Grace Hext

Grace Hext - Texas
Nomination & Photography by Hayly Hext Photography
Issue 81 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Grace Hext is an inspiring blend of intelligence, humor and kindness. Her quick wit and brilliance shine through in her academic achievements, especially her writing. Her creativity and insight are truly exceptional. She's a hardworking individual, always striving for excellence, and her nurturing nature makes her a such a compassionate friend. She has the ability to brighten the room with her sense of humor and support of those around her. I am endlessly proud of her!

Photography by Hayly Hext Photography
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Tell us about your academic achievements.
If I had to condense my choices to my favorite achievements I would mention that I have been a proud member of NHS since my Junior year. As for my grades and test scores, I scored in the 78th percentile on the Reading and Writing portion of the SAT and scored a 4 on my AP Language and Composition final. I finished with a 4.0 weighted GPA.

Which one are you most proud of and why?
I am definitely most proud of my score on the APLang final. Even though I had worked hard all year and studied endless hours, I still had so much doubt that I would ever be able to pass a test at a collegiate level. Passing the test not only gave me confidence, but it will help me out a lot in college!

What do you like to write about?
I enjoy sharing my opinions about controversial and intimidating rhetoric. I have fun when I write about topics that you have to have a strong opinion on.

How would you describe your writing style?
One thing that is evident in my writing style is the strength of my personal opinion. I enjoy writing argumentative essays because I am able to express my point of view while also delivering facts and evidence to support my case. Kind of like a nerdy diary!

What are your ideal writing conditions?
The best writing environment would definitely be in bed after the sun has set with a candle burning and some music playing.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on my college essays! Although it is a little stressful, I am so excited to start polishing up my drafts.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Thanks to my parent’s consistency in keeping me accountable along with their constant support, I have been blessed with the perfect environment and tools to excel in school. My education has always been a top priority for my family and I. I am proud to say that I will be going into my final year of highschool with straight A’s and I will be continuing several AP and Dual Credit courses in the Fall. I am hoping to strengthen my foundation this year as I am preparing for college and hopefully higher education after that!

What has been your favorite class so far and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
AP Language and Composition has been my favorite class throughout the entirety of highschool because it made me learn more about myself than any class has before. For several essays, we were forced to form opinions based off of research only which can greatly affect the way you think about issues in our world today.

What are you most looking forward to in taking Dual Credit courses in the fall?
Taking Dual Credit and AP classes now are going to help me so much in the years to come. Getting the easy classes out of the way now will lift such a burden off of me so I can focus on things I enjoy more.

What are you most excited about for your senior year?
I am looking forward to all of the wonderful memories that my friends and I will make that will last a lifetime.

What else would you like to talk about?
As I grow and begin to lean into adulthood I have started to appreciate the things I have long taken for granted; time being at the top of the list. It is bittersweet that the big dreams I had as a little girl are slowly becoming a reality. I will be applying to Texas Tech this summer (Wreck em’!) and I will begin my journey through the medical field. Medicine, specifically Obstetrics, has secured a special place in my heart. My passion for women’s health keeps me motivated daily.

What are you doing now to work towards your field in Medicine?
I am working on my application to join a program that will allow me to shadow and watch live surgeries.

Why did you choose Medicine?
I love this question. I chose to go into medicine, specifically obstetrics, because I am determined to make a change. I will have the opportunity as a doctor to be apart of the best and worst days of people’s lives, and that’s beautiful.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
My biggest passion in life and number one priority is my biggest support system, friend, and most important, my savior. Jesus Christ died on the cross so you and I could spend eternity in heaven. Many, like myself, claim that they would die for Christ in a heartbeat. However, I find a great struggle in living for him. To live for Christ is dying to the temptations of the flesh. My flesh is very weak, however, I can do all things through Christ. My top priority in life is to choose Him, everyday.

How did you find your photographer, Hayly Hext Photography?
What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?: I got lucky enough to have one of the most talented photographers in Lubbock, Hayly Hext, as my very own mom! I am immensely blessed to not only have her as a wonderful and supportive mother, but a best friend. Her creative ideas and energy truly bring her photos to life. Our bond that is filled with moments of fun and laughter made my senior session so much more special. I will forever cherish getting to experience these moments with my mom.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would definitely find me driving all over town and shopping with my friends or my mom. It is for sure my favorite way to relax.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am trying to take everything day by day because everyone tells me how fast senior year goes by so fast. So honestly just all of the fun activities we have planned for the year!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever had to accomplish is the journey to self confidence. I have always struggled with my weight which directly affected the way I felt about myself. Growing up always being bigger than the other girls truly took a shot at my self confidence. Thankfully because of the people and my life and self reflection I found beauty in the other parts of myself and I feel more worthy than ever.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I think it is best to stay humble. You have to realize your worth and not entertain things that will not nurture your body or mind, but at the same time be respectful and expect to learn something from every single person who enters your life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I will be starting medical school! I am very determined to get in and I will do whatever is takes to get accepted. I can’t wait!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
There is something about driving around and blasting your favorite 80’s music with your friends that truly fuels my soul.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am a dog whisperer. Seriously. No matter what I’m always the dogs favorite.

3 Things on your bucket list:
1. See George Strait in concert
2. Create my dream home
3. Watch someone give their life to Jesus

Who do you find inspiring?
If inspiration was a person it would be my mother. She is the reason I have ambition and dreams for my future.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think that my testimony is inspiring because of how diving into my Christian faith flipped my life around entirely.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am so beyond excited to be in this magazine and hopefully reach other young girls with the same goals I have.


Look for Grace in issue 81 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 81

click here to nominate an inspiring teen