{A Grass and Flower Field Senior Session}

Some people have a way of making a lasting impression without ever needing to be the loudest person in the room. That’s 100% Mya.

One of the joys of creating TEAM 27 is that I get the privilege of spending more time with my seniors than just their photo session, and one of my favorite parts of that experience is getting to know who they are beyond the camera. Mya is one of those people whose beauty is obvious the moment you meet her, but it doesn’t take long to realize her heart is even more beautiful. She is soft-spoken, kind, and has the sweetest spirit. The more I learned about her during her session, the more I admired her!

One of the things that stands out most about Mya is her faith. Her relationship with Jesus isn’t just something she mentions when asked, it’s woven into who she is and how she views her future. In a world that constantly pushes young people to have every detail figured out, there’s something refreshing about someone who is grounded in what matters most.

Mya attends Emmetsburg High School and will graduate with the class of 2027. She’s involved in golf, cross country, student council, Key Club, and even serves as a wrestling manager. But what fascinated me most about Mya is how creative she is. When winter arrives, she fills her time with all kinds of projects and hobbies. From crocheting blankets and braiding hair to painting murals, making pottery, doing makeup, and creating artwork, she’s always finding new ways to express herself.

And then there’s summer, her favorite season. If she could spend every day outside, I think she’d be perfectly happy. Golfing, boating, sand volleyball, line dancing, church camps, tanning, and running all make the list of her favorite things. Her love for golf especially stood out to me. It’s a sport she enjoys playing with her dad, and as she put it, it’s something she can continue doing for the rest of her life.

What makes that perspective even more meaningful is the journey she’s already walked. Before her freshman volleyball season even began, Mya suffered a devastating knee injury that resulted in three torn ligaments, including her ACL, MCL, and LCL. After surgeries and a long recovery process, doctors discovered she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition she’d unknowingly lived with her entire life.

For many people, an experience like that would have become the end of a story. But for Mya, it became the beginning of a new one. Instead of focusing on what she lost, she adapted. She shifted her athletic focus, embraced new opportunities, and chose to keep moving forward. That kind of resilience doesn’t happen by accident. It reveals a strength of character that is far deeper than most people realize.

During her session, I couldn’t help but think about how much of life she still has ahead of her. She has big dreams of one day owning her own business, homeschooling her children, and building a life centered around faith and family. But honestly…that vision feels perfectly aligned with the person she already is.

Mya is thoughtful. She is creative. She is resilient. She is faith-filled. Most importantly, she’s becoming exactly who God created her to be.

Mya, it has been such a joy getting to know you as part of TEAM 27! I cannot wait to see where the next few years take you, and I know the same determination, faith, and kindness you’ve shown already will continue to guide your path. The future is incredibly bright, and I have no doubt you’re just getting started! I, also, can’t wait to try line dancing with you!!!

Check out Mya in TEAM 27’s spring mini session!