Interview with the girls from Mission Valley FCCLA - Beautiful afternoon shoot at the capitol! Topeka's Portrait Photographers

I spent the afternoon with these lovely ladies from Mission Valley and they were inspiring! They were supposed to go to Washington for a FCCLA event but because of COVID, it got cancelled. So to celebrate their dedication to FCCLA and to their communities, and their achievements, we photographed a fun and beautiful session for them! Their images are beautiful and really show off their personalities but something I really love is their answers! Thank you for checking out their session and young people like this give America hope!

T.H. Peterson: In what ways has FCCLA prepared you for life beyond high school?
Paige Sims: FCCLA has helped me for my future in several ways. Since I joined my freshman year, I have been able to come out of my shell and build lasting friendships. I have learned how to properly communicate with people of all ages, which will be a great help in the future when I need to talk to people I don’t know. I also can manage my time better and complete multiple tasks at the same time. Most of all, I’ve learned how to be confident in uncomfortable situations. These will all assist me in life beyond high school, whether it be in college, social life, or a career.

T.H. Peterson: WHat are some examples of the things you do with FCCLA and how does it impact you as a whole?
Karlyn Gustin: Through the multiple community service projects we do through the year gives us opportunities to really get to know our community, it gives members a chance to plan events, use public speaking skills to communicate with adults and their peers as well. Some of our community service projects include hosting free childcare nights at our school, serving hot coco in nursing homes, helping to sanitize toys in the Discovery Center, and serve meals at the Rescue Mission.

T.H. Peterson:  How has FCCLA impacted the way you work with others as a group?
Sydney Gleason: Before FCCLA I would avoid working in groups as much as possible but when I joined the officer team I started to learn how to work as a group. Now, from my years in FCCLA, I know the benefits of groups and I no longer avoid them.

T.H. Peterson: How has Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) helped your community and each of you as individuals.
Kiki Widau:  FCCLA has helped our community in many different ways. We help bring our community together and make it a better place for everyone.

T.H. Peterson:  What is something you've learned through FCCLA that you think has made you a better person?
Megan Deters: Every year there is one point where I am completing my STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Event where I get very overwhelmed and feel like giving up because I just can’t finish in time. Despite this one moment, I always finish because FCCLA has taught me that no matter how tough or scary something may be, persistence and hard work will always see you through to the reward at the end. FCCLA has taught me to never give up and not back away from challenges.

T.H. Peterson: What is your fondest memory with FCCLA?
Gabi Johnson: My fondest memory of FCCLA is one of our work nights for STAR Events. All the light were off in the school so Kiki, Karlyn, Megan and myself all pretended to be ninjas and see how far we could make it down the hallway before the motion sensor lights would come on! What made it better was that the principal watched us on the security cameras as we did it.

Inquire about your own session at tommy@thpetersonphoto.com or call 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812