Presley Baker

Presley Baker – North Carolina
Nomination & Photography by Waugh 2 Waugh Photography
Issue 89 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Presley loves all things sports. She has played varsity volleyball and basketball since her sophomore year and swam competitively for 11 years. Her passion for sports also extends to teaching children how to swim as part of being a certified lifeguard. Having already completed a CNA program, Presley plans to continue to make a positive impact in her community by interning at Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation and attending a four-year university to pursue a nursing degree after graduation.
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Photography by Waugh 2 Waugh Photography

Tell us about your volleyball career.
I have played volleyball competitively since elementary school, playing on both my school team and on travel teams throughout my high school years. Volleyball is my all-time favorite sport. I play the middle hitter and blocker position. It is very thrilling to get a kill over the net, but even more satisfying to block your opponent’s kill. It takes precise timing and coordination and you must be able to predict your opponent’s next move, which means that you are in constant movement and must make quick decisions based on instinct and intuition. Although I had the opportunity to play volleyball at the collegiate level, I have chosen to not pursue that path because my course of study will be very demanding. However, I do hope to be able to continue playing the sport I love through a college rec or club team. I know that I am going to miss competitive volleyball.
 
What position do you play in basketball and why does it suit you?
In basketball, I play center for my team.  This position suits me perfectly because of my height and also because of my experience with volleyball. I begin each game at the center court, with the jump ball, vying for that first possession to begin the game, using my vertical jumping abilities. I also am usually able to accumulate several blocked shots per game. My experience with volleyball has helped me to fine tune my shot blocking skills in basketball. I often block shots in basketball with both hands, using the same technique that I use at the net in volleyball. Although I love taking the ball to the basket, defense is my favorite part of the sport. I love to box out and collect rebounds for my team.
 
What has been your favorite accomplishment in swimming?
Although I have swam competitively since the age of 5, I have only swam on our local rec team, Elkin Wet Lightning, except for one year on my high school team. My high school team went undefeated in conference swim and won our conference championship.  We also finished very well at regionals and competed in the state championship. I won four medals at the conference championship and earned All-Conference honors. However, because swim and basketball are both winter sports in my state, I had to ultimately choose between them the following year.
 
What have you learned in giving back to teach others to swim?
I love teaching swim lessons and helping youngsters who are new to the sport learn the different strokes. It is very rewarding to see a child’s progress and to literally watch them gain confidence in their skills from day to day. As a lifeguard, I have actually recorded a few saves and it is very gratifying to know that you are helping someone to learn a skill that could literally save their life. I have also learned that most anyone can learn to swim, if they are given the opportunity to learn and the right environment and if they can overcome their fear of the water. The number one rule in teaching someone to swim is that you must first gain their trust.  Once they trust you, they will be comfortable enough to listen and learn. It is fun to watch their excitement as they realize they are getting it and making progress.
 
Tell us about the CNA program.
I took advantage of the opportunity that my high school offers, in conjunction with our local community college, to take the Certified Nursing Assistant class, which enabled me to take the state administered test to become a CNA last semester. A CNA provides basic patient care and assistance with daily living activities under the supervision of nurses or other healthcare professionals. A CNA helps patients with tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and moving. They take and record vital signs and document patient changes and report any concerns to a nurse.
And now, this semester, my last semester of high school, I am able to work as an intern at Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
 
What is it and what made you want to complete it so early?
I chose to take advantage of this opportunity because I want to attend college to get my nursing degree and then I hope to be able to pursue a postgraduate program to become a nurse practitioner. This gave me the opportunity to work in my chosen career path before I even begin college, to explore and ensure that this is the path that I want to pursue. It also has given me a source of income to save money for college and I can use it to find part-time work as I go through college. I am very happy that I chose to pursue my CNA certification, as it has helped to ensure that nursing is the career path that I choose.
 
What do most look forward to during your internship at Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation?
I am very much enjoying my work at the Nursing Center. I appreciate all that I am learning. It is hard work and some days are very strenuous. But it is very rewarding to know that you are helping someone to get through their day, whether that is helping them with their daily activities or just to share conversation with them. My favorite part is that I am building relationships with the residents. 
 
What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I love working with the young children at my church. I assist with children’s church every Sunday and I also work in Vacation Bible School every summer. I love teaching Bible stories and helping the kids with arts and crafts. It is amazing to realize how much a two or three year old can learn through our short little lessons each week. It is very rewarding when a child's face lights up just because they see you and are excited to be in class with you.
 
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is largely based on my work with children and could be described as participative or democratic. I like to lead by example. In teaching swim, and even in helping with Bible lessons and arts and crafts at church, I like to demonstrate the technique, lesson or assignment and then ask for the child to repeat what has been demonstrated and let them give input and feedback. I am naturally shy and must force myself to be bold in teaching or leading a large group. My favorite teaching is one on one, or in small groups.
 
What has working with young children taught you?
Working with young children definitely teaches you to be patient and to expect anything! You never know what a child will say or how they will react to something. Children can be incredibly resilient and sometimes, even though you don’t think they are paying any attention or listening, they will surprise you by demonstrating that they were indeed listening and learning. You must be willing to repeat yourself often and to be patient when trying to accomplish a skill or activity with children. I always try to be patient and remind myself often that I must be a great role model for the children and that I might be the only example of Jesus' love that child might see that day. Children can be incredibly affectionate and generous with their devotion. It is important to honor their trust in you.
 
