Gisele Cross

Gisele Cross – Florida
Nomination & Photography by Lynnette Wisk - My Pink Photography
Issue 92 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Gisele Cross for has inspiring spirit and resilience. As her photographer and a family friend for over a decade, I've witnessed her grow into a remarkable young woman. Gisele's radiant smile never fades, even during life's toughest moments, reflecting her unyielding positivity and strength. Her grace under pressure and ability to find joy in adversity inspire everyone around her. Whether facing personal challenges or embracing new opportunities, she carries herself with confidence and kindness. Gisele's journey is a testament to perseverance, making her a true role model and a deserving candidate for this recognition.

Photography by Lynnette Wisk - My Pink Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Despite struggling with my mental and physical healthy, I have made it my mission to be the best version of myself I can be. I have grown to persevere in times of struggle and I consistently strive to be my most authentic self. I have been placed in many leadership roles throughout my life, whether it be as Cheer Captain or a member of Student Government, I aspire to be a trustworthy role model.
 
What is your leadership style?
I like to lead with grace and understanding. A team is made of many individual people with different personalities and needs. As a leader, I pride myself with being a safe place for every single person, and highlighting the best in them. Certain people have specific strengths and weaknesses, so it is my job to allow people to showcase their strengths, and build up their weaknesses. 
 
What is your strongest leadership quality?
I believe my strongest leadership quality is my ability to uplift. I’ve been labeled as a leader since I was little, so it took trial and error to understanding that I, myself, have to have a positive attitude. The rest of my teammates have always counted on me to pick them up while they were down, so I had to find the light in tough situations. 
 
What is a favorite accomplishment with cheer?
My favorite accomplishment with cheer is winning the Summit when I was 12. After moving to Florida from Georgia, I had to find a new Allstar gym. This led me to Brandon Allstars, where I made level three during my first year. At the end of the year, we won our biggest competition of the season. I’ll never forget that. It taught me that change can be good. 
 
What is a favorite memory with your cheer team?
With my school cheer team, my fellow seniors and I had to “initiate” the new people to the team. We had a long day of UCA camp, so none of the new girls expected it. We split into groups, picked them up from their houses, went on a scavenger hunt, and had a big sleepover. It was so much fun and an amazing bonding moment.
 
Why did you choose to be a member of Student Government and what did you learn from it?
I chose to be a member of student government as my older sisters participated in it and told me how much they loved it. I learned to showcase school spirit, be social, and take on large tasks in small amounts of time. 
 
What responsibilities did you have as a member?
I had to assist in planning school events, making decorations for the school, designing apparel for students, rewarding students for their accomplishments, and celebrating teacher dedication to the school.
 
What did you learn about yourself in the process?
I learned that I am able to work well with others, as well as handle a lot at once. I learned that I am very creative, and have some pretty cool ideas.
 
What else would you like to talk about?
My little sister. She is my absolute rock and the person I work endlessly to be perfect for. I love her with my whole heart, and want to be someone she can always turn to. She is my best-friend and I feel so blessed to be by her side.
 
What do you and your sister like to do together?
We love to go on long drives. When we both need to separate from everyone, driving with music is the way to disconnect. We love to debrief about our lives and talk when we need it.
 
What is a favorite tradition with her that you hope never ends?
My favorite tradition is our annual sleepover on Christmas Eve. It isn’t a big party or anything, but every year we sleep in one of our rooms and wake everyone up for presents. In our family, we’re the youngest. Being excited about Christmas feels like our duty, so I hope everyone always see us that way. 
 
What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Film, movies, and music. I absolutely adore the cinema. It’s what I want to do with my life, and I want to do it well. I find details in the simplest movies and pieces of music, although most people don’t really understand how. Something about film moves me in a way that makes me feel connected to it. It is my passion and dream to make movies.
 
What movie or film could you watch over and over and why?
Even though it’s a comedy, I can watch Project X over and over. I’m usually drawn to more complex movies, but this movie is so nostalgic for me. It’s so refreshing to see people living freely and having the time of their lives. Every time I watch, I am reminded to enjoy my youth and not care what others think. 
 
If you could star in a remake of any movie, what would it be, who would you play, and why?
If I could star in a remake of any movie, it would be the Giver. I read the book and watched the movie in middle school, but I think it would be so amazing if redone. The storyline and messages are so incredible. The main character is pretty similar to me, so I’d love to take on a different version of myself.
 
What is your favorite genre of music and what is your current favorite song?
My music taste varies extremely, but I’d say my favorite music genre is definitely indie. I tend to listen to the production and instruments of a song, rather than the lyrics. My favorite song at the moment is definitely not indie, but is so captivating and wonderfully made. This is Beautiful Boy/ Downstream by Rowan Drake. You HAVE to listen to it.
 
What is your dream job if you could land it right now today?
If I could land my dream job today, it would be the main actress in a big movie, or the director of it. Since I was a baby, I knew where my life would take me. Making movies has always felt like my purpose, and I intend to do just that.
 
How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
She is a close family friend. Her daughter, Julia is my older sister’s best friend. They met through cheerleading. Ever since, Lynnette has taken every single photo for us. Every experience with her is so amazing and genuinely fun! She makes me feel so confident and uses her skills to capture me in the best way. I love her ability to find hidden gems in any location, that will bring out the best in a photo.
 
What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My favorite memory of Lynnette has to be the time she photographed my Cheerleading and Football team’s senior photos. She made it so fun and enjoyable, while capturing us in the best light. Ultimately, I think she is such a pure and kind human being, who will always bring out the best in anyone.
 
Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
Being a teenager is hard. I personally have suffered through bullying and changes through my body/ personality. These pictures made me feel so beautiful and genuinely showed my growth. It would be nice to be a success story to inspire others that they can persevere and come out stronger and more confident than the girl I started out as.
 
If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
I will be attending an out of state college far away from my family. Scholarship money would be a blessing to assist with tuition costs and or/travel in hopes of having a successful college experience, as well as pursuing my dreams.
 
Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
 I’d like to thank my family for supporting me endlessly, and showing me what unconditional love is. I’d like to thank Miss Lynette Wisk for capturing me in such a positive light.
 
If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would find me at the movie theaters. I keep track of every new film that comes out, and I’m the first one there.
 
What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
 Next for me is college at the University of Oregon. I’m beyond thrilled for this new experience and plan to enjoy every second.
 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would say to take it day by day. Some days will be good; some will be bad, but you have to wake up and give yourself grace.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself starting my directorial debut in California, starting the beginning of a bright future.
 
What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I honestly love to cook and bake. I love home-cooked meals, but it’s also very therapeutic!
 
3 Things on your bucket list
I want to travel all over Europe, I want to walk a runway, and I want to direct an award-winning film.
 
Who do you find inspiring?
I find Zendaya extremely inspiring. She has openly discussed her mental health issues, while showing how to overcome them and succeed in every aspect of life.
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
When people are very devoted and have strong morals, I am inspired to be just like them. They show me that success comes to those who work hard and stay authentic.

Look for Gisele in issue 92 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 92

click here to nominate an inspiring teen