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Liliana Huston
Thu, 14 May 2026 12:41:31 GMT
Liliana Huston - Indiana
Nomination & Photography by @mitbykimberly
Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Liliana Huston is an inspiring teen because through my lens, I see more than achievement; I witness quiet dedication shaping character. For five years she has committed to diving, pairing discipline with grace, while pouring equal heart into theater production, art communities, and service. She builds, paints, leads, and uplifts, whether on a set or beside younger athletes. In coaching middle school divers, she offers patience and knowledge, sparking confidence that lingers long after practice. Her generosity extends into volunteer work, leaving every space brighter. Liliana’s inner beauty is a steady current that draws others to rise, believe, and begin.
Photography by @mitbykimberly
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
At RipFest Dive Camp, the connections to others who love the sport like me and the opportunity to dive outside and do dryland training with different coaches means a lot to me. I have gone for 4 years now, making friends I have gone to camp with multiple times now.
I received the Superintendents Award and a Best of Category Award for some of my art in the district art show. I also had the honor of making an ink drawing of the school for my Principal that is retiring.
What has it meant to you to build friendships through diving over the years?
The friendships I have built through diving have meant the world to me. There is something special about connecting with others who love the same thing as you and have/are facing similar challenges as you. Friends I’ve made while competing in high school are always a friendly, supportive face at competitions that make it easier to just have fun. Meeting other divers at summer camp forms a close connection because we are training and doing fun activities together. It’s really fun when we get to have fun using diving skills during free time or activities, like doing flips.
How has art given you another way to express yourself outside of athletics?
I am all about the details and the little moments in life. Art serves as a unique medium where I can express an idea while incorporating smaller details that connect with each other and expand the extent of the meaning. When I make something that others enjoy seeing or find sentimental value in, it makes me feel proud of my work and what I’m capable of. That is why it was a huge opportunity when my teacher thought of me to do a drawing of the school for my Principal after I previously made an ink landscape.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
Right now, my main goal is to finish off my senior year strong while enjoying as much of it as I can. When I start college, my goal is to get involved and meet as many people as I can without worrying about everything being perfect or my expectations not being met. I want to embrace a new chapter without getting stuck up on the what-ifs and what could have been. I am working towards improving my communication and ability to make lasting connections.
What are you most excited about as you prepare to attend Purdue this fall?
I am most excited about all the new people I will get to meet. My relationships and connections with other people are extremely important to me, but sometimes it can be hard to make them. In college, most students are trying to make friends, get involved, and just talk with others just like you are. I also can’t wait to participate in different clubs and campus activities. Though there is not a diving club at Purdue, I plan to stay involved with it. There is also an architecture club that I am very interested in.
What is something you hope to learn about yourself during your college years?
During my college years, I hope I can learn more about how I interact and how others perceive me. Being aware of things like that is important for successful communication, connections, and performance.
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about diving for hours. I absolutely love everything about the sport. I love teaching others about the physics and mechanics behind it and the precision and mindset required to perform dives. Diving is a big deal in Indiana and my dive club has connections to Olympians and so does Purdue, the college I will be attending in the fall. The sport has become a huge part of my life, challenging me and teaching me how to regulate my mindset so I can do hard things even when I am scared.
What is one of the biggest lessons diving has taught you about overcoming fear?
When someone tells you just have to do it, you might think they don’t understand how you feel, but in reality the only way to truly overcome fear is by making a move. When doing a new dive, I have to trust my training, lead-ups, and preparation. After the first, every repetition feels less scary. It definitely takes practice and time to feel comfortable doing things despite fear. of I am still scared when I do a new dive, but I know the only way to get over that fear is to chuck it.
What do you enjoy most about coaching and encouraging younger divers?
I did karate for 7 years and had to quit in 8th grade. Something I did there was teach, so it had become natural to me to coach others. I love to see younger divers able to overcome their fears and get excited when they succeed. It also makes me personally excited when they ask me questions and want to learn more.
How do you stay mentally focused before a difficult dive or competition?
