Vote for Leah Maliszewski for our Issue 88 Scholarship & Cover Winner! (Thanks for your donation!)
See InspiringTeens.com/88 for more details on prizes this teen can win with your help!
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Leah Maliszewski – Virginia
Nomination by Carrie Maliszewski
Photography by Melissa Waller Photography
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover
Not many people know this about me but along with my struggles in the classroom when I was young, I also struggled socially. I was teased and picked on at recess, on the bus, and other social settings. Although this took a big toll on me at the time, I am now very thankful I was able to persevere through these challenging times because not only have I found new confidence because of this but also as I've grown it has reminded me how important it is to show kindness to everyone.
What else would you like to talk about?
Despite my initial struggles with reading and writing, poetry has been one of my biggest coping mechanisms as I've gotten older. Poetry is a huge part in how I process big events and emotions as I start new things or face new challenges. When I have a lot going on I find that the words just flow when I sit down to write. Poetry has been an amazing outlet for me, and I always encourage others to try it out!
What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Faith is a huge part of who I am and how I've gotten as far as I have. I find that no matter the chaos that may be going on in my life at the time whether that be a stressful moment on the field or just the overwhelming waves of life, my faith is always there to catch me when I fall. I've definitely gone through some dark times and tried all the worldly things to help make me feel better but the only thing that has worked is prayer. I owe all my success to the Lord.
How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most?
I found my photographer through a friend that has previously done pictures with her.Im so glad I joined Melissa’s team. I have absolutely loved every second of it. Melissa really has a way with teens. I've never felt so comfortable in front of the camera before. She is so easy to work with and always has me leaving photoshoots eager to see my pictures.
What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
It's hard to sum up my mom in just 100 words. My mom is one of my very favorite people. She is so selfless and will do whatever she has to do to see a smile on my face. My Mom has worked incredibly hard to parent me and my siblings while my dad is gone on trips for the military, and she has done an amazing job. Some of my favorite memories have been just simply the moments where we talk and laugh for hours on the couch. Sometimes laughing so hard we cry. I love her so much.
Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
Our youth needs more realistic role models. It's okay to have faults, it's okay to struggle, it's how you use these things to motivate you that matters. Even more than that it's who you are that matters. I want to share my story so I can be this kind of role model for little girls and boys just like I was and show them that you are so much more than whatever you may be struggling with. I want them to be able to embrace who they are and take on the world with confidence and kindness.
If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I won this scholarship, I would donate half the money to Mary's shelter in Fredericksburg Virgina. I donated pajamas to the families here for Christmas when I was in 7th grade, and it was such an amazing experience. I would love to be able to help these families out again. With the other half I would set it aside to save up for college including sonography school which I plan to attend after my 4 years at Frostburg.
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Nomination: Leah is an inspiring senior. Diagnosed with dyslexia, Leah struggled to learn to read and navigate a traditional school setting. Through tremendous dedication, she earned a 3.8 high school GPA, including an A in AP Literature. Additionally, Leah is a talented field hockey goalie. She earned the distinguished District Goalie of the Year Award for an unprecedented, consecutive 3 years, breaking several records, including Most Career Saves at an impressive 640. She will play Division II hockey and major in Exercise Science. Leah is proof that focus, determination, and a desire to succeed can overcome the toughest of obstacles.
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Inspiring Teens is one of our "by teens for teens" productions to celebrate teens doing amazing things with their lives – such as the teen listed above!
Each vote is $5.00 and goes towards our scholarships, magazine production, awards, prizes, and other fun stuff that are included for the teens who participate in our fundraising and magazine endeavors. It also goes towards nonprofits and teen sponsored events as our extra profits allow.
We have given away over $180,000 in scholarships & over $100,000 to non-profits!
Thank you for helping us help them out!
* Teens must be between ages 13-19 and live in the continental USA to win a scholarship. Teens cannot win more than $1000 in a year's time.