Addison Utting

Addison Utting - Kansas

Nomination & Photography by Jen Welker Photography

Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: I am proud to nominate Addison Utting, a remarkable high school senior, whose compassion, work ethic, and commitment to others truly set her apart. She generously gives her time volunteering through local churches, working with individuals with special needs, and a German Shepherd dog rescue—causes that reflect her empathy and sense of responsibility to her community. In addition to her service, she is a student athlete who understands perseverance and teamwork. She also maintains a part time job, demonstrating reliability and strong time management skills. She approaches every commitment with kindness and determination, making a meaningful difference in her school and community.

What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?

I am a hard worker- I work for everything I’ve achieved. I care a lot about mental health.

How has your passion for mental health shaped the way you support and connect with others in your daily life?

I care about people and always want to make sure their ok, depression is no joke.

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward?

Currently, I am planning on going to the University of Arkansas to get my elementary education degree. My dream is to be a first grade teacher and work at one of the schools in Overland Park.

What inspired you to pursue elementary education, and why first grade specifically?

I've always loved kids and understand them. Also I've worked with only younger kids so thats my why.

How do you hope to make a lasting impact on the students you will one day teach?School is very hard for me so I want to try my best to make school loveable and easy for the kids.

Where would your ideal dream job be if it were offered to you today? 

Aspen Grove

What could you talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?

I could probably talk about feelings and making sure everyone feels loved. Caring about people more than I care about myself. I think it’s so important to me because that’s what I would want people for me.

How do you balance caring deeply for others while also making sure you take care of yourself?

Staying generous while I am still honoring my own limits.

Can you share a moment where making someone feel seen or loved made a difference in their life?

Just small compliments to my friends really do make a difference.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?

I’m at my best when I slow down enough to actually see people, their effort, their hesitation, their potential and respond to that, not just to the task in front of us.

How has being a student athlete influenced your leadership style and mindset?

I have made some of my best friends through soccer so that is the best thing I have ever choose in my life.

What challenges have you faced while balancing school, sports, work, and volunteering, and how have you overcome them?

I usually work weekends and as well volunteering, then school work every week day.

In what ways has your volunteer work shaped who you are today?

It has shaped me to being a better person and really care about the people I'm surrounded with.

What motivates you to keep showing up with kindness and determination, even on difficult days?

My friends, they make it so easy on the hard days.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger students who look up to you, what would it be?

Study hard but make the most out of high school, it really does fly by.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?

When I first met Jen, she made me feel confident, and I wasn’t uncomfortable at all. That means a lot to me because I would say I’m a quiet person if I’ve never met someone. It takes a lot for me to bring out my personality for the first time but it was not like that when I met her.

Tell us about Jen Welker: how did you connect, and what was that experience like?

I met my photographer through someone who had their photos taken by her. My experience was great, she made me feel confident and wasn’t awkward at all. She let me do me and captured it beautifully.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine?

Through Jen Welker!

How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?

College is expensive so I will be using this money towards that.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?

I am the type of person to never say NO, never take things for granted.

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?

How many people supporting me in my life.

Now that you have your interview, which leaderboard level are you most looking forward to and why?

WINNING!!

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 just to DO IT, you never know the opportunities you get through this program.

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?

I would just feel successful just by all the people in my life supporting me through this process.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?

My parents!!!!