Brynn Connelly: Leading with Kindness, Compassion & Confidence | Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brynn Connelly – Pennsylvania

Nomination & Photography by Albright Studio Photography

Nomination: A perfect way to describe Brynn Connelly is sunshine in human form. This girl always has a smile on her face and is ready to make sure you do too. Brynn is also what we would call a “go-getter.” She is the historian for her school’s National Honor Society, secretary of Key Club, and president of the Spanish Club. She is also a member of Student Government, Social Studies Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and FBLA! As involved as she is, she still makes time for the track team and the varsity cheer team! Just 2 years ago, their team went to NCA Nationals and placed 6th in the nation! Her dedication and hard work shows in all she does and we believe she truly is an inspiring teen.

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

I’ve won 3 Distinguished Service Awards for Key Club, I won the Outstanding Academic Excellence Award from the President’s Education Awards Program, and I won the Role Model Award this past cheerleading season for being an advocate and a positive influence on the younger girls on my team.

Which achievement are you most proud of, and what makes it especially meaningful to you?

I’m definitely most proud of receiving Role Model Award during this past cheerleading season. It meant the world to me because it wasn’t based on a grade, title, or accomplishment, but on the way I treated the people around me. Knowing that the younger girls on my team saw me as someone they could trust and looked up to me reminded me that the impact we have on others can be more meaningful than any award.

How have your leadership experiences helped shape the person you are today?

My leadership experiences have shown me that leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice or being the person in charge. My experiences have helped me become more confident, responsible, and patient. Most importantly, they’ve shown me that I can make a difference just by simply being there for someone when they need it.

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

For cheerleading, I’d like to step up as a leader and continue to be a positive influence on my team to lead our squad to a successful cheer season since we had a rough season this past year. Also, my dream in the future is to become a social worker or a psychiatrist in order to advocate and help those who do not have a voice. I’d love to make any sort of positive impact on the world around me, even if it is a small one!

What inspired you to pursue a future in social work or psychiatry?

My interest in psychology and helping others has become a big part of who I am today. I’ve learned through past experiences that everyone is going through their own struggles, whether they’re visible or not, and I want to understand what everyone is going through and how to help people feel heard rather than being judged. The more I’ve learned about psychology and mental health, the more I’ve grown to realize that I want a career where I can directly make a difference in people’s lives.

How do you hope to use your career to make a difference in the lives of others?

I hope to use my career to give people a safe place to feel heard, understood, and supported, especially those who may not have someone advocating for them. Whether that is through social work, psychiatry, or another career path in psychology, I want to use my voice to help others understand their worth and know that they don’t have to face difficult situations alone.

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

If there’s one thing I could talk about for hours, it’s how important it is to advocate for others and making people feel seen and valued. I believe even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day, or even their life. Whether it’s standing up for someone, offering encouragement, or simply listening, I want people to know they matter. This matters so much to me because everyone is fighting battles you can’t see. I believe kindness makes a ripple effect, and if I can make even one person’s life a little better, then I’ve made a difference.

Can you share a moment when someone's kindness made a lasting impact on your life?

One moment when someone’s kindness made a lasting impact on my life was when my cheerleading coach, Coach J, stepped in to lead our cheer team during one of the hardest times we have ever experienced. Our team had gone through a situation that left us hurt, disappointed, and unsure of what would happen next. Instead of letting us feel defeated, Coach J stepped up, believed in us, and cheered us on when we needed it most. Her kindness and bravery taught me that sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do for someone is show up, believe in them, and help them find their confidence again. I strive to be like her and I will carry her kindness with me as a leader.

What advice would you give to someone who feels unseen or unheard?

I would tell them that they shouldn’t let feeling unseen or unheard convince them that they don’t matter. There are always going to be people out there who want to know your story and everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. I’d tell them to keep being yourself, find people who will stand by you, and to always remember that your worth isn’t determined by the attention you receive from others!!

