Magaly Marin

Magaly Marin – Illinois
Nomination by Idalia Marín
Photography  by Sarah Jane Photography
Issue 74 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Magaly Marin is an inspirational teen because of her unwavering desire to succeed. Magaly takes on new challenges and perseveres through difficulties with poise and grace. She has developed her leadership skills through her involvement in 4H, Student Council, National Honor Society, orchestra, Student Youth and Government, Spanish Honor Society. Her involvement in these organizations has allowed her to sharpen her skills in addition to providing an opportunity to give back to others and serve the local community. Magaly embodies the spirit of a servant leader and is worthy of recognition.
 

Photography by Sarah Jane Photography

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​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My interest in community development for everyone. I teach swim lessons at my local YMCA and that has taught me so much valuable lessons. The importance of swim education and how it is such a valuable life skill to have. As well as my participation in other clubs and organizations that promote service and equity for others. Everything that I do inspires me to do more and my participate in helping my local community.

What else would you like to talk about?
Drive, discipline and courage are what keep me moving day to day. I believe that working on having those two skills really makes an impact on your life. Since we have all had days that we did not want to do anything but lay in bed knowing that we had a list of things to do. Holding yourself more accountable you are able to do so much for the day. These three skills have really shaped me because they help me to persevere through all of the day-to-day challenges.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
My family is the main reason for my big dreams. They are my number one supporter in everything that I do. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and my two younger brothers. My mom and dad have always encouraged me to do my best in everything I do. They always held their expectations high but also helped me to get back up when I failed. I am so very grateful for them, and words cannot express my dearest love and respect I have for them.

How did you find your photographer, Sarah Jane Photography? What was your experience like & what did you love most about it?
I was invited to participate in my photographer's MOD SQUAD 2024. It was an enriching experience. It provided me the opportunity to meet other girls from the other high schools. I loved hearing about their experiences and having fun celebrating our senior year.

Photography by Sarah Jane Photography

Tell us about your involvement with 4H.
I have participated in 4H since I was 7 years old. 4H has allowed me to meet new people and make new friends and learn new skills such as baking, sewing, scrapbooking and crocheting. 4H has also helped me develop my leadership skills through my roles as club historian, treasurer and vice president.One of the greatest things about 4H is the opportunity to serve in different community projects and give back to the community.

What is a proud moment within your activities with 4H.
One of my proudest moments in 4H occurred last summer when my sewing project was selected for presentation at the Illinois State Fair. This was a very big accomplishment for me since it was my first time presenting at the state fair and it was only my second year in sewing. I felt a great sense of accomplishment in sewing my own garment.. Also, it was a great experience going to Springfield and seeing other amazing projects in the various categories.

What is your role in the student council and what has been your favorite student council activity?
I am my school’s student council president. My favorite student council activity has been planning school events such as homecoming. Planning is always a fun time to work with peers creating new ideas for decorating and planning fun spirit days leading up to the homecoming dance.

What service project within the NHS has been your favorite and why?
My favorite project within the NHS has been helping to organize the school blood drive. Every year we collaborate with the local Red Cross to host a blood drive at school. Staff and students all are able to participate and it is for a very worthy cause. Blood donations are always needed and students want to make a difference.

Photography by Sarah Jane Photography

What musical instrument do you play in an orchestra? What genre is your favorite and why?
I play the Viola in my school's orchestra. My favorite genre of music to play is symphonies, classical and romantic movements. My favorite piece of music is Gustav Holst’s 7 movements of The Planets. I really enjoy playing these suites. I enjoy playing this specific orchestra suite because they are complex and the movements have so much depth and feeling about them.

What do you do in Spanish Honor Society and why is it important to you?
I am a member of the Spanish Honor Society. This organization is important to me because it allows me the opportunity to connect to my Latino culture, connect with other Latino students and strengthen my Español. Our club also participates in events to support small Latino businesses in our community. Club members also help to tutor peers who are struggling in their Spanish language courses.
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​What leadership opportunities have you had within these organizations?
My involvement in these various organizations has allowed me to hold various leadership positions.I am currently the National Honor Society President for my, I am the 4H secretary for my club and I am also the president of my school’s Student Council.

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My strongest leadership quality is my perseverance and drive. I am always ready for a challenge and anything else coming my way. Being involved in many organizations can be challenging at times when you are managing time, deadlines, school and work. My dedication and perseverance to get the job done has helped me to stay focused and work towards leading to the best of my ability. My drive to succeed has forced me to be more organized with my time management in order to meet my deadlines.

Photography by Sarah Jane Photography

​What are you most excited about being a senior this year?
I am most excited about being with my friends and participating in all of the fun activities at school one last time. I am excited to attend my senior prom and make memories that I will cherish for a long time.

What will you miss most about high school?
There are so many things that I will miss about high school. I will miss our cross country team’s pasta parties before meets, I will miss our orchestra’s annual Halloween hauntcert. I will miss riding in the student council float during the homecoming parade and painting the rock to celebrate our teams big wins. Most of all I will miss my friends and the traditions that we shared throughout our 4 years of high school.

Look for Magaly in issue 74 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 74

click here to nominate an inspiring teen