Sadie Graham

Sadie Graham – Alabama
Nomination & Photography by Samantha Southerland
Issue 84 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Sadie Graham is a young lady who is 17 years old and attends Cullman High School. Her way of life and happiness both in front of and behind the camera are motivating. She is always posting her amazing pictures (@_sadiegraham_) on her Instagram along with her pictures from me (@ssamanthasoutherland) as a photographer. Sadie always manages to make someone smile, no matter what. She loves to hug anyone and everyone, and she is kind and compassionate toward everyone around her. She has the bravery and courage to overcome any obstacle that might challenge her at any moment.

Photography by Samantha Southerland
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What do you love most about high school?
What I love most about high school is the amazing people and the opportunities that my school provides. From the college career nights to the career internships, the options are endlesses. I feel so blessed to have all of these options. I think about it like my school provides me with amazing opportunities and my friends encourage me to be the best version of myself. 

What has been the most exciting part of your senior year so far?
The most exciting part of my senior year so far is homecoming week, football games, post-season for golf, and the fact that I have learned so much through the classes I am taking this year. I believe that this year alone has definitely helped me carve out a path for my future. Being able to dress up with my friends and go to the football games together has truly made some of my best memories. 

What is your favorite class and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
My favorite class this year is my health internship class. Through this opportunity I am able to get experiences in the health care department while also learning things about myself. Getting to go to the hospital and experiencing real life situations has certainly taught me how to care for patients, but being put in these high stress situations has shown me what I shine in and what I need to improve on. Some of these things I have shined in and need to work on, I have found particularly interesting because they were not as I expected. 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope to leave a legacy of inspiration, but most importantly kindness. I strongly believe being kind and having a positive mindset will further anyone within their lives and improves the ability to live life to the fullest. I also hope I leave behind plenty of encouragement for others to put God first and trust him. God is our biggest supporter and is always there for us to turn to even when we feel most afraid. His Grace> Our Sins!

What do you love most about taking pictures?
I love the inspiration that a picture can show without words. Pictures capture some of the most beautiful and precious moments in life, and through pictures you can relive some of your happiest moments. Not only that, but a picture can take our moods, feelings, and ideas into something whole and I think that is beautiful. 

What has been your favorite instagram picture you've posted and why?
My favorite picture I have posted will be the first instagram post I made, because it was a family trip to Wyoming. Traveling to Wyoming let me experience what the world was like outside of Alabama. My family and I also had so many amazing experiences that we were able to cherish together. I love going back and looking at that post and the pictures and feeling that overwhelming happiness I once did. 

What is your friend group like and what do you like to do together?
My friend group is amazing. With all of the different personalities it creates the most hilarious, beautiful moments. I also love my friend group because of the respect they show for others. They are all so respectful and kind to others and I truly look up to them for that because I really value respect. We love to go out and eat, send funny videos, watch movies, and go to different places. I will always cherish my friends because of their encouragement and inspiration they have given me. They set great examples and that helps me try to be the best version of myself. 

What is a favorite memory with your friends?
My favorite memory is when my friends and I went to Gulf Shores for a softball tournament. We definitely did not place well in the tournament but that did not matter to us. We gave it our all and never stopped cheering. We still  had so much fun together and made so many great memories. I am forever grateful I got to experience such a time with those girls. 

Tell us about your family. Where do you fit in, and where do you stand out?
I am the oldest between my sister and I, and our parents have been divorced since I was 7. Being the oldest, I am definitely more of the leader in the family. I try to make sure everything is put together and going well, and when it is not I fix it. Throughout my family I can say I'm the more “go getter” and always have the mentality to be outgoing and loving to everyone. I try to make sure everyone is happy and everything stays in line. 

What is a favorite family tradition you hope never ends?
I hope the Christmas get-togethers never end on both sides of my family. I love being able to give to the most valuable people in my life. Getting together with my family will always be one of the greatest things as I do not get to see some of them very often. My happiest moments are when I am with my family, and I truly miss them. 

Where is your favorite place to travel to and why?
My favorite place to travel will be Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There are so many beautiful sites and experiences. I got to learn more about what our world has to offer, and the amazing animals that live in the environment. I believe I enjoyed this experience so much because not only was it so much fun, but I felt as if I got something out of it. The knowledge of the outside world is incredible, and I can not wait to go on more adventures like that one. 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go, who and what would you take with you - and why?
I would love to go to Thailand with my family. My family never fails to leave a smile on my face and we always have an extremely fun time together. I have always wanted to visit Thailand because of the amazing social media posts that make me want to experience it in person. Even if it is not as amazing as it looks bringing my family, I still would have an amazing time.  

