Baylee Fillingim - Texas
Nomination by Kristen Fillingim
Photography by Giorgio Nikko Photo
Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Baylee is inspiring because she is determined, has an amazing work ethic and perseveres through adversity. She successfully manages academics, sports, church, and photography. She has played multiple sports since she was 4. During high school she played Basketball, 4 years; Volleyball, 2 years; high jump; 3 years at school as well as travel basketball and volleyball. She is disciplined and works hard to be able to give her best at everything she does. She has persevered through major injuries (healing and rehab to come back strong and ready to go) and plays through minor injuries giving maximum effort to support her team. She is the ultimate team player and encourager. She has received several awards, including Academic All District and Second Team All District multiple years, and Academic All State this year, but being honored as the Dynamic Player of the year two years in a row has been her most meaningful award. This award is selected by her teammates and awarded for always having a positive attitude, being full of energy and an unselfish player. She is an amazing role model. She leads by example in a quiet and unassuming way. She is humble and kind and always thinks of others first. Most importantly, she loves Jesus with all her heart and that is visible in all she does.

Photography by Giorgio Etnel

What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
One experience that has really shaped who I am was being a debutante for the Lubbock Symphony Guild, where I learned the value of service, commitment, and representing something bigger than myself. I’m also involved in the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and I stay very involved in my youth group, which has played a big role in shaping my character and values. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about how you show up every day. I try to be a hard worker who stays determined even when things get challenging, and I’ve learned to be adaptable when plans don’t go the way I expected. More than anything, I want to be a positive influence on the people around me and be someone who brings encouragement and light into every environment I’m in.

How did your experience as a debutante shape the way you view leadership and responsibility today?
Being a debutante showed me that leadership isn’t about attention, but about how you represent yourself and others. It taught me to be responsible, stay composed, and follow through on commitments. I learned that small actions—like being respectful and dependable—make a difference. Now, I view leadership as setting a good example, supporting those around me, and handling responsibility with consistency and integrity.

What does being a “positive influence” look like in your everyday life, even in small moments?
Being a positive influence in my everyday life looks like how I treat people in small, consistent ways—being kind, including others, and choosing not to speak negatively. It’s encouraging someone when they’re having a hard day, staying respectful even when it’s not easy, and doing what’s right without needing recognition. To me, it’s less about big actions and more about being someone others feel comfortable around and can count on.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
I am currently working toward careers in real estate and photography. I am enrolled in a real estate course and plan to take my sales agent licensing exam in late May. After that, I hope to find a broker to sponsor me so I can begin gaining experience in the field. I also own and operate my own photography business, which I am very passionate about. I am focused on improving my skills, building my portfolio, and growing my reach. My goal is to continue developing both professionally and creatively to build successful, meaningful careers in both areas.

What drew you to real estate, and what excites you most about building a career in that field?
I was drawn to real estate because I like the idea of helping people find a place that really feels like home. It’s not just about houses—it’s about big life moments and decisions. What excites me most is the mix of working with people and building something for myself. I like that it’s a field where your effort matters, and there’s always something new to learn. It feels like a career where I can grow, stay motivated, and make a real impact.

How has running your own photography business helped you grow as both a creative and a leader?
Running my photography business has helped me grow as both a creative and a leader. Creatively, it’s pushed me to develop my style and adapt to different people and situations. As a leader, it’s taught me responsibility, organization, and how to make decisions under pressure. It’s also strengthened my people skills—learning how to make clients feel comfortable, communicate clearly, and understand what they need. Overall, it’s shown me how leadership is about guiding others with confidence while building genuine connections along the way.

What lessons have you learned about discipline and time management while balancing so many commitments?
Balancing multiple commitments has taught me that discipline isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being consistent and intentional with my time. I’ve learned how important it is to plan ahead, prioritize what actually matters, and not wait until the last minute to get things done. Time management for me also means knowing when to slow down and when to focus so I don’t get overwhelmed. Overall, it’s helped me take responsibility for my schedule and be more organized in both school, business, and personal life.

What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about my faith and my relationship with Jesus for hours because it has truly shaped my life. My faith gives me purpose, direction, and something steady to rely on in every season. It’s not just what I believe, but something I try to live out daily. Christian community has also been very important to me. Being surrounded by people who encourage, support, and challenge me has helped me grow in confidence and character. It reminds me that I’m never alone and has played a big role in shaping who I am and who I am becoming.

How do you live out your faith in your daily interactions with teammates, friends, and clients?
I try to live out my faith through how I treat people every day—being kind, patient, and respectful in my interactions with teammates, friends, and clients. That means encouraging others, listening well, and trying to respond with grace even in stressful or frustrating moments. I also try to be honest and dependable so people can trust me. For me, it’s less about saying it and more about showing it through how I act and how I make others feel.

Can you share a moment when your faith helped you push through a difficult challenge or setback?
I don’t really think of it as one single moment, but there have been times when things didn’t go how I expected and I had to lean on my faith in God. In those moments, prayer helped me slow down, calm my thoughts, and remember that I’m not going through things alone. It reminded me to trust God’s timing, even when I was frustrated or discouraged. Instead of letting setbacks define me, my faith helped me keep perspective and move forward with peace, knowing God still had a plan even when I couldn’t see it.

What role has your Christian community played in helping you stay grounded and confident?
My Christian community has played a big role in helping me stay grounded and confident. Being around people who share my faith encourages me to stay focused on what really matters and not get caught up in comparison or pressure. They’ve also been a source of support—whether that’s through encouragement, prayer, or just being there during stressful seasons. It reminds me that I’m not doing life alone, and that helps me stay more confident and steady in both my faith and everyday decisions.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
Over the past year, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, but about being consistent, encouraging, and willing to serve others. I’ve realized I have the most influence by setting a strong example and putting effort into everything I do. I’ve also learned that I am more adaptable than I thought. Whether working with different groups or facing unexpected challenges, I’ve grown more confident in stepping up when needed. This year has shown me that leadership is about earning trust, setting an example, and being someone others can rely on and look up to.

