teen spotlight
photography by Nikki P.
stats
16, Junior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School
notable
Played soccer for 12 years
Ranked 6th in her class with an over-4.1 GPA
Has helped raise nearly $5,000 since 2005 through the Lindsey’s
Ladybugs Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Annual Fundraiser
quotable
“I think the best advice I have ever received would be ‘Just push
through it.’ My parents would tell me this when I was younger, and
I wanted to stay home because I didn’t feel great or I was tired. In
the moment, I got really annoyed, but a few years later, I was very
grateful that they pushed me. That advice has helped me to cope
with being sick and not feeling well and has made me stronger.”
her story
Despite taking thirty pills a day to treat her cystic fibrosis, Lindsey
has excelled in academics. She’s served as SGA Treasurer and
played both varsity soccer and basketball. And she still finds the
time to help others through her church’s youth group and various
community service efforts. She’s joined a leadership program at her
church where she’ll mentor and motivate younger kids; the same
way her older sister has motivated her. “I have tried hard to get
good grades partly because Shannon is really smart without even
trying, and I wanted to be like her. She has inspired me to try my
best to be friendly to everyone I’ve met.”
plans for the future
Lindsey plans to attend a Catholic college to pursue a career as
a psychologist and later, open her own practice. “I like to help
people, and my friends say I’m really good at it. I would love to
have a big family, and I also think it would be cool to start my own
charity foundation.”
lindsey guin
PG (parental guidance) rating
Montgomery, Ala.
Lindsey’s grandparents and parents encourage Lindsey, “to do her
best and not to make excuses when things don’t go her way, but to
take those opportunities to learn, grow and work harder.”
parents’ perspective
Kevin and Linda Guin mostly admire their daughter’s
“positive attitude and faith in God despite being born
with cystic fibrosis.” She doesn’t let health issues hold
her back from doing her best. “Lindsey continues to
impress me with her determination and great results
in academics and athletics,” said her dad.
Lindsey uses her challenges to help others. She’s
learned that it’s not only okay to ask for help, but it
can also be life changing. She has helped others not be
ashamed to seek counseling if they need help.
parent-to-parent
“Teach by example and live your faith. Be active and
present in your child’s life as much as possible, while still
allowing them to be independent. Hold your children
accountable for their actions, but always let them know they are
loved and appreciated. Never be afraid
to admit your mistakes and have the grace to apologize when
appropriate.” -Linda Guin
www.potentialmagazine.com
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