It has taken multiple years of competition for me to feel comfortable and relaxed. As I have become more comfortable with diving, I have learned to not think too hard about the things that go wrong or what others are doing. I only have to focus on myself and the next dive. I get done warming up early so I am not stressed and do not try too hard to fix things. Then, in between dives I listen to music, color, or do some other activity that keeps me from worrying about my next dive until it’s time to go.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
In the past year, I have learned that I have the capability to bring ideas to the table and get people involved with a movement. Throughout all of my high school years I have wanted to make a mural to display in the school that represents it. We started a branch of the National Art Honor Society this year, so I brought up my desire to make a mural. As a team, we made a design that represents what our school is about and all the students in it and are in the process of painting it now!
How do you hope your mural will impact students who see it for years to come?
In the years to come, I hope that students will see the mural and feel represented. The goal of the mural is to show the things that represent our school and the biggest part of that is the students. The mural incorporates items and symbols to represent all the groups in our school.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My photographer was the one who nominated me and something about them that means a lot to me is her ability to make anyone feel comfortable. I was nervous to do pictures at first, and even now I still feel awkward sometimes, but Kimberly always makes it fun.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
I connect with my photographer, Kimberly, through my older friends who had done their senior pictures with her. She has made doing pictures feel easy and natural for me by making it fun and working with things I would like to try out during a photoshoot. There has never been something to stress me out.
How long have you been in the model team and what do you love most about it?
My first shoot with the team was last October, 2025. It honestly still feels new to me at times but I love getting to create amazing photos with my photographer that show my personality in them.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard of Inspiring Teens Magazine from my senior photographer. Being a part of the magazine, to me, means that I have the opportunity to share my unique story and connect to others who relate to it.
How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine will help me to pay for college so I can get my degree without worrying about huge debt. With my major, I plan to work within the field of construction, design, and architecture. To me, the environment we live in everyday is extremely important both in how it makes us feel and functions. A scholarship will help me reach my goals to graduate with a good degree and be prepared to enter the work force so I can be a part of creating our built world.
What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
When leading into college, any chance for a scholarship is a valuable opportunity. What really interested me though was the opportunity to be showcased in a magazine and share my experiences with my friends, family, and community. I was definitely a bit overwhelmed because there was so many things to do, but the guides and suggestion resources were really helpful.
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?
I was proud that I was able to go to my local business and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring me. I definitely have a hard time talking to people in that kind of manner, but the ability to pitch yourself and your abilities are fundamental to success, so any practice doing so is helpful for me.
If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to just do it. Like I explained before, the only way to overcome fear is through action. There is nothing to lose by joining the challenge, only the opportunity to gain something whether that is a scholarship, leadership experience, or just life skills.
Look for Liliana in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
At RipFest Dive Camp, the connections to others who love the sport like me and the opportunity to dive outside and do dryland training with different coaches means a lot to me. I have gone for 4 years now, making friends I have gone to camp with multiple times now.
I received the Superintendents Award and a Best of Category Award for some of my art in the district art show. I also had the honor of making an ink drawing of the school for my Principal that is retiring.
What has it meant to you to build friendships through diving over the years?
The friendships I have built through diving have meant the world to me. There is something special about connecting with others who love the same thing as you and have/are facing similar challenges as you. Friends I’ve made while competing in high school are always a friendly, supportive face at competitions that make it easier to just have fun. Meeting other divers at summer camp forms a close connection because we are training and doing fun activities together. It’s really fun when we get to have fun using diving skills during free time or activities, like doing flips.
How has art given you another way to express yourself outside of athletics?
I am all about the details and the little moments in life. Art serves as a unique medium where I can express an idea while incorporating smaller details that connect with each other and expand the extent of the meaning. When I make something that others enjoy seeing or find sentimental value in, it makes me feel proud of my work and what I’m capable of. That is why it was a huge opportunity when my teacher thought of me to do a drawing of the school for my Principal after I previously made an ink landscape.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
Right now, my main goal is to finish off my senior year strong while enjoying as much of it as I can. When I start college, my goal is to get involved and meet as many people as I can without worrying about everything being perfect or my expectations not being met. I want to embrace a new chapter without getting stuck up on the what-ifs and what could have been. I am working towards improving my communication and ability to make lasting connections.
What are you most excited about as you prepare to attend Purdue this fall?
