Today we’d like to introduce you to Laynie Anderson
Hi Laynie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a sixteen year old teen from Davis County, Utah. I’m obsessed with musical theatre, Taylor Swift and Raising Cane’s chicken! When I’m not on the stage performing I am serving my state as Miss Timpanogos’ Teen 2024 and sharing my community service initiative, Be Your Own Hero.
I believe that everyone can be their own hero! A true hero is someone who has the courage to grow, the determination to unlock their potential, and the wisdom to learn from their experiences. By discovering your inner hero, you can enhance your self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
Not long ago, I lost a friend to suicide. I was devastated. This tragic experience opened my eyes and changed my perspective about the lives of the youth in my community. I saw the need for a more proactive approach to teach youth how to face challenges, build resilience, and to come out stronger on the other side. Because we won’t always have someone to come save us, we need to become our own hero!
I wanted to reach as many teens as I could with my mission of resilience and empowerment so I started my own podcast., The Be Your Own Hero Podcast. There are so many unrecognized hero’s among us. On my podcast I speak to those who are using their talents ands skills to be the hero of their own story. We talk about their journey and how others can follow their example. So far I have recorded 12 episodes and reached hundreds of listeners.
Partnering with The Hope Hero Foundation has given me so many opportunities to serve with other youth in my community. The mission of The Hope Hero Foundation is to catch kids before they fall by proactively preparing them to become heroes of their own stories. We believe in the extraordinary power of resilience and the limitless potential within each of us.
As an ambassador I visit schools and organizations teaching the Hero’s Journey and teaching resilience and mindset techniques.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been so many struggles in my journey. I have been serving my community the past few years as I have competed in the Miss America Opportunity. I have found it difficult to get my message in front of a bigger audience.
I would reach out to schools and organizations and was met with lots of no’s and not right now’s.
I decided to partner up with the Hope Hero Foundation as an ambassador. That has given me so many opportunities to share the message if empowerment and resilience with their curriculum.
Being a teen right is difficult. There are many challenges and obstacles that we face daily including, stress, peer pressure, social media, social standards and bullying. I am a teen who tries to get good grades, participates in my high school theatre program, serve my community and have a social life. I have to practice what I preach with positive affirmations and practicing resilience skills. I have to prioritize my sleep, healthy eating and taking good care of my physical and mental health so that I can face daily challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Here is just a few things that I have been able to accomplish in the last year:
Taught empowerment and resilience lessons to over 1000 students totaling over 150 hours; Created my own podcasts, The Be Your Own Hero Podcast, where I interview everyday heroes, hear their stories and share advice for teens; Ambassador with the Hope Hero Foundation; QPR National Suicide Prevention Certified; Had discussions with state leadership about mental health solutions for youth in Utah; Connected with other Utah organizations that are striving to end suicide; Sat in on suicide prevention panels; Become a teen advocate for teen mental health and suicide prevention; Was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune highlighting teens making change in their communities; Featured in a segment on KLS 5 on teen mental health; Featured on Fox’s This Is The Place advocating for suicide prevention and The Hope Hero Foundation. Served multiple times at the Roadhome. Ambassador with Ypsialon Dresses. Served with Utah Foster Care. Top 12 finalist at Miss Utah’s Teen 2025.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Be authentically you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: positivelylaynie
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TybOpTF0XAtH4Sg5Rb2Fl?si=c50b465cbaef4ac4