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?  
Although my nomination covers key points about my personality I always like to say my motto is be brave and courageous, but throughout my experiences I have learned the most inspiring thing is being true and staying real to yourself. BE YOU! I want to inspire others to be themselves and not to let others take over who you truly are. I have been blessed to have such amazing people in my life that inspire me and I want to influence others to do the same. Always follow God the path he has for you is yours for a reason!

What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about opportunities. I am so thankful I have the opportunity to fill out this form and be an "Inspiring Teen". Honestly, I feel like some people do not understand the potential opportunities they have and at times doubt themselves. If you have the opportunity, take it. Overtime I have learned, especially being a senior this year, that time goes fast and taking advantage of the opportunities around you is so important because they are definitely not there for forever. Do not worry about other people, be courageous and do what your heart desires. 

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I feel extremely passionate about the relationships I have built throughout my life. I cherish these because not only do these relationships help me grow, they inspire and push me to be the best, but respectfully. These relationships have inspired me and made me want to inspire others. Honestly without the relationships I have built I would not be the person I am now. Some of these people have helped pull out of the hardest situation I thought I could not survive, but here I am. Some of my goals actually include being kind enough to help someone through a hard situation as some of these people did me.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
I actually found my photographer, Samantha, online. Her pictures on social media are stunning and I messaged her immediately after! During our first shoot we figured out my grandfather was her Driver's Ed teacher and we had many connections. We had talked the entire time and there was most definitely not a dull moment. She made me feel confident and comfortable while taking pictures, so as you could imagine the end results were fantastic!

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I want to be in the Inspiring Teens Magazine because I want to show other kids my age that they are capable of anything they put their mind to. Choosing to inspire others is one of the greatest achievements for myself. I would love to give someone the confidence to be themselves and achieve their goals. Having this opportunity gives me the chance to inspire someone else through my words. I love accepting challenges and chances, so it is important that I encourage others to do the same.
 
If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Honestly, cleaning. I am not a procrastinator, so I always have to be doing something. One of my favorite things to do is clean, especially since I am very OCD about my room. Having a fresh environment helps anxiety and relaxation. It also makes me feel confident within myself because I enjoy getting things done.  
 
What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
College and the college lifestyle. I am never going to take my time in high school for granted, but I always hear amazing stories about college. I am excited to take on some more responsibilities and be more independent. Most importantly I am ready to get my future on a roll and get my degree!
 
What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished is my mindset in sports. It took a while for me to realize that everyone goes through slumps and It is not possible for me to just be amazing at something I just started, so I cannot get down on myself when I do not do as good as I expect myself to. It took time but I did build a more positive mindset about my performance, but now I am just grateful that I have the opportunity to do these things. 
 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them that things do not just happen, so take initiative and do not procrastinate. Life is what you make of it, so why not make the best of it? Also I would tell them look at all the things around you, look at how blessed you are, focus on the good things, so don't complain it does not help you anyways. Lastly, be a kindhearted person, and treat others the way you want to be treated that will get you pretty far. 
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself pursuing a Computer Engineering degree and having a sustainable career. I would hope by that time I am nearing financial stability, and living or looking for my own house. I  would love to see myself thriving and growing within my career! Also, I would love to be very involved with my community and help other organizations. I want to be more involved in a church so I would love to see that happen
 
What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to read and run. Reading is calm and enjoyable. I learn so much when I am reading and in a peaceful environment. Running is an activity that really makes you feel good about yourself, and when I run I always view it as making myself better!
 
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I honestly do not have a hidden talent, but I would say my talent falls between golfing and cooking. I never fail to not enjoy golfing because I love the environment and I know the practice I put forth shows when I play. I also never fail to not make a good meal because I put all my attention into any meal to make it the best.
 
3 Things on your bucket list:
3 things on my bucket list would have to be to obtain a degree, influence more people like myself, and travel the world!
 
Who do you find inspiring?
I find all of my grandparents inspiring. They always push me to do my best and never fail to support me. Truthfully, they always know the most too, so I never fail to go to them for advice. 
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I hope my personality and mindset inspires individuals. I think I'm inspiring because of the relationships I have made and the encouragement and kind words I receive overtime from the little things. 
 
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
​Nope!

Look for Sadie in issue 84 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 84

click here to nominate an inspiring teen