Vivien Pina: Leading with Faith, Compassion & a Dream of Nursing

Vivien Pina – Texas

Nomination by Francine Pina

Photography by Angie Del Orbe Photography

Issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Vivien Carolina Pina is a senior at Cornerstone Christian School whose leadership and dedication have distinguished her in the classroom and in athletics. Guided by verse Proverbs 3:5-6, she strives to trust in the Lord and seek His direction in all aspects of her life. As an active member of the varsity cheer and track teams, Vivien demonstrates discipline and perseverance on and off the field. Known for her academic excellence, she approaches education with a strong work ethic and commitment to her studies. She plans to pursue a nursing career, combining compassion, service, and a commitment to helping others.

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

Family is at the center of my life. I deeply values the love, faith, and strong moral principles instilled by her family. Their guidance and encouragement have helped me pursue my goals with confidence.

What is one lesson or value your family has taught you that you know you will carry with you throughout your life?

Hard work and integrity. My parents always emphasized that showing up consistently and being honest, even when it’s difficult, defines your character more than any achievement. I carry that as my baseline for every decision I make.

How have your experiences in varsity cheer and track helped shape your discipline, confidence, and perseverance?

Balancing the technical precision of cheer with the physical endurance of track taught me to manage my time, push through fatigue, and stay composed under pressure. Those experiences showed me that confidence comes from preparation, and perseverance is just the decision to keep going even when you're tired.

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

Right now, my primary goals are to successfully finish high school, gain acceptance into a college where I can continue my education, and pursue a degree in nursing. As I continue pursuing my future, I’m determined to grow personally, academically, and professionally while remaining grounded in my faith, values, and the support of my family. I’m looking to making a positive impact in the lives of patients and their families.

What inspired you to pursue nursing, and what qualities do you hope to bring to your future patients and their families?

Watching my family navigate health challenges showed me the difference a compassionate, steady nurse makes, and I want to provide that same comfort. I hope to bring empathy, patience, and clear communication to my patients and their families when they need it most.

Is there a particular area of nursing you are interested in pursuing, and what draws you to it?

Pediatric nursing appeals to me because it offers the unique opportunity to care for children throughout their development while providing crucial emotional support to their families. The prospect of advocating for a patient who may not be able to express their needs fully, combined with the resilience children show in the face of illness, is what draws me to this specialty.

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

I can talk about my faith for hours. It is one of the most important parts of my life, and I strives to live in a way that reflects God's love and guidance. Through my actions, words, and relationships, I hope to encourage others to grow in their own faith and trust in God's plan for their lives. I believes that sharing personal experiences, offering support, and leading by example can help others strengthen their relationship with Christ. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I strive to demonstrate the importance of trusting in the Lord through both challenges and successes. My goal is to inspire others to deepen their faith, find hope in God's promises, and build a stronger connection with Him.

Why is Proverbs 3:5-6 especially meaningful to you, and how has it guided you through an important moment in your life?

When I was deciding on my career path and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to choose the "perfect" direction, this passage helped me let go of my need for total control. It guided me to stop overanalyzing every possible outcome and instead trust that if I stayed focused on my values and put in the work, things would unfold as they were meant to. It turned my anxiety into a sense of peace, allowing me to move forward with confidence rather than fear.

How do you hope your faith will influence the way you care for others throughout your future nursing career?

My faith will be the foundation for providing compassionate, holistic care that goes beyond just the physical needs of my patients. I see nursing as a ministry of presence, where I can offer genuine kindness, patience, and hope to children and families who are often going through their most difficult days. It will remind me to treat every patient with dignity and to listen deeply, ensuring that they feel seen and valued, even when they are at their most vulnerable.

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

One thing I’ve learned about myself this past year is that I’m capable of achieving more than I once thought possible when I stay focused, work hard, and trust in God. Balancing academics, athletics, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments has taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and faith. I discovered that I can overcome challenges, adapt to new situations, and continue growing even when things are difficult. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust God's plan for my life and to have confidence in the talents and opportunities He has given me as I pursues my goals and future aspirations.

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

My dream job would be working as a pediatric nurse in a specialized children's hospital, where I can provide compassionate care and support to families during their most challenging times.

What is one challenge you've faced that showed you just how capable and resilient you really are?

Balancing intense academic pressures while navigating a major personal transition really tested me, but coming out the other side showed me that I can handle significant stress and still remain focused on my goals. That experience taught me to rely on my own inner strength and adaptability when things get tough.

What advice would you give another teen who is struggling to trust the process when things aren't going according to plan?

Trust that you’re exactly where you need to be, even when life feels uncertain. Lean on your faith to remember you aren't navigating these challenges alone, and be kind to yourself as you grow through the process, knowing you have the strength to handle whatever comes next.

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

Family is one of the most important aspects of my life. Their unwavering support has helped shaped my character, strengthen my confidence, and motivate me to pursue my goals. I deeply value the love, faith, encouragement, and strong sense of togetherness that my family provides. Whether it is gathering for family dinners, supporting one another at school and sporting events, or simply enjoying time together, these moments have created lasting memories that I will always cherish.

As you prepare for college and the next chapter of your life, what family tradition or memory do you think you'll treasure most?

I feel ready for college knowing I have such a rock-solid support system in my family, and having that foundation makes me feel like I can handle whatever comes my way. I’ll always treasure our family traditions like those big holiday dinners where we all crowd around the table to share stories, because that feeling of being completely surrounded by love is exactly what I'll hold onto whenever I'm feeling homesick.

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

The photo was taken by Angie Orbe-Cardenas. Her studio's name is Angie Del Orbe Photography. Vivien and Angie's daughter both attend Cornerstone Christian School where they are both cheerleads.

Are you part of a model team with your photographer? If so, tell us about it.

I loved how Angie made me feel so comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which really helped my personality shine through in the photos. I’m also a part of Angie's 2026-2027 senior rep team. It’s given me the chance to connect with so many other girls and express my own style through all the fun, themed shoots we do together.

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 through my photographer, and being part of it matters so much to me because it celebrates real, diverse stories and gives young people a platform to share their voices and passions.

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

Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me take an important step toward achieving my educational and career goals. As I prepare to attend college and pursue a degree in nursing, this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of higher education. Beyond the financial support, being selected would be a tremendous honor and an encouragement to continue striving for excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

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

I decided to take on the Inspiring Teens challenge because I wanted to grow my confidence, and honestly, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I started the journey.

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?

I felt so proud during my first solo shoot when I realized I could pose naturally and confidently without overthinking every single movement. It was that moment where I stopped worrying about how I looked and just focused on having fun, which totally changed my mindset.

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

I’d tell them that feeling unsure is totally normal, but the growth you’ll experience is worth it—just take that first step and see what you're capable of. You'll be surprised at how much confidence you build once you dive in!

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’m looking to gain genuine connections with other driven teens and a deeper understanding of my own leadership style. I’ll feel truly successful if I walk away knowing I pushed past my comfort zone, contributed meaningfully to the community, and left with a clearer vision of how I can use my voice to make an impact.

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

I’d definitely want to thank my mom for always encouraging me to be my authentic self and teaching me the value of perseverance. She's been my biggest cheerleader, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her support.

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

I just want to say how much I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on these questions, as it's been a great reminder of how far I've come and what really matters to me.

Look for Vivien in issue 105 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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