Aven Osborne, a dedicated student-athlete and community volunteer from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is a 10th-grade student at Summit Christian Academy. With a passion for athletics and community service, Aven balances a rigorous schedule that includes competitive sports like cross country, basketball, soccer, track, and dance, all while excelling academically and giving back to local charities. Her commitment to organizations such as Furry Kids Refuge and Wayside Waifs shows her love for animals, and her volunteer work with her church, Abundant Life, highlights her dedication to her community. Aven’s journey is defined by resilience, time management, and a strong drive to make a positive impact.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with either a run or a strength workout, which energizes me for the day. After that, I head to school, where I keep focused on academics and manage my time effectively by breaking down my tasks. Once school’s over, it’s usually time for practice in one of the sports I’m involved in—each day is different. I prioritize what I need to focus on each day, which helps keep everything balanced. By the time I’m home, I dive into homework and any volunteer projects I’m working on. My day is productive because I stay organized, stick to a schedule, and remember my reasons for pursuing each activity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by planning and then diving in right away. Whether it’s an idea for a community fundraiser or a goal I’ve set in sports, I believe in taking that first step and then making adjustments as I go. I also believe in seeking advice from people I trust, like my family, coaches, and mentors. By involving others, I get different perspectives and, often, valuable support. I’m a firm believer that action creates momentum, so I focus on getting started and building from there.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the focus on mental health in sports. People are finally recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially for young athletes. There’s so much emphasis now on how to manage stress, stay grounded, and develop a strong mindset. I think it’s incredibly powerful, and I try to incorporate mindfulness and mental resilience into my routine, too. It’s a trend I’m hopeful will continue to grow because I’ve seen how impactful it can be.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
For me, sticking to a planner and prioritizing tasks are habits that make a huge difference. Every day, I write down my goals and the things I need to accomplish, and I tackle the most important ones first. This helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensures that I stay focused on what matters most. Using a planner might seem simple, but it’s been a game-changer for me in keeping everything balanced.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not worry so much about what others think. I used to feel so much pressure to be perfect or fit into certain expectations, especially in sports. But now I know that what truly matters is staying true to my goals and values. I’d remind my younger self that it’s okay to make mistakes, as they’re opportunities to learn and grow.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
One thing I believe that not everyone agrees on is that every small act of kindness counts, no matter how small. Sometimes people think that small gestures don’t make a difference, but I’ve seen how a little kindness can completely change someone’s day. I try to incorporate that into everything I do, and even if others don’t see the impact, I know it matters.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend everyone spend time each day doing something they genuinely enjoy, even if it’s only for a few minutes. For me, it might be taking a moment to read, play with my pets, or just reflect. When we do things that make us happy, we recharge and can show up more fully in everything else we do. It’s important to make time for joy, even on busy days.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a break and get moving—usually with a quick run or some stretching. Physical activity helps me clear my mind, regain focus, and come back with a fresh perspective. If I can’t do that, I take a few minutes to write down my thoughts, which helps me organize what’s on my mind and prioritize what needs my attention.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that’s helped me grow personally and in my commitments is setting both short-term and long-term goals. By having a clear idea of what I want to achieve each day, week, and season, I stay motivated and focused. These goals help me track my progress and keep pushing forward.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One of the biggest failures I faced was when I initially struggled to balance all my extracurricular activities with my academic responsibilities. I was overwhelmed and didn’t manage my time well, which affected both my grades and my performance in sports. Instead of letting it discourage me, I took a step back and reevaluated my priorities. I started using a planner to better organize my schedule, set clear goals for school and practice, and even learned to say ‘no’ when necessary. Over time, this approach helped me find a better balance and improve in both areas. What I learned from this experience is that sometimes, you need to fail to recognize areas for improvement. By adjusting your approach and being more disciplined, you can turn a challenge into a success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
For anyone passionate about animals, I think creating a pet-themed community service club for teens would be a great idea. This group could fundraise, volunteer at shelters, and even educate the community about pet adoption. It combines service with a love for animals, and I believe it could make a big impact.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Google Calendar to keep track of all my activities, practices, and assignments. It’s simple, but it helps me visualize my schedule and ensure I’m using my time wisely. The reminders keep me on track, so I don’t miss anything important.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Yes, I love Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s all about how small changes can lead to big improvements over time, which is something I believe in deeply. The book’s advice on habit-building has helped me stay consistent with my training, academics, and community work.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched The Blind Side, and I loved it. It’s a powerful story about resilience, kindness, and the impact of support and guidance. It reminds me that helping others and believing in them can change lives, which is something I strive to do in my own life.
Key learnings
1. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
2. Staying organized with a planner and setting goals helps with balance.
3. Resilience and mental toughness are vital to overcoming challenges and growing.