Emmalie Whitbeck: Leading with Compassion & Dreaming of Pediatric Nursing

Emmalie Whitbeck – Alabama

Nomination by Brittiny Whitbeck

Photography by Maia Burchell Photography

Issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Emmalie is a compassionate, driven junior with a heart for helping others. As a Medical Academy student, NHS member, and aspiring pediatric nurse, she hopes to make a difference in children’s lives. She demonstrates leadership through Girls with Glory, Junior Model Team, and serving as a School Ambassador, while also participating in color guard, band, track & field, and other school activities. Beyond her accomplishments, Emmalie stands out for her kindness, determination, and willingness to encourage others. She leads by example and inspires those around her to work hard, serve others, and always be their best.

Photography by Maia Burchell Photography

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

One thing I would like readers to know about me is how much I value serving others, even when I do not receive recognition for it. I have had opportunities to serve through church, school, and my community, including being a table leader at church camp, helping with younger children, volunteering at food and clothing drives, and participating in Operation Christmas Child. These experiences have taught me that making a difference does not always require doing something big. Sometimes, simply being willing to listen, encourage someone, or lend a helping hand can have a lasting impact. My faith has also played an important role in shaping the way I treat others and reminding me to lead with kindness, humility, and compassion.I would also like readers to know that I have been involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for three years and am a second-year Diamond Doll member. Being involved in these organizations has given me opportunities to support positive choices, build relationships within my school, and become more involved in my community. Along with my volunteer experiences through church and school, these activities have helped me grow into someone who values service, responsibility, and encouraging others.

How have your experiences with church, school, and community service shaped the way you approach helping others?

My experiences have taught me that helping others does not always require doing something big. Sometimes, it is simply taking the time to listen, make someone feel included, or offer a helping hand. Through church, school activities, and volunteering, I have learned the importance of being compassionate, dependable, and willing to serve wherever I am needed. I try to approach others with kindness and remember that even the smallest actions can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.

What have you learned from working with younger children, and how have those experiences influenced the kind of person you want to become?

Working with younger children through gymnastics coaching, church activities, and being a church camp table leader has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of being a positive role model. I have learned that children need people who will listen to them, encourage them, and make them feel valued. These experiences have strengthened my desire to become someone children can trust, especially during difficult or unfamiliar situations. They have also helped me realize how much I enjoy building relationships with children and watching them grow.

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

I would also like readers to know that I have been involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for three years and am a second-year Diamond Doll member. Being involved in these organizations has given me opportunities to support positive choices, build relationships within my school, and become more involved in my community. Along with my volunteer experiences through church and school, these activities have helped me grow into someone who values service, responsibility, and encouraging others.Right now, I am working toward becoming the best version of myself academically, personally, and through serving others. As a junior in the Medical Academy, I am working toward my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse and eventually traveling to care for children in different communities. I am also focused on challenging myself academically through advanced and AP classes while gaining experiences that will prepare me for college and a career in healthcare. Outside of school, I am involved in activities and service opportunities that allow me to encourage and help others. Ultimately, my goal is to use my career, education, and relationships with others to make a positive difference in the lives of children and the people around me.

What inspired you to pursue pediatric nursing, and what excites you most about the opportunity to care for children?

Learning how many children do not have access to proper healthcare really touched my heart and made me want to help. It made me realize that something many people take for granted is not always available to everyone. I want to be part of making a difference by helping children receive the care and support they deserve. What excites me most about pediatric nursing is the opportunity to care for children when they need it most, comfort them when they are scared, and help families through difficult situations. I hope to become the kind of nurse who makes every child feel safe, valued, and cared for.

You hope to travel to care for children in different communities. What motivates you to pursue this goal, and what impact do you hope to make?