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

Something I’ve learned about myself as a leader in the past year is that I don’t lead in the traditional way. Through cheerleading, I thought leadership meant being the loudest or most confident. When those qualities never came naturally, I questioned whether I deserved to be a senior captain. Then, I realized the younger girls came to me for advice, support, and friendship because they trusted me. That showed me that leadership isn’t about giving orders but that it’s about making others feel seen, valued, and equal, and overall being someone they know they can count on.

What advice would you give to someone who is stepping into a leadership role for the first time?

I’d tell them that they don’t have to completely change who they are to become a leader. Find your own leadership style, lead by example, and always lead with your heart! The best leaders aren’t always the ones in control, they’re the ones who step up and care for others.

How do you balance academics, extracurricular activities, and still make time for yourself?

It’s honestly hard for me, but I love being busy and I love being involved! Organization is a huge part of it, I use an agenda for everything to stay ahead of my schoolwork and club commitments. I think it’s also important to mention that I LOVE being super involved, which helps me balance it a lot more! My only advice is to submerge yourself in what you love and do it to the best of your ability because you can do anything you truly set your mind to!

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

Maddy was the person who nominated me, and she is so sweet and funny. In fact, she reminds me of the beach in many ways, which is my favorite place! She has the kind of warmth that feels like sunshine, the kindness of gentle waves, and such a bright personality. She is just so joyful and leaves everyone around her happier than she left them, just like the beach!

What is one lesson you've learned from Maddy that you'll always carry with you?

In the short time I’ve gotten to know Maddy, she’s taught me the importance of being friendly and making people feel comfortable! She has such a genuine way of making everyone around her feel welcomed, and I hope I can treat others the same!

Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?

Nick and Maddy, two of the faces behind Albright Studio Photography, have been taking my school and sport pictures since 8th grade, but I got to know them much better after becoming their senior influencer this year. They’ve been so kind, supportive, and willing to bring all of my ideas to life! They’ve even drove 5 hours to the beach to take my dream senior photos! They are so talented and make every session feel so natural and comfortable. I’m so grateful for them and I’d recommend them to anyone!

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?

I actually heard about ITM last year when I saw two of Albright’s photographed seniors published in it on Instagram. Being a part of ITM matters to me because upon further research, the magazine offers many more amazing opportunities than just a magazine appearance. ITM offers chances for leadership growth, scholarship opportunities, and a shot to be recognized for character. I’m so thankful that I am being nominated for such an amazing magazine that encourages others to do good!

What do you hope readers remember most after learning about your story?

I really hope readers remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out and perfect in order to make a difference. You don’t have to do huge, amazing things to make an impact, most of the time the little things make the biggest difference!

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

Earning a scholarship through ITM would help ease the financial burden of college while allowing me to focus on furthering my education and helping others. More than the financial support, it would remind me that the work I’ve done to help others has truly made an impact. A scholarship would push me to continue helping people, and hopefully push other people to as well!

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

I love new experiences and it sounded like a great way to grow my leadership skills as well as possibly earn some scholarship money! I felt so excited when I first started and I love the fact that I get to share what I care about with others!

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 how many people were willing to support me and share my posts made me realize how much my relationships with others matter. Reaching my first major voting goal was exciting, but what made me most proud was seeing people who I hadn’t been as close with in a while reaching out to support me. It reminded me that the connections I make genuinely matter and people remember them!

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 DO IT! Even if you’re nervous, you’ll never know what you’re capable of until you try! The experience I’ve had so far has pushed me to put myself out there, connect with people, and become more confident and vocal in sharing what I care about.

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 hope to become more confident in myself as a leader and to continue growing. Regardless of where I place, I’ll feel successful if I encouraged someone else to believe in themselves, get involved, or make a difference in their own lives.

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

I’d love to thank my family, friends, teachers, coaches, peers, and teammates who have supported me all these years. Every person has made an impact on my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support from everyone.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I’m so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Inspiring Teens Magazine. I hope my interview reminds other teens that their voices matter and you never have to wait to make a difference! You can start exactly where you are with the people around you.

Look for Brynn in issue 104 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.