I am most excited about all the new people I will get to meet. My relationships and connections with other people are extremely important to me, but sometimes it can be hard to make them. In college, most students are trying to make friends, get involved, and just talk with others just like you are. I also can’t wait to participate in different clubs and campus activities. Though there is not a diving club at Purdue, I plan to stay involved with it. There is also an architecture club that I am very interested in.
What is something you hope to learn about yourself during your college years?
During my college years, I hope I can learn more about how I interact and how others perceive me. Being aware of things like that is important for successful communication, connections, and performance.
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about diving for hours. I absolutely love everything about the sport. I love teaching others about the physics and mechanics behind it and the precision and mindset required to perform dives. Diving is a big deal in Indiana and my dive club has connections to Olympians and so does Purdue, the college I will be attending in the fall. The sport has become a huge part of my life, challenging me and teaching me how to regulate my mindset so I can do hard things even when I am scared.
What is one of the biggest lessons diving has taught you about overcoming fear?
When someone tells you just have to do it, you might think they don’t understand how you feel, but in reality the only way to truly overcome fear is by making a move. When doing a new dive, I have to trust my training, lead-ups, and preparation. After the first, every repetition feels less scary. It definitely takes practice and time to feel comfortable doing things despite fear. of I am still scared when I do a new dive, but I know the only way to get over that fear is to chuck it.
What do you enjoy most about coaching and encouraging younger divers?
I did karate for 7 years and had to quit in 8th grade. Something I did there was teach, so it had become natural to me to coach others. I love to see younger divers able to overcome their fears and get excited when they succeed. It also makes me personally excited when they ask me questions and want to learn more.
How do you stay mentally focused before a difficult dive or competition?
It has taken multiple years of competition for me to feel comfortable and relaxed. As I have become more comfortable with diving, I have learned to not think too hard about the things that go wrong or what others are doing. I only have to focus on myself and the next dive. I get done warming up early so I am not stressed and do not try too hard to fix things. Then, in between dives I listen to music, color, or do some other activity that keeps me from worrying about my next dive until it’s time to go.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
In the past year, I have learned that I have the capability to bring ideas to the table and get people involved with a movement. Throughout all of my high school years I have wanted to make a mural to display in the school that represents it. We started a branch of the National Art Honor Society this year, so I brought up my desire to make a mural. As a team, we made a design that represents what our school is about and all the students in it and are in the process of painting it now!
How do you hope your mural will impact students who see it for years to come?
In the years to come, I hope that students will see the mural and feel represented. The goal of the mural is to show the things that represent our school and the biggest part of that is the students. The mural incorporates items and symbols to represent all the groups in our school.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My photographer was the one who nominated me and something about them that means a lot to me is her ability to make anyone feel comfortable. I was nervous to do pictures at first, and even now I still feel awkward sometimes, but Kimberly always makes it fun.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
I connect with my photographer, Kimberly, through my older friends who had done their senior pictures with her. She has made doing pictures feel easy and natural for me by making it fun and working with things I would like to try out during a photoshoot. There has never been something to stress me out.
How long have you been in the model team and what do you love most about it?
My first shoot with the team was last October, 2025. It honestly still feels new to me at times but I love getting to create amazing photos with my photographer that show my personality in them.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard of Inspiring Teens Magazine from my senior photographer. Being a part of the magazine, to me, means that I have the opportunity to share my unique story and connect to others who relate to it.
How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine will help me to pay for college so I can get my degree without worrying about huge debt. With my major, I plan to work within the field of construction, design, and architecture. To me, the environment we live in everyday is extremely important both in how it makes us feel and functions. A scholarship will help me reach my goals to graduate with a good degree and be prepared to enter the work force so I can be a part of creating our built world.
What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
When leading into college, any chance for a scholarship is a valuable opportunity. What really interested me though was the opportunity to be showcased in a magazine and share my experiences with my friends, family, and community. I was definitely a bit overwhelmed because there was so many things to do, but the guides and suggestion resources were really helpful.
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?
I was proud that I was able to go to my local business and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring me. I definitely have a hard time talking to people in that kind of manner, but the ability to pitch yourself and your abilities are fundamental to success, so any practice doing so is helpful for me.
If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to just do it. Like I explained before, the only way to overcome fear is through action. There is nothing to lose by joining the challenge, only the opportunity to gain something whether that is a scholarship, leadership experience, or just life skills.
Look for Liliana in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
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