Kaitlin Robinson

Kaitlin Robinson – Texas
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Kaitlin Robinson is the most kind hearted person you will ever meet. She lights up any room she enters with not only her beautiful smile, but her infectious laugh and energy.
She has spent most of her life giving back to her school, community, and world. Last year, she started a club at school to make care packages to be delivered to the homeless and less fortunate. Kaitlin has played sports throughout her life and has been involved in many clubs and organizations with her school and church. But her heart is in helping those, either people or animals, that are less fortunate than she. She would rather give to someone than to have anything for herself. Her selfless acts from a very young age to now have always made her family extremely proud of her.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I am most proud of my volunteerism. I have always strived to give back to those less fortunate than myself. When I was in elementary school, I would ask my friends to donate money so I could purchase something for my teacher in lieu of birthday gifts.

Tell us about your love of volunteering. Where did it start and where are your favorite places to volunteer?
I have always loved to give back to my community and touch every heart I can reach. I want people to remember me as the girl who made them smile or feel welcomed wherever they are. When I was younger, I never asked for anything for Christmas or my birthday because I knew someone out there needed something more than I did. My first major volunteering opportunity was a toy drive for Ben Taub Children’s Hospital that my sister and I started coordinating every year on Good Friday. It was amazing to see the children’s faces light up when they received a new toy or coloring book! Moments like those are priceless and unforgettable.

What is the club you made at school for the homeless? How did you get it started and where is it now? How did Covid affect your efforts?
My junior year of high school I started a club, R.A.I.L, dedicated to helping the homeless community. R.A.I.L stands for Raising Awareness; Impacting Lives. If I could impact one person’s life for the better, my purpose would be fulfilled. I have always made care packages and dropped them off the local shelters or handed them out to men and women I see on the road. When my English teacher last year brought up the idea of starting a club, I jumped right on it! I was able to form a council and have our first few meetings before Covid-19 shut down our country. Sadly, no more was able to be done due to school closures and safety protocols. Hopefully soon I will be able to create a non-profit for R.A.I.L and continue on my journey!

Share your dance journey with us. What are your favorite types of dance to practice and what is a favorite memory or accomplishment with dance?
Last year I decided to try out for Legacies, the dance/drill team at my high school. I had never danced before this and was very nervous going into the prep week and auditions. I practiced every night until midnight that week and my mom and I prayed so hard that I would make the team. When I got my call back, I was ecstatic! I ended up making the team and the world of dance became more than I could have ever dreamed of. It has shaped me as a person and leader and helped me find my true self.
My favorite types of dance are contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. When the music moves through my body during a contemporary or lyrical piece, I feel like I have been transported to a different universe where it is only the music and I. Jazz is so energetic, and a sassy, fierce song has the most dramatic facials and sharp movements. I’ve always been a bubbly person and it is so great when I am able to just have fun and let loose with a dance.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

​If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I have had the opportunity to be inspired by some great leaders. I would love to speak to a group of young girls in leadership and empowerment. I feel that I have some lessons I’ve learned about goal setting that I would like to be able to pass on to others just starting their high school journey.

What is something you learned from a great leader that you have used through you to pass down to the next generation of great leaders? 
One of the fabulous experiences I had as a part of the Legacies Dance Team was being able to attend a women’s empowerment talk. The guest speaker said two things that have always stuck with me and I pass them on to everyone, hoping they will get the same life changing affects it had on me. The first thing she said was “fake it until you become it”. I have been able to live as the best version of myself every day because I can wake up knowing that I want to help others and act on it! The second thing she taught me was to have a “power pose”. Whether it be your hands on your hips or lifting your head a little higher, have a pose that gives you the confidence to be who you want to be and not back down to anyone. I have always dealt with anxiety, so having a way to help empower myself in situations where I want to give in and hide has helped me overcome so many obstacles.

What are your greatest strengths as a leader?
As a leader, I imagine my greatest strengths to be my ability to empathize with others and stand my ground when situations get tough. I never want someone to feel unwelcome or sad around me and I will go the distance to make sure I put a smile on everyone’s face. I also do not have a problem with standing out or being negatively labeled when doing the right thing. If I’m not the coolest because I won’t do something I know is wrong that does not affect me and I hope others will be able to say no, or stand up for someone, if I have the courage to do so first. It’s hard to be the odd one out, especially as a teenager, but I make it a goal to set the trend for standing up for yourself and others.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I will most likely be starting my first year of medical school. After high school I will be attending college to double major in Biomedical Science and Business. Once I graduate with my Bachelors Degrees I will attend medical school and finish out my residency, and then open my own plastic surgery practice. I would love to help others who have been in accidents feel good about themselves again. In today’s society people are easily judged based solely off their looks. It is easy to forget how amazing of a person you are inside when your morale is so low due to an outside perspective. Everyone should be confident in their own, beautiful skin!

Who do you find inspiring?
The most inspiring person I have in my life is hands down my mother. As a single mom of two girls, I’m sure she has a rough time with my sister and I every once in a while. I would not have been able to accomplish anything I have without my very best friend and role model pushing me every day! My mom, Kathy Robinson, has dedicated herself to children her whole life. As a mother and elementary teacher, she impacts and shapes the lives of children everywhere. She is the most confident and true to self woman I know, and a fabulous role model for all. She has taught me everything in life, but the most important words she has instilled into me is that “you are enough”. She has led me to be the confident, well rounded young woman I am today. Without her I would not be in this magazine right now... without her I would not be anywhere. So thank you Mom, for always having my back and pushing me out of my comfort zone a little further. I love you ♥︎

Look for Kaitlin Robinson in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

---

click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen