Isabelle Marta

Isabelle Marta – Michigan
Nomination & Photography by Jasper Hill Photography
Issue 86 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Isabelle is an incredibly inspiring teen, balancing leadership, athletics and academics with grace and dedication. As Student Council President, a National Honor Society Member, and committed Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, she consistently gives back to her community. Isabelle's athleticism is equally impressive-she excels in basketball, tennis and softball. Her drive, kindness and passion for both her peers and pursuits make her a true role model for those around her. Isabelle's ability to lead, inspire and achieve at such a high level is truly remarkable!

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Photography by Jasper Hill Photography
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What has your favorite leadership opportunity been and why?
My favorite leadership opportunity has been leading the student council through homecoming. Homecoming for my school is a very stressful and jammed-packed time. In past years I followed and learned from the other presidents before me.

How would you describe your leadership style?
I describe my leadership style as transformational. I focus on continuous improvement and encouraging my teammates to step out and think of something different. Leaders who use this style are described as energetic, passionate, and motivated. I feel as if the description of this leader describes me.

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My strongest leadership quality is having an open mind. I will hear everyone out and listen to what they have to say. In the moments that I can not listen, I will do what I feel is best.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In my leadership role as student council president, I do many things for the school. I help with assemblies including announcing what we are planning, setting up games, and getting students to participate. I read off the morning announcements, help plan dress-up days, participate in the can-a-thon that helps the Salvation Army, and participate in adopt-a-highway every summer.

What has your favorite activity been in the NHS?
My favorite activity in NHS has been helping out with the Gus Maker. The Gus Maker is a three-on-three basketball tournament. I was able to watch some intense games while running a check-in booth.

What has been your most rewarding experience as Student Council President?
The most rewarding experience I had in becoming student council president is when everyone’s hard work pays off. My student council works as a team, everyone has to work together for our activities to go as planned. For homecoming, we head over to the elementary school to put temporary tattoos on the younger kids. We split up into groups and made sure that no kid was left out in getting a tattoo. If one group forgets a classroom then we all mess up.

What is a memory from being in Big Brothers Big Sisters that you will never forget?
A memory I will never forget is when my little and I became true friends. In the first couple of weeks, we were just getting to know each other and doing group activities. After some one on one time, we realized we had more in common. We can just talk, joke around, and get each other. I look forward every week to talk to my friend.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am very involved in sports. I have been on varsity basketball and tennis for four years and varsity softball for three. In basketball, I hold the record of most three-pointers in a game with 8 made. This year in tennis I achieved all-state for one doubles. Lastly, for softball, I got first team for second base. I am fully committed to the sports I play and appreciate the hard work I have to put in.

Tell us about your basketball career.
In third grade, I started basketball. In my first game ever I scored my first points, a layup, looked up to my mom in the bleachers, I was waving my hands, and loudly asked her if she saw me. I now am more modest when it comes to making a layup. I am a varsity player for my high school.

What position do you play in basketball and how does it suit you?
In basketball, I am a shooting guard. I feel most comfortable shooting and can drive when an opportunity arises. I can also play in the post if needed. I enjoy working in the post to get a well-earned two points.

How did you get started in tennis?
The assistant coach is a middle school teacher. When I was in eighth grade he convinced me to try it out. After I went to a tennis camp I was hooked.

What do you love most about tennis?
Growing up all I did was team sports. Tennis is much more individual. I do play doubles so I have someone with me but it’s not like basketball where there are four other players by my side. I get to work through the ups and downs of my matches by myself. I have learned so much emotionally from tennis.

What is your softball team like and what do you love most about being a part of it?
My softball team is like a family. When someone hits a good hit or gets someone out in a play everyone is up and cheering. I never feel judged when making a mistake or striking out. Being part of that kind of team makes you feel good about yourself, that’s what I love most.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Something I could talk about for hours is human emotion. It is fascinating that many people could go through the same experience and feel differently about it. My sisters and I have memories of when we were growing up that all sound different because of the emotions we were feeling at the time.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
Jennifer at Jasper Hill Photography is wonderful. I found her because she did my sister’s and my friend’s senior photos. The experience with her was comfortable and exciting. She made me feel like I was born to be in front of a camera. She made an effort in getting to know me and planned out poses and locations based off my interests. What I love most is because it is so personal, not one person who goes through Jasper Hill Photography has the same pictures. I love all of my photos and had an amazing time!

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine because I would love to be a part of such a positive experience for teens and photographers. I would love for teens like me to know that they should embrace everything about themselves no matter what.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My favorite thing about Jennifer is her positivity and creativity. When having my pictures taken if something didn’t work out she tried something different. We did poses that made me laugh and poses that made me feel confident. The couple hours I was with her flew by because it was such a blast.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would find me with friends. I love being with people and connecting.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Next year I will be in college. I am so excited to start my life as a young adult. I’m excited to learn independence and for a challenge.

Look for Isabelle in issue 86 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 86

click here to nominate an inspiring teen