Alexia Stofanak | How Music, Animals, and Leadership Shaped Her Story | Inspiring Teens® Magazine Issue 103
- Inspiring Teens Magazine
- Jun 22
- 6 min read
Alexia Stofanak – New York
Nomination & Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
Issue 103 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Alexia’s senior portraits during the beautiful spring blossoms of 2026. We started at a local college where the crabapple trees were in full bloom, then headed to the orchard to take advantage of the gorgeous apple blossoms. Alexia was such a joy to photograph, and we had so much fun creating these images together. Her hair, makeup, outfits, and bouquet were absolutely perfect and complemented the spring blossom theme beautifully.
Photography by Eve Taverne Photography
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
I have served in Student Council at my high school and am in National Honor Society as a high honors student. As a child, I volunteered at a ranch in Pennsylvania as a reflection of my love for animals and nature. I also enjoy music because of the messages they convey and believe they can help others understand their emotions.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
My goal is to attend college after high school to achieve a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I also hope to do volunteer work in humane societies to support animals without a home.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
I always wanted to do a career where I could connect with people. I think the human body is special and being able to help others with their health is important to me! I would love to connect with women and help them understand their bodies.
What is one personal goal you hope to accomplish before graduating high school?
Before graduating high school, I’d like to travel outside of the country. I have never been to another country. I would love to see the world from a different point of view and visit somewhere completely new!
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
Female empowerment. I think it is important to recognize the effort of women and continue to support their goals in achieving an education and a successful career. I also believe in inspiring young girls to pursue their own confidence and self worth.
Who is a woman you admire most, and what qualities do you hope to emulate in your own life?
A woman I admire most is my mother. She is one of the strongest, most resilient people I know. She is so incredibly smart and has raised me to be a courageous woman myself.
What role does music play in your life, and are there any songs or artists that have especially inspired you?
Throughout my life, music has been my therapy. It allows me to express my emotions when I don’t know the words to say myself. One song in particular that I consider a work of poetry is Piano Man by Billy Joel. Not only is it a song, it’s a story.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
I strive to help others in need because I hope less people feel alone in their personal struggles.
How do you hope to use your leadership skills to make a difference in your community in the future?
I think volunteering is important, whether it is for local nursing homes, food banks, humane societies, etc. I believe it builds empathy in people and helps you think about those around us who may need help.
What values are most important to you, and how do they influence the decisions you make each day?
I would say empathy and forgiveness are two of the most important values to me. They play a huge part in uniting a community. They influence me to be more mindful of other people and to be more compassionate towards others.
What has being a member of Student Council and National Honor Society taught you about responsibility and service?
Being part of these communities has taught me the importance of being a leader and how the creation of new ideas can prove to be beneficial for everyone.
What is one challenge you have overcome that helped shape who you are today?
I’ve struggled with mental health and body image throughout my life. I’ve learned that empowering others makes a huge difference in how you see yourself and my journey of healing has taught me that you can’t let the past define who you are. You have to seek the light in everything.
When you think about the future, what kind of impact do you hope to leave on the people around you?
I would hope to have a legacy of kindness and to be known to help all who may be silently struggling and spreading hope throughout my community.
If you could give one piece of advice to younger girls about confidence and self-worth, what would it be?
As much as the cliche sayings “be yourself” and “don’t let what others say affect you” are true, they are hard to actually keep in mind. I would tell a younger girl that she should stay with the people that uplift her and that the only person that knows you best is you. So stay true to your values.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
One of my favorite memories with Eve was at Windy Hill Orchards. She taught me the importance of living in the moment. This helped to get some of the best candids.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
The photographer, Eve, was a special person to work with because she encouraged me to be myself. She gave me compliments, which built my confidence throughout the session and made the environment more comfortable.
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 from my photographer, Eve. Being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matters to me because my mission is to inspire young girls to have self-confidence and empowerment to achieve their dreams and goals.
How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would be an incredible opportunity. I will soon be graduating high school and attending college to achieve my dream career of being an Ultrasound Technician. I hope to help improve the health of many women and others.
What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
I was excited to hear about this opportunity because I hope it will help create a movement in uplifting young girls who struggle with self image. This experience made me feel hopeful that things may be able to change and that we can bring light to the struggles of young women.
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?
Seeing the support from others and being able to be part of it has made me realize how far I’ve come in my confidence journey. It’s also made me realize I can make an impact on the lives of others with my experience.
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 take the leap and help spread awareness to make this movement happen. You can make an impact no matter how big or small. Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end? Being able to hear back from girls that I have impacted them in a positive light would make me feel successful.
Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
My best friend Caiden, because she has always been there for me even when I was at my rock bottom. She has done nothing but uplift me and make me feel welcome no matter the time or place.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m grateful for this opportunity regardless of the outcome. Good luck to all the other participants!
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