How have your experiences with injuries shaped your mindset and resilience as both an athlete and a leader?
Dealing with injuries has really shaped my mindset and resilience as both an athlete and a leader. It’s taught me patience, because recovery takes time and you can’t rush the process. It also forced me to focus on what I could control instead of what I was missing out on. As a leader, it’s made me more understanding toward others who are going through setbacks, and more intentional about encouraging people when they’re struggling. Overall, it’s helped me grow stronger mentally and learn how to stay motivated even when things don’t go as planned.

What does being a “team player” truly mean to you, and how do you show that in high-pressure moments?
To me, being a “team player” means putting the success of the group above myself and being someone others can rely on. It’s about supporting people, communicating well, and staying positive even when things get stressful. In high-pressure moments, I try to stay calm, do my job, and encourage the people around me instead of adding more stress. I’ve learned that how you respond in those moments can really affect the whole team, so I focus on staying steady and helping keep everyone working together.

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to leave on the people and communities you’re a part of?
Looking ahead, I hope to leave an impact by being someone who genuinely cares about people and shows that in how I treat them. In my communities, I want to be remembered as someone who was dependable, encouraging, and willing to help others grow in whatever they’re doing. Whether it’s through photography, real estate, sports, or everyday interactions, I want people to feel supported and valued around me. Ultimately, I hope my impact reflects my faith and the way I try to lead with kindness, integrity, and purpose.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
What means the most to me is that my mom has always been my biggest supporter. She leads by example and shows me what it looks like to be strong, caring, and selfless. Knowing she believes in me and is always there for me is something I will never take for granted. One of my favorite memories with her is getting ready for prom together. She helped me get everything ready and made sure I felt confident. It wasn’t just about prom itself, but the time we spent together leading up to it that made the experience so meaningful.

Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
The person who took my photos is my youth leader, Giorgio Etnel. I’ve known him for several years through my church community, so when it came time for senior pictures, I immediately knew I wanted to book with him. The experience felt very comfortable and natural, which made a big difference. He guided me through each pose, helped me feel confident, and made the session enjoyable. There were also plenty of laughs throughout the shoot, which made it feel less like a formal session and more like a relaxed, memorable experience.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine when the account commented on my photography page. After looking into it, I learned more about the organization and the opportunities it offers, including scholarships and publication. Being featured in Inspiring Teens Magazine matters to me because it is a meaningful way to recognize my activities, goals, and personal growth. It is also a great opportunity to be part of something that highlights teens in a positive way and showcases different achievements and experiences while encouraging others to pursue their own goals and passions.

How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me contribute to my college expenses and take some of the financial responsibility off my parents. While they are supporting me, I would like to do my part by helping in any way I can. It would also allow me to stay focused on my future goals in real estate and photography with less financial stress. Having that support would give me more freedom to gain experience, build my businesses, and continue growing personally and professionally as I work toward establishing my career.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
I said “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge because it felt like a good opportunity to grow, step out of my comfort zone, and use my story in a positive way. I also liked that it wasn’t just about recognition, but about inspiring other people my age to be confident and intentional with what they’re doing. When I first started, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. It was something new, and I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, but I was also proud of myself for taking the step and seeing where it would lead.

What is one moment during the challenge so far that has made you feel proud or realize you were growing - in confidence, mindset, or taking action?
One moment that really stood out during the challenge was earning Impact Leader. It made me stop and realize that I was actually growing, not just participating. It gave me a boost in confidence and showed me that the effort I was putting in mattered. More than anything, it shifted my mindset—I started seeing myself as someone capable of leading and making an impact, not just someone going through the process. It pushed me to take more initiative and be more intentional with how I show up.

Now that you have your interview, which leaderboard level are you most looking forward to and why?
Now that I’ve completed the interview, I’m most looking forward to reaching the scholarship eligible level. It represents more than just moving up a leaderboard to me—it feels like a step toward new opportunities and proving to myself that my effort is paying off. I’m motivated by the chance to keep growing, stay consistent, and make the most out of the experience. Being scholarship eligible would be meaningful, show commitment, and open doors for what’s next.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
I’d tell them it’s worth it, even if they feel unsure at first. It’s normal to be a little nervous about something new, but that’s kind of the point—you grow by stepping into it anyway. It’s a chance to build confidence, learn more about yourself, and connect with other people in a positive way. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start, you just have to be willing to try.

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?
Beyond votes or placements, I’m hoping to gain more confidence in myself and a clearer sense of how I can use my voice and influence in a positive way. I also want to grow in how I lead and show up consistently in what I commit to. At the end of the experience, I would feel truly successful if I can look back and see that I grew—whether that’s in my mindset, my confidence, or how I impact others. If I leave this experience more intentional and confident in who I am and what I stand for, that would mean the most to me.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
Yes, I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me and encouraging me to keep going, even when things get busy or challenging. They’ve helped me stay grounded and reminded me of what really matters. I’m also thankful for my friends, teammates, and clients who have trusted me, pushed me to grow, and believed in me in different ways. I also want to thank my photographer Gio for these amazing pictures! And most importantly, I’m grateful to God for guiding me, giving me strength, and opening doors in my life that I couldn’t have done on my own.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am so grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to continue to grow!

Look for Baylee in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

click here for more information on issue 102

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Liliana Huston

Izabella Pearson

Peyton Holland

Olivia Hartman

Alina Carson

Kaetlyn Carnley

Briele Carver

Baylee Fillingim

Averie Carpenter

Ashlyn Robinson