Meet Ashleigh Ewald: Writer, Advocate, & Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashleigh Ewald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashleigh, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think about risk as to the ultimate key to stepping out of the comfort zone and figuring out your own abilities. Taking risks has played a major role in my life because of just going after my goals and pursuing my passion for politics. I am an 18-year-old high school senior who has been taking risks throughout my life to discover my potential and turn my dreams into a reality. From becoming a published writer, delivering speeches at events, campaigning, and now realizing that it is possible to achieve your goals regardless of how challenging the past was, I am moving forward with a risk-taking mentality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a current high school senior, I created a podcast called “100% Real With Ashleigh Ewald”, and its purpose is to have listeners hear real stories from students’ and teachers’ perspectives of living in the time of covid. Hopefully, the audience can relate to some of the featured guests’ struggles and leave feeling empowered to use their voices in becoming motivated towards achieving their dreams. I would not have done so if I had not taken that leap. It was not simple to start my podcast. I was anxious about if people would listen or let alone be interested. I was nervous that my idea would be rejected and then decided to keep going regardless of others doubting its potential. The lessons I have learned along the way are that other opinions do not define you. You choose who you are and what you want to become. That way, knowing myself and the purposes my published writing, podcast, and actions serve is what keeps me moving forward and not allowing doubtfulness to bury potentials. I want the world to know about me. I came from an orphanage from China, cleft-affected, multiple foster homes, adopted twice, and becoming an American. I want to show the world to dream big, to the point of your future as if you can grasp it at sight and go after your dreams. My aspirations of becoming a politician and motivational speaker will hopefully become a reality. I want to show the world that the past isn’t your future but a lesson.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend is visiting the area, I would first take them to the Georgia State Capitol. Together we would spend a week around the historical landmarks in Georgia. Then eat sushi at a local restaurant in downtown Atlanta while drinking ice coffee. We would visit Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Little White House Historic Site, and explore the World of Coca-Cola Museum. In my view, the most fun/interesting, and exciting people to meet are our local representatives and policymakers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My high school’s student government and its sponsor, Mr. Ken Ealy, are the ones I dedicate my shoutout. Student government is a student-led organization I have been a part of since the end of freshman year. I came to Wheeler high school ready to join student government with an ambitious attitude. However, my high school did not have a functioning student government organization at the time. So, I worked with my principal and Mr. Ealy (assistant principal) to help form one. Ever since, SGA has been more than an organization to me, but rather a family of driven students that have taught me confidence, leadership, and that you are who you surround yourself with. Apart from that, Mr. Ealy has been my mentor. We would have deep conversations about leadership insecurities, politics, and other topics. He keeps me on track and gives life advice meant to help me grow. He and I would call each other, and his advice would be that leadership isn’t about doing all the work but helping those around you become empowered and better leaders. Then I learned from the organization and sponsor to be more confident in myself and what I’ll do because then, I will prepare and work for it. Student government and Mr. Ken Ealy have built me as a leader who will face challenges, ideas, and action with more confidence.

Website: https://thoughtcatalog.com/ashleigh-ewald/

Instagram: ashleighewaldofficial Podcast: genz.speaks

Image Credits
Family and friends took the pictures from afar.