My name is Cheyenne Smith, and I am a high school senior from Atlanta who has always had a passion for being active and working with others. I am ALWAYS out of the house. Some of my favorite activities include track (especially running the 100-meter hurdles), soccer, and dance. Each of these sports has shaped me in unique ways, and together they have taught me the importance of balance, determination, and teamwork. Through them, I’ve not only grown stronger as an athlete but also as a leader, and I know I could use those lessons to teach through youth sports. Sports have given me more than just physical strength...they’ve given me resilience and confidence during times when life has been difficult. As a teenager balancing school, leadership opportunities, and personal challenges, I've had to find healthy outlets for stress. I've also learned that hard work only comes through practice. In track, I’ve learned to push myself past the point of comfort, knowing that every stride brings me closer to reaching my goals. Even when I trip over a hurdle, I know to get back up and try again. In soccer, I’ve experienced the importance of collaboration, where every player’s effort contributes to the team’s success. Dance has helped me express myself creatively, but given me discipline in mastering routines. These experiences have taught me lessons I know younger athletes can benefit from, especially those who may be searching for belonging or confidence. I plan to make a positive impact in my community by using sports as a way to empower others, particularly youth. My goal is to mentor and encourage younger athletes, showing them that sports are not only about competition, not only about winning, but about finding who they are. I want to help create spaces where kids feel included, celebrated, and motivated to push themselves in a positive way. Beyond the field and track, I have learned leadership and service through my years in Girl Scouts, where I’ve completed my Silver Award and Gold Award. These projects have taught me how to recognize community needs, organize solutions, and inspire others to join in. Combining that with my love for sports, I believe I can encourage others to grow not just as athletes but as people. In the future, I see myself volunteering and giving back as a coach in programs that emphasize teamwork, health, and confidence. My mission is to make sure young athletes know that sports can be a lifelong tool for empowerment, just as they have been for me.

Olivia Rodrigo was my number one artist in 2024. While many people listened to her songs, “Deja Vu” or “Good 4 U”, I always related to the song “Bad Idea Right”. “I know it’s a bad idea right, but I just can’t stop myself.” On the surface, the lyric captures the thrill and recklessness of teenage decisions. The impulsive moments that feel exciting but risky. But beneath that, it also holds a deeper double meaning: it reflects the internal struggle of knowing what’s unhealthy for you emotionally or mentally, yet feeling drawn toward it anyway. It’s a perfect way of summing up my teenage years, a time when our emotions are intense, our boundaries are tested, and self-control feels like a moving target. For me, this lyric mirrors the internal battles I’ve faced as a teenager. Between school, soccer, and personal challenges, I’ve often found myself caught between what I know is best for me and the impulses of fear, anxiety, or self-doubt. There have been times when I felt completely overwhelmed, like no matter what I did, I couldn’t get ahead of my thoughts or emotions. During those moments, my mind sometimes pushed me toward habits that I knew weren’t healthy, short-term ways to cope that left me feeling empty or regretful afterward. What I’ve learned is that recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them. By reflecting on my emotions, talking with trusted adults, and seeking guidance when I need it, I’ve begun to develop strategies that help me respond to challenges in healthier ways. I’ve realized that struggling doesn’t mean failure, sometimes it's necessary. Over time, I’ve become more patient with myself and more aware of how my choices, even the small ones, shape the person I am becoming. Yes, I will admit, this is a very negative way of distinguishing this lyric. This lyric is also unexpectedly hopeful. It reminds me that making mistakes is part of growing up. Just because I once followed impulses that were “bad ideas” doesn’t mean I’m destined to repeat them. Mistakes don’t define me. Through therapy, supportive mentors, and self-reflection, I’ve learned how to channel my emotions into productive actions, like reading a book or jumping a hurdle (I do track, too). These choices are my way of turning past impulses into something meaningful. In the end, “Bad Idea Right?” is more than a teenage anthem about recklessness. The song is about self-discovery and learning to navigate the complicated landscape of growing up. Being a teenager is messy, or at least my teenage years have been. I may stumble at times, but I’m learning to make choices that build a better version of myself, and, judging by how much I listen to this album on loop, Olivia Rodrigo is officially my number one artist again.

