Ava Bruns: Inspiring Future Nurse, Competitive Dancer, and Compassionate Caregiver
Ava Bruns – Kansas
Nomination by Brandi Bruns
Photography by Nicole Renee Photography
Issue 106 of Teens Magazine
Nomination:
Ava Bruns always wanted to be a nurse. In 2025, her mother’s routine surgery turned into a 123-day ordeal after complications, including sepsis and an allergic transfusion reaction, nearly took her life. Ava became her mother’s primary caregiver, administering IV fluids and TPN nightly. This experience showed Ava the pain of illness and the impact of skilled, compassionate nursing. Inspired by the nurses who saved her mom, Ava now knows nursing is about resilience, empathy, and being a steady presence in someone’s hardest moments. She is determined to be that person for others.
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
Beyond my nomination, much of my life is built on dedication, discipline, and heart. I am a competitive dancer, which requires many hours of intense training, focus, and teamwork every week. Alongside dance, I am an extremely focused student who works hard daily to maintain high academic standards. Balancing a sport with academics has taught me time management and resilience. Above all, I lead with deep empathy and genuine care for others, always striving to uplift the people around me both in daily life and on the stage.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
At the moment, I am busy learning new routines and techniques for the dance competition season as well as staying on top of my grades in my AP courses. Also important to me is maintaining my relationships with my family and friends. My main objective is being able to find a balance and excel in both my academics and sport without compromising them or the people who mean the most to me.
What could you talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk for hours about random facts and subjects. I love exploring niche topics and discovering curious related facts about how the world works. I really care about curiosity because a new fact can unlock a new way to view the world.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
I learned that I am a natural leader and that oftentimes I take on the role of a leader, without even realizing it. This personality trait can be seen in many day-to-day aspects of my life, whether it be group projects and activities, dance, or just when I'm hanging out with my friends. By being able to recognize my personal characteristics, I can now understand that I have the ability to take charge and lead people in different areas of my life.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
My mom nominated me, and the best memories with my mom are when I was helping her with her TPN and IV fluids. We had the most heart-to-heart talks while I was caring for her. She made me feel like there was never a time when she wasn't cared for, and it made me learn about devotion, empathy, and love.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
My photographer originally took my photos from when I was a freshman in High School and was part of the dance team. It was fun being able to reconnect with her for this session! Due to us already having some history, I felt very comfortable, and it was very fun to do the shoot. She was able to bring out my inner confidence, and it was great to see how far I've grown since the first time she took photos of me.
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 on Instagram. The reason why I want to be a part of this magazine is that it gives teens a voice they might not have, and inspires them. This is a great magazine where teens from all different kinds of backgrounds can come together, share their stories, and inspire others, while they know their stories and achievements are going to be shared with the world.
How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Earning a scholarship from Inspiring Teens Magazine will give me the opportunity to go to college to become a nurse. Through my interactions with people, I have developed an interest in caring for other people. The money from the scholarship will help me pay for the tuition to go to school and be able to fulfill my dream of nursing other people to health every day.
Look for Ava in issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Interviews are shared in the teen’s own words so their authentic voice shines through.
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