Houston Potter

Houston Potter – Florida
Nomination & Photography by Preslee McGough Photography
Issue 85 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Houston is the definition of an inspiring teen. Words that others use to describe her include, kind, driven, passionate, motivating, encouraging, beautiful and priceless. She is a senior at South Walton High School and in addition to her many extracurriculars and volunteer work, has been completing college coursework that will allow her to graduate high school with her associate's degree in arts. This senior is passionate about helping others and plans to continue her education at Auburn University to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
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Photography by Preslee McGough Photography
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What has been your favorite memory as a senior so far?
My favorite memory as a senior has been soaking up all the time with my family and doing the little things with them that matter most. I enjoy going to all the breakfasts, sunrises, sunsets, dances, and games that seniors all do together. It is great to be able to experience this year with everyone.

What are you looking forward to next as a senior?
I am looking forward to being one step closer to becoming a nurse anesthetist. Going to college is going to be a great step forward and I am excited to be able to go to nursing school and have my family’s support to help me along the way. Being able to have a new change ahead is exciting and that is something I look forward to.

What extracurriculars mean the most to you?
Extracurriculars that align with my interests and career goals mean the most to me. Since I am aiming for a career in nursing, activities like volunteering at clinics or joining health clubs give me direct experience. Working with others helps build my confidence and communication skills, which are crucial in healthcare, while sports like volleyball help me develop teamwork skills and stay physically fit—both important in high-stress roles. These activities not only support my personal growth but also prepare me for the demands of a nursing career.

What leadership roles have you had?
I have had some natural leadership opportunities, especially through playing sports, like guiding newer players or motivating teammates during tough games. I have also had chances to step up in group projects and school events, where I helped organize tasks and support others. For me, leadership is not just about titles; it is about setting a good example, being dependable, and helping those around me. These experiences have taught me a lot and will serve me well as I work toward a future in healthcare.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as supportive and collaborative. I believe in leading by example, staying dependable, and encouraging others to bring their strengths to the team. I like to make sure everyone feels included and valued, so I focus on effective communication and try to be approachable when someone needs help or feedback. I am not overly authoritative—the best results come from working together and building trust. My goal as a leader is to create an environment where everyone feels motivated to do their best.

Where do you spend the most time volunteering and why?
I spend the most time volunteering in areas related to healthcare and community support, as these experiences align closely with my career goals and allow me to help others directly. Being involved in healthcare-related volunteer work gives me practical exposure and insight into the field, helping me build valuable skills for my future in nursing. Plus, volunteering in the community is rewarding because it allows me to give back and make a positive impact. It is a great way to connect with others and learn more about what it means to care for people in real-world settings.

How do you balance your high school studies with your college classes?
I am very thankful for the opportunity to be able to do dual enrollment and how easy the process of doing both has been. I go to just the college and complete those classes for my associates degree, but I have to take certain courses there to be able to make sure that my high school classes are also completed. It has been a challenging thing to manage both but staying on top of my work and studying has been the most important thing. It definitely takes some time to get used to just being in college, but it is worth it.

How did you decide on becoming a nurse anesthetist?
I knew I always wanted to be in the medical field of some sort, I just was not sure what. I started out wanting to be a veterinarian and then went to wanting to be a pediatrician and then to a physical therapist and now I have really set my mind on a nurse anesthetist. It is a wonderful way to help people and allow them to be safe during their surgery. Being a nurse in itself is a wonderful thing and there are many career paths you can advance to, but you will always have a nursing degree to come back to.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
An inspiring thing about me that is not mentioned in my nomination is my love for the outdoors. My love stems from the appreciation of nature and the peace it brings. Growing up around the water it has made me appreciate all things within the outdoors like fishing and duck hunting.

Tell us more about your fishing and duck hunting. 
I got interested in hunting and fishing from my brother and my dad. Over the years we have been to Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee to duck hunt. It has been so fun experiencing all the states with my family and seeing how different every state is. We have fished multiple rodeos and a lot of the times just for fun but its always fun to go out for an entire day and catch something good.

What would you most like to talk about?
Something that I would most like to talk about is that I am truly passionate about helping people and making a positive impact in their lives. My faith is my guiding light providing me with the confidence to face challenges and inspire others. I believe that every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity. I strive to be a role model showing teens that they have the power to uplift themselves and those around them by embracing compassion dedication, we can all contribute to a brighter future.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Something I feel very enthusiastic about is God and my future in helping others. I feel like God has opened a lot of doors for me and giving me the opportunity to help others one day and give back is such a blessing.

Give an example of this.
An example of this would be when you have a troubling time with something God may close that door but open something even greater. He works in great ways and knowing that he is on your side is truly a great feeling.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
Preslee McGough is a family friend of mine and also the best photographer I have done a shoot with. She made it extremely comfortable to do all types of poses and was well prepared. I loved most that she traveled four hours with all of her stuff to get the most perfect shot. She really made it an amazing experience by being her.

What is a favorite memory you have with the person who nominated you?
My favorite memory with Preslee McGough was while doing the shoot we ended the shoot in the water, and she made it such a fun experience to do so. The shoot was so much fun and was so relaxing to do.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I would want to be in inspiring teens magazine to share my journey of Faith and dedication to helping others. I believe in the power of authentic stories to motivate and uplift young minds. Through this platform, I hope to connect with teens, encourage them to embrace their unique strengths, and inspire them to be positive changemakers in their communities. By sharing my experiences, I aim to show that they, too, can overcome challenges and pursue their passions with confidence.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
If I had a completely free day, you would find me at the beach or exploring somewhere new. I love the mix of relaxing by the water, diving into an enjoyable book, and the thrill of discovering new spots and activities. I might also take the chance to get outdoors, whether it is a hike, a bike ride, or just a walk along the shore. Being active and surrounded by nature is my favorite way to spend time off—it is refreshing and helps me clear my mind.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Something that is coming up next for me is the start of a medical assistant program. I start this in December and have the ability to learn more about different things in the medical field. This is a wonderful opportunity to get more experience and have some background knowledge of things before going into nursing school.

Look for Houston in issue 85 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 85

click here to nominate an inspiring teen