Emily Hatcher's Inspiring Journey of Faith, Courage & a Dream to Heal Animals

Inspiring Teens Magazine
Jul 23
6 min read

Emily Hatcher – Texas

Nomination & Photography by Ariel Burgess/AB Photography

Issue 104 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Every portrait tells a story, and Emily’s is one of courage. Her smile reflects a joy that’s been hard-earned through faith, perseverance, and grace. Holding the Bible that has guided her journey, she stands on the threshold of a new chapter, a full-ride college scholarship and a future filled with purpose. My goal wasn’t simply to photograph a senior. It was to preserve the strength, hope, and unwavering faith of a young woman who chose to let God, rather than her past, define her.

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

I graduated high school with my vet tech certification.

What inspired you to pursue veterinary medicine from such a young age?

I’ve always loved animals since I was a little kid and one day I was watching tv and saw that there are people out there who help save animals. Ever since then I decided I wanted to be able to help animals feel better.

How has your faith helped shape the person you are becoming today?

My faith has helped in some of the biggest ways ever. With my faith in Jesus He gave me a better home life and school life. He gave me every opportunity I’ve had in my lifetime.

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

I’m working on a long life dream since I was 9 or 10 years old of being a veterinarian.

What are you most excited to learn when you begin your college journey?

Lately I’ve been really excited about my biology class and labs. I’ve heard it’s very hands on and you learn so much.

Is there a particular type of animal or area of veterinary medicine that interests you the most?

I really want to work with livestock and small animal. I’ve always had a huge heart for small animals but it would be and experience of getting to do livestock.

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

Probably softball cause it got me through some of the worst times of my life. And God cause He paved my path.

What lessons from softball have helped you overcome challenges in everyday life?

Just that the smallest things don’t matter when the outcome is greater.

When life becomes difficult, what keeps you motivated to keep moving forward?

That God has a plan for me even if I don’t know why He puts me through it. He puts you through the hard times so the lessons are stronger. The stronger the lesson the longer it sticks with you.

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

That I’m someone that people can go to when they need someone to listen to.

What advice would you give to someone who is going through a difficult season in life right now?

Turn to God and not away because He is always working even when you don’t see it. Read about his promises for your life.

How do you hope to make a difference in the lives of others through your future career? I want to be able to have some gospel conversations with my clients. I want to be able to know them personally, bring them comfort when they are going through something.

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

She’s my aunt so I’ve had a lifetime of the greatest memories with her.

What is one lesson your aunt has taught you that you'll always carry with you?

Just follow your dream and it will all work out in the end. I’ve watched her start her photography career and she just goes after her dream all in.

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

She’s my aunt and I loved every minute of my session it was the best.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? My aunt told me about it. I want to inspire someone with my story that has one just like me.

What message do you hope readers take away after reading your story?

That when you don’t feel God working doesn’t mean he’s absent He’s just righting a better ending.

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

Help me reach my dream of becoming a veterinarian. It’s going to be an expensive journey.

Are you part of a model team with your photographer?

If so, tell us about it. No I’m not a part of a model team with my aunt but she does love to take photos of our family.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?

To work at a clinic out in the countryside. Just getting to go into work and be around all the animals I love so much.

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

I said yes because God recently placed on my heart that He wants me to share my story with others. He wants me to share what He has done in my life. I felt very honored to go through this.

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?

That their are so many people that are rooting for me and want me to succeed. Knowing I have so much support means so much to me.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?

Just go for it because you never know how it will impact someone else when hearing about them and how they overcame the challenges in their life.

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

Just knowing that I can help others through difficult times in their life by letting them know how I made it through all the times in my life.

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

I would just like to thank everyone who has made this possible for me. All the people who supported me to make it to where I am today.

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

Extra questions If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you? You would find me at a book store reading or in my bed reading.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?

I’m really excited about college. It’s all I’ve been looking forward to.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?

Getting a full ride to college. I started by getting a better mindset on things and then I was able to focus on school.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

Never ever give up on your hey you want. It will all work out in the end.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?

I see myself in vet school getting closer to my dream.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?

I love getting to read books in my free time.

3 Things on your bucket list

Travel the world