Kenzie Parrish: From Competitive Gymnastics to a Future in Nursing

Kenzie Parrish – Ohio

Nomination & Photography by Fischetti & Co. Photography

Issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kenzie was such a fun client to work with. She is a very hardworking student and diligent athlete. Kenzie plans on becoming a nurse, and has already been working in the field for over a year. At this point she is training new people who are much older than her! Kenzie is from a kind, caring family and has all the tools to accomplish whatever she wants. I believe she will be a terrific asset to the healthcare industry.

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

Kenzie has been competing in gymnastics for the past 12 years. She manages to balance work, practice and school and still is achieving a 4.0 GPA.

What has gymnastics taught you about discipline and perseverance that you use in other areas of your life?

Gymnastics has taught me to stay disciplined and never give up when things get difficult. I use those lessons in school, work, and everyday challenges by staying focused and continuing to work toward my goals.

How do you balance the demands of gymnastics, school, and working in healthcare while maintaining a 4.0 GPA?

I balance gymnastics, school, and working in healthcare by staying organized and managing my time wisely. I make schoolwork a priority and plan ahead around my practices and work schedule. Being disciplined helps me stay focused and complete assignments on time. I also make sure to give myself time to rest so I can perform my best in every area.

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

Kenzie is working hard to be able to compete at the next level in gymnastics for her final year of the sport.

What would competing at the next level during your final year of gymnastics mean to you?

Competing at the next level during my final year would mean so much to me, especially getting to experience it alongside my teammates. We have grown up and worked so hard together, and I would love to finish my gymnastics journey by competing at a higher level with the girls who have supported me throughout the years. It would be a special way to make our final season unforgettable.

After 12 years in gymnastics, what is one accomplishment or memory from the sport that makes you especially proud?

After 12 years of gymnastics, I’m most proud of simply making it through my senior year. Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life, and finishing my final season means I never gave up and stayed committed through all the challenges.

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

Kenzie could talk about gymnastics for hours. It is important to her because she has developed leadership skills as well as life long friendships. It is a difficult sport but exciting at the same time. It is a commitment.

How have the friendships you've made through gymnastics shaped your experience in the sport?

The friendships I’ve made through gymnastics have shaped my entire experience. Honestly, without my friends and teammates, I don’t think I would have made it this far. They have supported me through the hard days, encouraged me when I wanted to give up, and made every practice and competition more memorable.

What advice would you give to a younger gymnast who is struggling with the commitment or challenges of the sport?

My advice would be to keep going, even when it feels like you’ll never get a new skill or improve. Eventually, you will, and it will feel so much better knowing how hard you worked for it. Also, don’t compare yourself to other gymnasts. Everyone improves at their own pace, so focus on your own progress and keep believing in yourself.

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

I have great natural instincts when caring for patients in my nursing aid role. I enjoy getting to meet patients from various backgrounds. I have the privilege of caring for them when they need it the most. I enjoy teaching the new hires and showing them how to do things right. I’ve learned that you need to change your approach based on the situation and the patient.

What first inspired you to pursue nursing and begin working in healthcare while still in high school?

My mom first inspired me to pursue nursing because I’ve always seen how much she enjoys caring for others. I’ve realized that I have that same passion for helping and caring for people. Working in healthcare while still in high school has allowed me to experience that firsthand and confirmed that nursing is what I want to pursue.

What have your patients taught you about compassion and connecting with people from different backgrounds?

My patients have taught me that everyone has a different story and needs to be treated with patience and understanding. Working in healthcare has shown me how important it is to listen, be kind, and make people feel comfortable. Even small acts of compassion can make a big difference in someone’s day.

What is it like training new employees who are older than you, and how has that experience strengthened your confidence as a leader?

Training new employees who are older than me has taught me that leadership is about confidence, communication, and knowledge, not age. I’ve learned to trust what I know and be comfortable helping others. I also enjoy being in charge and taking on leadership responsibilities. This experience has made me much more confident in myself and my ability to lead.

What qualities do you think will make you a great nurse someday?

I think my compassion, patience, and willingness to help others will make me a great nurse. I care about making people feel comfortable and supported, and I’m not afraid to work hard. I’m also a good listener, responsible, and confident, which I think are all important qualities in nursing.

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

My ideal dream job would be working at Firelands Health alongside my mom. She is one of the biggest reasons I want to become a nurse, so being able to work at the same hospital as her would be really special to me. I would love to care for patients while learning from someone who inspired me to pursue nursing.

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

Stef was fun to work with and made me feel comfortable getting my senior pictures taken. He was generous with his time and did a wonderful job getting me to relax and look natural.

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

I met Stef when I got my senior pictures taken. We found him on the internet and felt drawn to his website. We liked the style of his photography. When we met in person it was comfortable and fun. He did a great job preparing me for what to expect and how to get the most out of my sessions with him. I was appreciative that he took the time to scope out settings that I would feel comfortable getting my photo taken in.

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

I first heard about this magazine from Stef when he said that he wanted to nominate me. I think it is important to see all the good in the world and what our next generation is working towards. Too often there is an overwhelming amount of negativity in the press. We don’t spend enough time highlighting all of the good that is happening around us.

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

Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine will help me achieve my goal of becoming a registered nurse and ultimately caring for the sick.

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 challenge because I thought it would be a great opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and share more about myself. When I first started, I was a little nervous and unsure of what to expect, but I was also excited to be part of something that encourages teens to be confident and inspire 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?

One moment that has made me feel proud is realizing how much more confident I’ve become throughout the challenge. At first, I was nervous about putting myself out there, but I’ve learned to be more comfortable talking about my experiences and what I want for my future. It has helped me realize that I have a lot to be proud of and that my voice and story are worth sharing.

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 and not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zone. You never know what opportunities can come from trying something new. Even if you feel nervous at first, it can help you grow in confidence and learn more about 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?

I hope to gain more confidence and become more comfortable putting myself out there. I would feel successful knowing that I challenged myself, grew as a person, and was able to inspire even one other teen through my story and experiences.

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

I would like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coach, and everyone who has supported me throughout my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who have encouraged me, believed in me, and supported me along the way.

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

I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Inspiring Teens challenge. It has given me a chance to share my experiences, step outside my comfort zone, and reflect on how much I’ve grown. I hope my story can encourage other teens to believe in themselves and keep working toward their goals.

Look for Kenzie in issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.