a runway model
2.Finish the rest of my schooling with all A's
3.Go to Paris

Who do you find inspiring?
My Mom is inspiring to me because she keeps our family so close and connected and takes care of us all. She's gone through a lot of difficult times but always stays so strong and positive.
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Other people inspire me when they are confident and sure of themselves.
I think I am inspiring because I try to always have a positive outlook on things. I am a nice person, and I treat people as I would like to be treated.

Look for Gianna in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 60

click here to nominate an inspiring teen