Aven Osborne is a 10th-grade student and multi-sport athlete from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. A dedicated member of the Summit Christian Academy community, Aven excels in basketball, and dedicates time to dance outside of her school activities.
Alongside her athletic and academic pursuits, she is committed to community service, volunteering for organizations like Furry Kids Refuge, Wayside Waifs, and her church, Abundant Life. Aven’s journey is defined by her resilience, discipline, and passion for balancing a full schedule while making a positive impact. Through her unique experiences, she has gained a deep understanding of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth.
What do you feel is your greatest strength, and how has it shaped your journey?
I think my greatest strength is my ability to stay focused on the bigger picture. Whether I’m running a tough race or balancing school with community service, I’ve learned to push through challenges by reminding myself why I’m doing it. This mindset helps me stay grounded and motivated, even when things feel overwhelming. It’s shaped my journey by allowing me to see setbacks as stepping stones and accomplishments as opportunities to grow even further.
How have sports helped you grow as a leader?
Sports have taught me that leadership isn’t just about being the loudest voice on the team—it’s about supporting others and setting an example through your actions. In basketball and soccer, I’ve learned to communicate effectively with my teammates and encourage them when they’re feeling down. In individual sports like track, I’ve found ways to cheer others on and share in their victories. Being a leader is about building trust and showing others that you’re in it together, and sports have given me plenty of opportunities to practice that.
What role does your faith play in your daily life and commitments?
My faith is the foundation of everything I do. It gives me strength during challenging times and keeps me focused on my values, like kindness, perseverance, and service. Volunteering at Abundant Life Church has deepened my connection to my community and reminded me of the importance of giving back. Faith helps me see that every action, no matter how small, can have a positive impact, and it encourages me to approach everything with gratitude and purpose.
What has been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned through community service?
The most unexpected lesson I’ve learned is that service has a way of giving back to you. When I first started volunteering at animal shelters or helping at church events, I thought I was just there to make a difference for others. But over time, I realized how much those experiences were teaching me—about empathy, gratitude, and the importance of connection. Service has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my life because it constantly reminds me of what truly matters.
What challenges have you faced in balancing such a packed schedule, and how have you overcome them?
Time management is definitely the biggest challenge. There are days when it feels like there aren’t enough hours to get everything done. I’ve learned to stay organized by using a planner and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. I’ve also learned the importance of saying no when I need to prioritize something else. Overcoming these challenges has taught me the value of focus and flexibility, and it’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What is one piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you?
One of my coaches once told me, “The only thing you can control is your effort.” That advice has stuck with me in every aspect of my life. Whether it’s a tough game, a difficult test, or a volunteer project, I remind myself that I can’t control the outcome, but I can always give it my best. It’s helped me stay motivated and focused, even when things don’t go as planned.
How do you measure success in your life?
For me, success is about growth and impact. It’s not just about winning a race or getting a good grade—it’s about learning something new, becoming a better version of myself, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. If I can look back on a day or a project and feel like I’ve grown or helped someone else, I consider that a success.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
- Leadership is about supporting and uplifting others through actions and trust.
- Community service teaches valuable lessons about empathy and gratitude.
- Success is measured by personal growth and the positive impact made on others.