From a young age, I was taught that giving back isn’t just a kind gesture...it’s a responsibility. My mother often reminded me that, in another life, I could be the one in need. Wanting to nurture this perspective, she put me in Girl Scouts, setting me on a path where service to others became not just a lesson, but a way of life. At first I thought it was a little silly and dramatic, but Girl Scouts turned out to be one of the best decisions made. Today, I am making my community a better place through my Girl Scout Gold Award project, "Silent No More: A Path to Freedom and Empowerment". This project is a book written to support women and teen girls who have experienced or are currently experiencing abusive relationships. My goal is to let them know they are not alone. Never. In our society todaay, abuse is not looked at as a major issue. In fact, many go to blame the victim for their troubles, not the abuser. This needed to be changed. My book also provides resources for healing and empowers victims to regain their voices, identities, and confidence. I have researched statistics, consulted with many mental health professionals, and listened to survivors to ensure that the book is both accurate and compassionate. I partnered with shelters, therapists, and community leaders to distribute this book both digitally and physically so it can continue to impact lives beyond my involvement. My hope is that the words within its pages will serve as a lifeline for someone in crisis and a source of strength for those beginning their journey of recovery. I intend to major in psychology and minor in criminal justice at Kennesaw State University. I have always been interested in the mind and why we act the way we do. After college, I plan to expand my impact by pursuing a career in forensic psychology. Through this path, I will support victims, advocate for justice, and work to break cycles of abuse and trauma in communities. My passion for psychology grew from personal experiences and from seeing how access to mental health care can transform lives. I, myself, have endured the darkness of anorexia. A battle that nearly consumed me. At my lowest points, I resorted to cutting myself in ways I can hardly put into words, desperate for a release from the pain I couldn’t express. There were moments when hope felt distant and survival seemed impossible. The only reason I am alive today is because of my therapist, Dr. Butler, whose support became a lifeline when I was drowning. She didn’t just help me heal; she showed me how true guidance and compassion can be during life’s most harrowing moments. I am forever grateful for her. Whether through my career, my writing, or volunteer work, I am committed to lifting others up. I believe that empowering people, especially the vulnerable, creates a domino effect that strengthens entire communities, inspires hope, and builds lasting change for future generations.

I'm always excited to see my Spotify Wrapped results at the end of the year. It usually says something along the lines of: “High emotional intensity! 99.99% of life is narrated by playlists. Likely rapping her heart out to Tupac or shedding tears to indie rock music.” That’s me - chaotic, creative, and completely powered by vibes. I am the most Gen Z person alive because I treat Spotify like my therapist, my hype squad, and my love language all in one. Every mood, every moment, every midnight overthinking session has a playlist to match. Some playlist names include: "I'm JUST a girl", "pov: you're the main character" and "Which knee? Disney." (I mean come on, who doesn't have a Disney mix?) I don’t just listen to music, I feel it. I curate entire soundtracks for imagined futures and aesthetic Pinterest boards. Speaking of which, Pinterest is essentially where I plan my dream (very realistic) future life, and Notion is where I try (keyword: TRY) to organize it. Instagram is where I let my creativity breathe and shine through. I love photo dumps, color themes, and random captions that ALWAYS rhyme. I’m living proof that Gen Z is just a beautiful mess of multitasking and digital dreaming. TBH, I wouldn’t have it any other way! (Follow my Instagram at: Chey2fly_)

Sha'Carri Richardson is undoubtedly my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA. She is the person who started my love for track and field. Her speed, charisma, and resilience make her a standout not only on the track but also in the world of sports. What truly captivates me about Sha'Carri is her unapologetic attitude even when receiving hate. Richardson's journey is both triumphant and had setbacks. In 2021, she became my favorite after winning the U.S. Olympic Trials, making her one of the fastest women on earth! Her vibrant personality, with her bright hair and nails, and her confidence, drew the attention of sports fans globally, and most of all mine. However, shortly after qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, she faced a significant challenge when she was suspended for testing positive for marijuana after the passing of her biological mother. While this setback resulted in her missing the Tokyo Olympic Games, what stood out to me was how Richardson handled the situation. She didn't claim it to be fake news, she instead took responsiblity for her actions and remined composed even with all of the hate she was receiving. Unlike other athletes, she did not let that moment define her career. She instead used it as motivation to come back stronger than ever before. In 2023, Shacarri won the gold medal in the 100 meters at the World Champ in Budapest. I watched this after not making it to state with my track team. Sha'carri motivated me to not dwell in sadness but rather learn and grow from it. It reminds me of the importance of perseverance and self-belief, no matter the challenges getting thrown your way. I admire Sha'Carri's authenticity. In a world where athletes are often scrutinized for every move, she remains unfiltered and bold. She has a willingness to talk about mental health, she represents a new generation of athletes who are embracing their platforms to be their true selves. Cheering for Sha'Carri Richardson goes beyond celebrating just her athletic accomplishments. It’s about supporting an individual who encourages courage, genuineness, and the power of never giving up even when you aren't played the best cards. She’s not just racing against the clock; she’s racing against societal norms, personal challenges, and personal expectations.