Trystan Demott

Trystan Demott – Texas
Nomination by Erin
Photography by Forever Maui Ritz Carlton, HI
Issue 95 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Trystan has been there for me since day one. If I ever need anything help with schoolwork or just someone to listen to, she's always there. Before I had therapy, I had Trystan. No matter how much she goes through, she never lets it stop her from supporting others. She is one of the most passionate people I know. If she wants something, she’ll strive for it, even if it’s brand new. I am inspired to have the fire she has, and I love her so much she’s my closest friend!

Photography by Forever Maui Ritz Carlton, HI
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What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
Passion is one of my defining traits, and for me that passion shines brightest through FFA. It has shaped who I am and continues to drive me forward. I work hard to balance school with my goals, striving to stay on top academically so I can earn acceptance into Texas State University. Beyond my own ambitions, I want to be known as someone who genuinely cares for others and gives her all in everything she does.

What else would you like to talk about?
Outside of school, I dedicate time to volunteering through the NHS, which has allowed me to give back and grow as a leader. I also gained valuable experience as a cheer coach for two years, where I learned patience, responsibility, and how to inspire younger athletes. More recently, I started working as a retail stylist at American Threads, which has taught me professionalism, teamwork, and customer service. Each of these roles has shaped my work ethic and strengthened my passion for connecting with and supporting others.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am deeply passionate about philosophy it’s something I could talk about endlessly. I love exploring life’s biggest questions and learning how different thinkers have tried to understand the world and human nature. Philosophy excites me because it connects to so many areas, from ethics to politics, and it challenges me to think critically. I also enjoy history, because it shows how ideas, cultures, and events have shaped the present. Together, they fuel my curiosity and are what I want to pursue in college.

Your passion “shines brightest through FFA.” What supervised agricultural experience, contest, or chapter project are you proudest of, and what did it teach you about leadership and grit?
I am most proud of being part of Barnyard Buddies, a program in Waller County where we pair with a child with special needs and spend the day together. It’s one of my favorite events of the year. It has taught me patience and reminded me how different everyone can be, but also how much we are the same. That experience always inspires me to lead with compassion and empathy.

You’re aiming for Texas State University. What do you hope to study there, and how do you see FFA/NHS/cheer shaping the way you’ll get involved on campus?
I plan to double major in Philosophy and Political Science. While many of my high school activities may come to an end, the lessons I’ve learned from FFA, NHS, and cheer will stay with me. FFA taught me leadership, NHS taught me service, and cheer taught me perseverance. Together, they’ve shaped the way I’ll get involved on campus through leadership roles, service opportunities, and community-building.

Friends describe you as the person who shows up no matter what. Tell us about a recent moment you were that steady support and how you protect your own energy while caring for others.
I try to live by the rule of treating others how I want to be treated. A recent moment was being there for a friend who was going through something tough. She needed someone to listen, so I made sure to show up. Protecting my own energy can be hard, but I remind myself to set boundaries when I need them. I know I can’t pour from an empty cup, so I focus on balancing care for others with care for myself.

You’ve coached cheer and now work as a retail stylist. What’s one skill from each role (coaching and customer service) that you use every day in school or life?
From coaching, patience is the biggest skill I’ve carried with me. It helps me stay calm in school, even when I’m not in the headspace to learn. From retail, I’ve learned how important it is to help out wherever needed, even with small tasks. Both roles taught me that small efforts can make a big difference for others.

When you decide you want something, you “strive to get it,” even if it’s new. Share a time you jumped into something unfamiliar—how did you learn fast, and what surprised you?
When I decided to become an FFA chapter officer, I had no prior plans to pursue it. But once I realized it was something I wanted, I went all in. I even traveled alone across multiple flights just to attend FFA convention, because I knew I had committed to it. What surprised me most was how much confidence I gained from stepping out of my comfort zone.

NHS service hours can blur together unless you’re intentional. Which volunteering experience changed your perspective the most, and what impact did you see (or measure)?
Helping with special needs students changed my perspective the most. It opened my eyes to how differently people think and live, but also how talented and kind they are. I realized that supporting them isn’t about doing things for them, but being present and learning from them too. That experience left a lasting impact on me.

Philosophy lights you up. Pick a big question and tell us how your view has evolved.
I’ve often thought about the question, “What does a good life look like?” For me, a good life is one filled with mistakes, regrets, and lessons. You can look back and wish you’d changed things, but those experiences are what shape who you are. My regrets have taught me resilience and helped me grow into the Trystan DeMott I am today.

History helps you connect ideas to real people and events. Which era or figure fascinates you most, and how does that interest influence your leadership or decision-making today?
I’m fascinated by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians their cultures and innovations continue to influence us today. Learning about their successes and failures shows me the importance of vision, adaptability, and community. As a leader, I try to take lessons from history: thinking long-term, respecting traditions, but also being open to change.

Balancing academics with goals is a point of pride. What systems keep you on track—especially during busy FFA or drama weeks?
To stay on track, I rely on writing everything down either in a planner or on simple sheets I can check off. This system helps me balance my schoolwork, FFA events, and work schedule. Breaking things down into small steps makes big tasks less overwhelming. It also keeps me accountable when life gets busy.

If you could design a small community project that blends FFA, service, and your love of big ideas (philosophy/history), what would it be—and how would you know it worked?
I would create a mentorship project where FFA students teach elementary kids not just about agriculture, but about leadership, history, and ethics. Each student would plant something, care for it, and also reflect on how growth takes patience, responsibility, and teamwork. I’d know it worked if kids could explain not only how their plants grew, but also what they learned about themselves and others in the process.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
My first professional photos were taken in Hawaii, but the photographer who means the most to me is my friend Tessa. We met when I was a freshman and she was a junior in choir at Concordia Lutheran. Now, as a senior, it feels full circle that she’ll be taking my homecoming and senior photos. What I love most is the meaning behind it—capturing this milestone with someone who has been part of my journey.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My best friend Erin has been in my life since I was three and she was four we grew up together at church and stayed close ever since. One of my favorite memories is the summer before senior year, when we spent nearly every day together. Our go-to was always Swig or In-N-Out, and those simple moments became some of the best times. What means the most is knowing we’ll cheer each other on at graduation, even if we’re at different schools. Erin has truly been with me through it all.


Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I first noticed Inspiring Teens Magazine as a freshman, when a girl at my school, Hailey Hunter, was featured. I thought it was amazing to be part of something that highlights teens making a difference. Fast-forward to now, I feel honored to be nominated myself. I want to use this opportunity to inspire others and show that hard work, passion, and staying true to yourself can take you far.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I win a scholarship, I would use it to support my college expenses. While my parents have generously offered to help, I want to take responsibility for my future. My plan is to save the scholarship funds for housing, so I can afford an apartment by sophomore year. That would ease the financial burden on my parents and allow me to be more independent.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
To be the head lawyer at my own firm.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
First, myself because believing in myself was the first step. But mostly my mom, who has always been there. Even when I don’t share everything, she always seems to know what’s going on and says just what I need to hear.

Look for Trystan in issue 95 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 95

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Photography by My Mom