Teens

In this issue of The Sanctuary Living, we are delighted to focus on resident and St. Scholastica Academy senior Aidan Carpenter in our “Just for Teens” feature. Aidan is excited about her future for a number of reasons. First, this multitalented young lady will be attending Iona University on an athletic and performing arts scholarship in the fall.

Given her power on the soccer field, it was no surprise that Aidan would receive a collegiate athletic scholarship. Starting her soccer journey at age four, Aidan has continued to succeed through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. As such, she has made a name for herself in soccer, winning several club state titles while playing competitively with Louisiana Fire and FC Tammany. During her high school freshman year, Aidan tried out for the U.S. Developmental Academy in Texas and made one of their top teams. This meant more travel and sacrifice as she began honing her soccer skills to be the best. Closer to home, with SSA soccer, Aidan led the Doves as the leading scorer for the last three years and was chosen as a two-time All-State selection. Her hard work continued as she joined the ECNL, one of the country’s most elite leagues. While playing for the ECNL, the Iona University coach witnessed her strength on the field and began recruiting Aidan to join their Division I soccer program in New York. In early February, reaping the benefits of her labor and sacrifice, and with the support of her parents, Aidan committed to play for the University of Iona’s Women’s Soccer team.

Although soccer is a big part of Aidan’s life and earned her an athletic scholarship, her musical talent earned her a performing arts scholarship at Iona University. With no formal voice training other than choir many years ago, she explains that her love of singing came about “just singing to myself in my room.” However, that girl who was just singing to herself in her room worked to perfect her calling for singing and songwriting, and on her 18th birthday, she released her first single, “Every Minute.” The musings of Aidan inspired this soulful piece as she considers what lies ahead when she leaves her family and friends for a new and different life in New York. The lyrics of “Every Minute” perspicuously echo someone who wants to savor every moment of who and what is familiar and loved before life changes forever.

Attending college in New York on a performing arts scholarship is an opportunity for Aidan to continue pursuing her singing career. She plans to take full advantage of her new home in terms of her music, her soccer, and her education. The daughter of doctors, her current plan is to study biology and eventually attend medical school, but she is open to whatever comes.

Aidan’s mom has continued to remind her, “Trust the process.” This valuable advice resonated with her, especially when she was uncertain about where she would attend college. By trusting the process, Aidan has found her place and looks forward to embracing every part of it.

Meanwhile, this summer, the soccer-playing singer-songwriter is working on an album and training for the upcoming season as an Iona University Gaels. She will no doubt be holding tight to every minute spent with family and friends as she prepares for the next exciting chapter in her life.