What else would you like to talk about?
I love to hang out with my friends in my spare time. I am excited about graduating from high school, but also realize that means that the time I get to spend with my friends will be drastically different very soon. I have a great circle of friends that has been close since we were little kids in kindergarten and our early elementary years.
 
What is your friend group like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
My friend group is a great bunch of girls and guys that have been hanging out together for years. We are all very comfortable around one another because we have been friends for so long. My brother, who is one year younger than myself, is a part of my friend group.  Sometimes, my girlfriends will hang out with my brother if I am at work or not available. We all have plans to attend college, and will all be going in separate directions very soon. Although things will be drastically different, I know we will all stay in touch through social media.
 
What do you and your friends like to do together?
My friend group loves to hang out together at each others’ homes. We also love to play pickleball and meet several times each week at the pickleball courts. We often meet and hang out at a local eatery in our town. We enjoy checking out new restaurants and shopping together.
 
What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I could talk with and about my friends forever! We have shared so many good and happy times together! Because we are all going in different directions, that is the one negative thing I dread about college. I know that I will not get to see my friends daily. I know that I’m going to miss them. But, I also know that we will still be in constant contact through social media and will definitely re-connect over breaks and holidays.
 
How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
I first met Scott Waugh when he came to one of my games at school. Scott is hands-down the best live action photographer I know. It is always fun going through his galleries after he works one of my games to see what action he captured. When doing a shoot, Scott is funny and makes everyone feel comfortable. He always has great new ideas.
 
Are you a part of a model team with your photographer, and if so, tell us about it.
I am a senior ambassador for Waugh2Waugh Photography and have enjoyed meeting seniors from different schools through the location shoots.  Although I tend to be a bit shy around new people, it has forced me to step out of my comfort zone. I have enjoyed getting to know others that I might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
 
What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
Scott and his equally talented wife, Misty have done two media day shootings for my volleyball and basketball teams. Both were a lot of fun for me and my teammates. Misty and Scott took lots of great shots, some serious and some very playful. One of the funniest moments was when he photographed myself and a close friend hanging from the basketball rim.
 
Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I would like to be in the magazine just for the experience and fun of doing something I’ve never done before. I am usually very shy and bashful and not one to put myself in a public light. So, why not be brave and do something I’ve never done before?
 
If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I were to win any scholarship money, it would definitely go towards my upcoming college education and the many expenses that will bring. I plan on pursuing a four year degree and then to continue on to obtain a two year postgraduate degree. So, I will have a lot of college expenses to cover.
 
What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
Fortunately, I am getting to work in my ideal dream job for this moment in my life! I love that I am able to work as a CNA, making money and gaining valuable experience that will help me as I pursue my nursing degree. Of course, I eventually hope to be able to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in a private office, providing direct patient health care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. 
 
Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me in life. They are the ones that have gotten me to all my dance lessons, sporting events, after school activities, church events and anything else that I have been involved with. I know that no matter what I am engaged in, they are my biggest fans. I have three siblings and so they are very busy people. They both work, but somehow manage to always be there for me, never missing any of my sporting events or activities. They have taught me that hard work always pays off but also have always let me know that it is okay to fail. They have instilled in me the importance of spirituality, community service and giving to others. I know that I would not be where I am today without them.
 
If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
My favorite place to be is outside, soaking up the sun! Whether hanging out by the pool, or simply walking my dog through our neighborhood, I love being outside in the fresh air, especially in the spring and summer, when it is warm and sunny outside. I love this time of year, when things begin to bloom and the earth seems to re-awaken.
 
What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Right now, I am in the midst of making final decisions regarding where I will attend college in the fall. I have been accepted to all six schools to which I have applied and am now visiting all of those college campuses as I try to figure out which school is the best fit for me. I am visiting schools that are literally from one end of our state to the other, from the coast to the mountains. This is exciting, yet a bit daunting, as it feels like such a major decision. But I know that no matter where I land, things will fall into place and that I will always have my family to support me.
 
What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing that I have ever accomplished is overcoming dyslexia. I was diagnosed at a very early age and my lower elementary school years were very trying when it came to academic school work. Thankfully, I had a great teacher who recognized my disability and attentive and supportive parents who ensured that I got the help that I needed to overcome dyslexia. My parents enrolled me in a rigorous course where I had extra homework to do daily and a weekly one on one session with a specialist. It was a very painful time because I did not understand why I was different from some of my friends and peers and I could not understand why reading was so difficult. I definitely did not like the fact that I had extra homework to do daily. There were many days where my parents had to push me though. But, after about three years of very hard work, I had the tools that I needed to overcome dyslexia. I still struggle with confidence with my academics, but I have learned that with hard work and determination, I can accomplish most anything.
 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Just always be true to yourself. When and if you face difficulties, keep on keeping on. Be determined and don't let problems derail your goals.

Look for Presley in issue 89 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 89

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