Sarah Austin

​Sarah Austin - Alabama
Nomination by Rebecca Austin
Photography by Brittany & Co.
Issue 91 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Sarah Austin is an inspiring young woman who leads with heart, resilience, and kindness. As USOA Teen Alabama, she uses her platform, Brave Minds Matter, to advocate for teens living with hidden illnesses like PANDAS and anxiety. Sarah is graduating a year early, is a published children’s book author, and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She has turned her personal struggles into a mission to uplift others, showing that true strength comes from compassion. Sarah’s light, leadership, and unwavering spirit make her a role model for young people everywhere.

Photography by Brittany & Co.

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Q: Tell us about your road to USOA Teen Alabama. How did you get there?
A: My journey to becoming USOA Teen Alabama started with a desire to amplify my voice for those struggling with invisible illnesses like mine. I never imagined I’d be wearing a crown, but I realized pageantry could be a powerful platform for advocacy. I stepped out of my comfort zone, entered my first local pageant, and poured my heart into sharing my story. Every step, from learning stage presence to developing my platform, brought me closer to this title—and to my purpose.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced going into this pageant and how did you get past them?
A: The biggest challenge I faced was balancing my health with the demands of competing. Living with PANDAS means I experience unexpected symptoms that can affect my focus and stamina. I had to be disciplined about rest, self-care, and managing stress. I also struggled with self-doubt, but leaning into my faith, family support, and the mission behind my platform helped me push through.

Q: What surprised you most in this journey?
A: I was most surprised by how empowering the pageant community is. I expected it to be intimidating, but I found so many uplifting, driven young women who cheered each other on. It showed me that pageantry isn’t just about competition—it’s about growth, friendships, and using your voice for something bigger.

Q: What do you wish others knew about the world of pageantry?
A: I wish people knew that pageantry isn’t just about beauty or walking in heels—it’s about leadership, confidence, and service. It challenges you to develop public speaking skills, think critically, and be an advocate for what you believe in. Behind every crown is a purpose-driven young woman.

Q: Tell us about your platform and why it means so much to you.
A: My platform is called Hidden Illness: Brave Minds Matter, and it’s inspired by my journey with PANDAS. I advocate for awareness, early diagnosis, and empathy for those with invisible illnesses, including mental health conditions. I know what it’s like to look healthy on the outside while battling something others can’t see. I want to make sure no one feels alone or overlooked because their illness isn’t visible.

Q: What is PANDAS?
A: PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. It’s a condition where the body’s immune response to strep affects the brain, leading to sudden onset of OCD, tics, anxiety, and other neurological symptoms. It’s often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, which is why awareness is so important to me.

Q: What inspired you to graduate a year early and what sacrifices did you have to make to achieve this goal?
A: I was inspired to graduate early because I’ve always been a goal-driven person, and I wanted to start pursuing my dreams sooner. I knew that by graduating early, I could move forward with college and my advocacy work at the same time. It meant doubling up on classes, giving up some social time, and staying disciplined even when it got hard. But it taught me resilience and time management—skills I know will serve me well.

Q: Tell us about the book you authored and what inspired it.
A: I wrote a children’s book called Crowned in Kindness. It’s about a young girl learning that true royalty isn’t about a crown on your head, but kindness in your heart. I was inspired by my own pageant journey and wanted to encourage younger kids to lead with compassion and confidence. Writing it was such a meaningful way to connect my love of storytelling with my values.

Q: What has been your most rewarding experience in the NHS?
A: My most rewarding experience in the National Honor Society has been volunteering at community events and mentoring younger students. Seeing the impact we can make when we come together to serve others has been so fulfilling. It reminds me that leadership is really about lifting others up.

Q: What leadership opportunity have you had that led to your greatest achievement as a leader?
A: One of my greatest leadership opportunities was mentoring younger students through National Honor Society and volunteering as a leader in community service projects. I learned how to organize events, inspire others to get involved, and lead by example. Seeing the difference we made in people’s lives and knowing I helped bring people together to serve was one of my proudest achievements.

Q: What do you have coming up that you are most excited about?
A: I’m most excited about competing at the national USOA Teen pageant! It’s an incredible opportunity to share my platform on a bigger stage, meet inspiring young women from across the country, and represent Alabama. I’m also excited to continue growing my advocacy work and reaching more people through speaking and writing.

Q: What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
A: My dream job would be working as a motivational speaker and author, traveling to schools and conferences to inspire others—especially young people battling invisible illnesses. I’d love to combine advocacy, writing, and public speaking to make a difference while encouraging kindness and empathy everywhere I go.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
A: I’m so thankful for my parents, who have supported me every step of the way, even on the hard days. I also want to thank my doctors for believing me and helping me navigate my diagnosis, and my friends and community for cheering me on through every challenge. I couldn’t have done this without their love and encouragement.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
A: I want to remind anyone reading this that no matter what you’re facing, you’re not alone—and your story matters. Whether it’s an invisible illness, a personal struggle, or a dream you’re chasing, keep going. You never know how your journey could inspire someone else.

Q: If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
A: You’d probably find me at a cozy coffee shop with a book in my hand, or somewhere outside enjoying nature and journaling. I love quiet moments to think, dream, and create.

Q: What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
A: I’m super excited about competing at the national USOA Teen pageant! I can’t wait to meet girls from all over the country, share my platform on a bigger stage, and represent Alabama. I’m even planning to sing in French for the talent portion—something I’ve never done on a national stage before!

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
A: Graduating high school a year early was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve accomplished. It took a lot of sacrifice, extra coursework, and staying focused even when it felt overwhelming. I made it happen by staying organized, leaning on my faith, and reminding myself why I started.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
A: Don’t be afraid to take the first step, even if it feels scary or impossible. Believe in your purpose, work hard, stay kind, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Your story matters, and you never know who needs to hear it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
A: In five years, I see myself finishing college, continuing to write and publish books, and expanding my platform to reach more people. I hope to be speaking at schools and events, encouraging others to embrace kindness and understanding for those with hidden illnesses.

Q: What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
A: I love painting and doing creative projects! It’s something I don’t always talk about, but it’s such a fun way for me to relax and express myself.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
A: My hidden talent is that I can sing in French—even though I don’t actually speak the language fluently! It surprises people every time, and I’m excited to share that talent at USOA.

Q: 3 Things on your bucket list
A: I’d love to travel to Italy, publish a novel, and speak on a national stage about hidden illnesses.

Q: Who do you find inspiring?
A: I find my mom inspiring. She’s taught me strength, compassion, and perseverance, and she always encourages me to keep going no matter what.

Q: What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
A: I think people are inspired by my willingness to speak up about things that aren’t always easy to talk about. I try to be honest about my struggles and victories, and I hope that showing both sides helps others feel less alone.

Look for Sarah in issue 91 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 91

click here to nominate an inspiring teen