Hey everyone! I’m Belle Stanley, I'm 16 years old, and I’m ecstatic to be a student writer for the Hallsley Magazine. 

My introduction comes with a promise: I’m committed to being authentic, loyal, and listening to others' voices. I believe that it is better to be “perfectly imperfect” than trying to be flawless and I promise to bring that to my writing. 

For my future plans — I want to become an international certified nurse midwife. Pursuing my goal of creating an impact on the world, especially for women and infants. This persistence led me to winning an award at the William & Mary Model UN Conference for my position paper on Serbia & Outer Space. Last year after visiting Italy and completing a college course on Global Perspectives through George Mason taught me how local actions affect the global community.

 

Currently, my life is mostly centered around high school and working! I attend Saint Catherine’s High School (as a 10th grader). Participating in mountain biking, diving, and the musical and Sports Media Team. Year round, I am a part of my school’s Joni dance program and help with the theatre program. I’m also a part-time coach (for the novice team) and lifeguard for SwimRVA. Over the summer I lifeguard, swim, and volunteer as a CIT (coach in training) for Hallsley. Shout out to the Hallsley Swim Team — one of the best swim communities that I’ve been a part of with different backgrounds and levels of swimming coming together to cheer one another on. 

Even my philanthropy is focused and connected and advocating for others: serving through National Charity League, which earned me the Gold Presidential Award for Community Service. 

In my free time, I write. I am a published author for the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School Youth Poetry Anthology, submit pieces to my school’s “Atelier”, and online to “allpoetry.com”. I’m also a part of James River Writers. My poetry focuses on the themes of finding one’s identity, relationships, navigating obstacles in life, and my strong faith. 

Shameless plug: I’m looking for an internship shadowing an OBGYN and would love to teach private swim lessons and coach Hallsley in the future. 

I can’t wait to get started to share your stories, from the serious ones about advocacy to the fun ones about community events to the importance of family. 

Warmly, 

Belle Stanley