Teen Spotlight: Lindsey Guin

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ParentSpotlightMrAndMrsGuinFeature

Stats: 16, Junior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Notable:

• Played soccer for 12 years
• Ranked 6^th in her class with over a 4.1 GPA
• 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 with them, 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 a lot stronger.”

Her Story:

In spite of having to take over 30 pills a day to treat her cystic fibrosis, Lindsey has excelled in academics making the A Honor Roll her freshmen and sophomore year. She’s served as SGA Treasurer as well as played on varsity soccer and basketball. Lindsey’s a pretty active server too. She’s involved with her church’s youth group and does various community services efforts. Lindsey plans to be in the leadership program at her church where she can help mentor younger kids. Lindsey’s looked up to her older sister Shannon ever since she was little. “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 inspired me to try my best to be friendly to everyone I've met.”

Dreams, Future plans:

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.

Parental Guidance:

Lindsey’s grandparents have been great role models instilling within her mom faith and in her dad kindness towards others and honest hard work. Together they’ve encouraged 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.”

Lindsey’s parents have also taught her to trust in God. Her motto is “God only gives what He knows you can handle" and leans on those words whenever she faces a tough time in her life. “I think of that quote and remember that God gave me my life because He knew I could handle it and learn from it.”

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.”

Parents’ Perspective:

Kevin and Linda Guin mostly admire their daughter’s “positive attitude and faith in God despite all of her trials related to 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,” says 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 realizes how important it is to develop positive coping skills and has helped others not be ashamed to seek counseling if they need the help.