High school is the time teenagers find themselves. Sometimes standing out or being unique is intimidating, but sophomore Abbie Stabno isn’t afraid to show her true colors.
“I think Abbie is finding out who she is and what she believes in,” said Becca Stabno, Abbie’s mother. “She is becoming a unique individual and has found things she is passionate about, and it has been neat to see her find what is important to her.”
Specifically, Abbie said she feels strongly about equal rights. Regardless of people’s differences, she believes everyone should be treated the same. “In 2016 we’ve come a long way, but there is still a long way to go,” she said.
Abbie believes she’s doing everything she can as in individual to stand up for equal rights, and she hopes others will too.
Along with equal rights, Abbie is against using products tested on animals. This started when she became a pesceterian (a vegetarian who only eats fish) a few years ago. “We try to find her [products] that are safe… and have food on hand that she can eat.” said Becca.
Following the same lines, Abbie is currently in the process of transferring out of fast fashion, which is are companies whose clothes are manufactured in poor countries– often by workers who aren’t treated properly. She has began wearing more things made by independent artists, and shopping second hand– either vintage or thrifting clothes.
“I think changing my clothes has helped me develop a unique style that I’m really happy with,” said Abbie. “I feel like a lot of people here kind of wear the same thing, so they don’t want to stand out, but I really like clothes that are different. I express myself that way.”
Wearing mostly vintage clothing, with unique styles, materials, and patterns, Abbie admitted that at first it was hard getting used to standing out. Later she said, “I don’t dress to impress anyone, I just wear what I want and that’s what matters to me.”
German teacher Julie Hume, who has watched Stabno change throughout her high school career, supported that when she said, “I don’t see her having trouble being her own person or being worried about what others think of her.”
Abbie really enjoys fashion and met one of her closest friends through her interest in fashion, “My friend Nicole’s a fashion designer, and she’s a really big role model for me.”
Besides fashion, Abbie has a strong passion for music and art. Growing up in a household full of music, she said her parents pushed her to play an instrument and because of that, she learned to love the violin.
Art, on the other hand, is another story. Abbie hasn’t found an art style of her liking, but she’s in the process of experimenting with different medias. After high school, Abbie hopes to attend KC art institute.
With support from her parents, Becca wishes nothing but the best for Abbie. “I hope that she will be able to continue doing what she loves, something that will make a difference. And I want her to be happy,” Becca said.
