Jiya is an incredibly sweet and confident senior. I had the pleasure of capturing her Kansas City senior session, and I was blown away by her maturity and genuine kindness. This isn’t my first time meeting her, however. I had the pleasure of meeting Jiya and her family when my daughter and Jiya’s younger sister took violin lessons from the same teacher. Knowing her parents and how wonderful they are, it is not surprising that Jiya is such a joy to be around.

KC senior session of girl in pink floral dress

For Jiya’s senior session we incorporated a few different looks and locations to best represent her. I grabbed a few of her outdoors in both natural scenery, as well as in the city near buildings with impressive architecture. My favorite, however, was exploring a local two-story bookstore! Jiya volunteers with a local library each year to organize a free book festival for teens called LitUp! Jiya expressed that she is extremely passionate about it because she believes that education and reading are incredibly powerful! As someone who is incredibly smart, loves to read, and helps make reading more available to others, a bookstore was the perfect location to capture Jiya’s senior portraits!

senior portraits at bookstore in Kansas City

As Jiya finishes out her senior year at Pembroke Hill, she is looking forward to what is ahead! She plans to major in Political Science and Journalism/Media. I have no doubt that this amazing girl will go on to do big things and make a difference in our world!

senior girl sits outside store front at table

Kansas City Senior Spotlight

I love to ask my seniors questions about their future and certain aspects of their life to get to know them better. Jiya’s answers were so good and insightful. She already seems wise beyond her years!

What is YOUR definition of TRUE BEAUTY?

I think that true beauty is confidence in who you are, and what you look like. If you truly believe that you are beautiful, no one can tell you that you're not. True beauty is comfort in what you look like, and letting your personality and talents shine, along with your physical appearance.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years? In 10 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be in grad school, working on my PhD and getting more qualifications for my journalism degree. In 10 years, I hope to have a position in a popular newspaper, and multiple published pieces in the New Yorker. More than these though, I want to be well traveled and surrounded by people who make me happy.

How do you feel about social media?

I feel like social media is great for communication, though I am guilty of spending too much time on it. I think it can definitely be harmful for people going through body image issues, and can start body image issues as well. My parents made me wait until just last year to get social media, and I didn't really understand it at the time. Now, having seen what I have, I completely understand it.

What are you most grateful for that your parent/s have done for you?

Of course, I am grateful for their support and assistance through every aspect of life, but I am most grateful for the relationships I've been able to cultivate with them. I can honestly say that my mom is one of my best friends, and I tell her just about anything. My dad always has valuable advice, even if I don't want to hear it at the time. He's a wonderful example of where hard work and passion for what you do can take you. I am appreciative to the two of them for everything, and I will always value late night conversations with my mom and stories shared with my dad above anything else they've given.

What words of advice would you give yourself as a new freshman coming into high school?

Don't worry so much! High School is WAY less scarier than it seems! Talk to your teachers, I promise they are there to help you. Also, believe in what you can do! Put yourself out there, run for as many positions as you want. Remember that confidence is important, as well as self-esteem. If you are gaining esteem from something else other than yourself, that is not self-esteem. Give yourself a break, and stop doubting yourself!

Name 3 things on your bucket list?

Going on a trip with EVERYONE in my family
Studying abroad in Barcelona
Publishing a novel!
Best advice you've ever been given:

Worry will never change the outcome of a situation.

Kansas City Senior Session in downtown KC

senior girl in blue shirt during Kansas city session

Jiya, it was an absolute honor to capture your senior portrait session and celebrate this exciting time in your life! I am so excited to see what the future has in store for you and all that you accomplish! Congratulations!

Kansas City Senior Session Spotlight | Jiya