I want to travel as a nurse because I hope to help children in different communities, especially those who may not have easy access to healthcare. Knowing that so many children need medical care motivates me to pursue a career where I can make a difference wherever I am needed. I would love to learn about different communities, meet new people, and use my skills to serve others. My goal is to help children receive the care they deserve and leave every community knowing that I made a positive impact, even if it was in a small way.

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

My ideal dream job would be working as a pediatric nurse anywhere I could make a difference in children's lives. I do not have one specific hospital or location in mind because what matters most to me is being able to help. Whether that means working at a children's hospital, serving an underserved community, or traveling to provide care where it is needed, I want a job that allows me to use my passion for nursing to help children. My biggest goal is to make sure the children I care for feel safe, supported, and loved.

How do you balance your academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work while continuing to work toward your future goals?

Balancing everything requires organization, commitment, and learning how to prioritize. Between my advanced classes, the Medical Academy, band, track, school activities, church, and volunteering, I have learned that I have to be intentional with my time. I try to stay on top of my assignments, plan ahead, and remember why I work hard. My goal of becoming a pediatric nurse motivates me to challenge myself academically while continuing to make time for the activities, relationships, and service opportunities that are important to me.

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

I could talk about working with children and helping others for hours. I have always enjoyed being around kids, whether it was through babysitting, coaching younger children, serving at church, or helping students at school. I love seeing how even small acts of kindness can make someone feel supported and confident. This matters so much to me because I hope to become a pediatric nurse one day, and I want my career to be more than just a job—I want to make children and their families feel cared for during some of their hardest moments.

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

I have learned that by being a leader I do not worry about what others think and that I have become more involved in school clubs and events. I have also learned that I try my best to help others who need something or I check in on them to see if they need anything or would like to talk.

Can you share a time when you encouraged someone who was struggling or helped them feel included, and what that experience taught you?

One experience that really shaped me was being a Tiger Buddy in middle school, where I spent time with students with special needs. That experience taught me that everyone needs a friend and that a little kindness can help someone feel included and valued. Being a church camp table leader has also shown me how meaningful those relationships can become. I have built relationships with kids at my table, and many of them still talk to me today. Knowing that my words and kindness have made an impact on them means so much to me. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not always about being in charge; sometimes, it is simply showing someone that they matter and that they have someone in their corner.

How has becoming more confident in yourself helped you take on new leadership opportunities or step outside your comfort zone?

As I have grown, I have become more willing to try new things, take on responsibilities, and build relationships with people I might not have known otherwise. Being a Tiger Buddy helped me understand the importance of reaching out to others and making sure people feel included. Becoming a church camp table leader has helped me grow in my ability to connect with younger kids, encourage them, and build relationships that last beyond camp. Seeing that some of those kids still talk to me today reminds me that I can make a difference through my words and actions. These experiences have helped me realize that confidence is not about being perfect or never feeling nervous; it is about being willing to step up, care for others, and trust that I have something meaningful to offer.

What role does your faith play in the way you lead, serve others, and make decisions?

My faith is an important part of who I am and influences how I try to treat others. It reminds me to lead with humility, show compassion, and serve people without expecting anything in return. I want my actions to reflect the love and kindness that God has shown me. My faith also guides my decisions and reminds me that success is not just about personal achievements, but about the difference I make in the lives of others. As I work toward becoming a nurse, I hope to carry those values into every relationship and every opportunity I have to serve.

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

The person who sent in my nomination was my mom. One of my favorite things about my relationship with my mom is all the girls’ days we get to have together. Whether we are shopping, getting food, running errands, or simply hanging out and talking, I always enjoy the time we get to spend together. I’m grateful that she is someone I can laugh with, talk to, and make memories with. It’s the simple moments together that mean the most to me.

What is one lesson your mom has taught you that you hope to carry with you into college and your future career?

One of the biggest lessons my mom has taught me is that I do not need other people's approval to know my worth. She has taught me that if someone says something about me, I do not have to take it to heart or let it define me. Instead, I can learn from the experience, grow through it, and keep becoming the person I want to be. She has also taught me that I do not have to be liked by everyone, and that is okay. As I go into college and eventually my career, I want to remember to stay true to myself, be confident in who I am, and focus on the difference I can make rather than worrying about what everyone else thinks.

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

I am in Maia's junior model group and when I first met her she was really funny and smiling a lot and shes is super encouraging and it was like my self esteem was boosted with her pictures and her complements.

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

I first heard about it through Maia with one of her models being nominated. Being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matters to me because it would give me an opportunity to share my experiences, encourage other teenagers, and grow as a leader. I want to be someone who inspires others to step outside of their comfort zone, get involved, and make a positive difference in their community. Being recognized by Inspiring Teens Magazine would also be meaningful to me because it would remind me that the time I have spent serving others and working toward my goals can make an impact.

What advice would you give to another teenager who wants to get involved in their school or community but feels nervous about taking that first step?

My advice would be to start small and not let fear keep you from trying something new. You do not have to be the most outgoing or confident person in the room to make a difference. Some of the best opportunities come from simply saying yes, showing up, and being willing to learn. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn, or whose life you might impact. Even if you feel nervous at first, give yourself the chance to grow. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone leads you to experiences that shape who you become.

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

Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me reach my goals of attending college and pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. College can be expensive, so receiving financial support would help reduce some of the cost and allow me to focus more on my education and gaining experience in the medical field. It would also encourage me to continue working hard, serving others, and pursuing opportunities that help me grow as a student and leader.

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

I said yes to the Inspiring Teens Leadership Challenge because I wanted to challenge myself, grow as a leader, and become more confident in sharing my story. I also saw it as an opportunity to represent the values that are important to me, including faith, service, and helping others. At first, it felt exciting but also a little intimidating because it pushed me outside my comfort zone. However, I knew that growth often comes from doing things that feel unfamiliar, and I wanted to give myself the opportunity to learn more about myself and what I am capable of.

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?

One thing that has made me proud is realizing that I am willing to put myself out there and pursue opportunities that align with my goals. Taking part in this challenge has encouraged me to think more intentionally about the kind of leader I want to become and the impact I hope to make. It has reminded me that growth does not always happen in one big moment. Sometimes, it is recognizing that you are becoming more confident, more willing to take chances, and more comfortable using your voice to encourage others.

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 go for it! It is easy to talk yourself out of an opportunity because you are worried about what other people might think or whether you are good enough. But you do not have to have everything figured out to get started. Challenges like this can help you discover strengths you did not know you had, meet new people, and grow in ways you might not expect. Do not let being nervous or worrying about other people's opinions stop you from doing something that could help you become a more confident version of yourself.

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

Beyond votes or placements, I hope to grow in confidence, develop my leadership skills, and inspire other teens to get involved in their schools and communities. I want to learn more about myself and become even more intentional about using my opportunities to help others. I would feel truly successful if this experience helped me grow as a person, encouraged someone else to step outside their comfort zone, or reminded someone that they have something valuable to offer. To me, success is not just about recognition or winning; it is about the impact you make and the person you become along the way.

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

I would like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me, encouraging me, and helping me become the person I am today. I am also grateful for my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and church leaders who have encouraged me to grow, try new things, and use my abilities to help others. Most importantly, I thank God for the opportunities He has given me and the people He has placed in my life. I would not be where I am today without the love, encouragement, and guidance of the people around me.

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

I am excited to continue growing as a leader, serving my community, and working toward my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. Learning about the children who lack access to proper healthcare has strengthened my desire to make a difference wherever I can. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I hope to keep challenging myself and taking opportunities that help me grow. I want to be someone who makes others feel valued, encourages people to believe in themselves, and uses her talents to help others. No matter where my future takes me, I hope to carry my faith, compassion, and desire to serve with me.

Photography by Brittiny Whitbeck

Look for Emmalie in issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

* Interviews are shared in the teen’s own words so their authentic voice shines through.