Change the World: A Heart as Big as Texas

Miley Doerfler was born in San Antonio, Texas, and now lives in Sparks, Nevada, having just celebrated her 16th birthday on July 1. She lives with her great grandmother, Nadine, her great grandad, Mark, her older brother Marky and her great uncle Mike, all of whom could not be anymore proud of her!

She loves the Lord and is entering her sophomore year at Excel Christian School. Miley loves being an athlete, which is something she excels in doing! She loves competing in anything, from barrel racing to volleyball, swimming, gymnastics and now she is even a state champion pole vaulter as well!

And while she is a fierce competitor in athletics, she is the sweetest girl in the rest of her life.

“Every teacher, coach and student at Excel Christian will always tell you the same thing: that Miley is the sweetest girl, she loves those around her, always makes sure people are okay and truly cares for them,” Miley’s uncle Mike explains. “She has such a kind heart, and it is through so many simple, kind acts that she lifts up all those around her.”

Miley’s heart is always in the right place and she has a great sense of humor, easily putting a smile on anyone’s face! She loves to laugh and make others laugh. People instantly feel comfortable around her because she so genuinely connects with them, which makes her a great leader, teammate and friend.

“Miley can put a smile on anyone’s face,” Mike said. “She is as beautiful inside as she is outside, and she can light up any room she enters! Her heart is as big as Texas, and anyone who knows her instantly finds a warm, genuine person who is positive and always humble.”

Her friends and family know her to be supportive and extremely loyal. She is so fun to be around!

Miley challenges herself too, always looking for the next great thing to achieve. She sets goals and crushes them!

But Miley is also very humble, and always puts others well before herself. She maintains a great balance in her life, keeping God and family first, followed by academics, athletics and friends. It is through overcoming challenges and learning from them that has helped her become the person she is today.

When asked of her greatest quality, Mike said, “Well, I think if there was one that stood out more than the others, I guess it would be her empathy and compassion. People trust her with their feelings and experiences, and she listens to people so sincerely.”

In thinking back on this year, some of the best memories he recalls with Miley are going to see The Lion King, a trip to Phoenix and many attempts at finding the perfect blue slushy!

Miley loves animals, and maybe hopes to become a veterinarian at some point in her life. She has a pet dragon named Beardie and loves all animals big and small, from birds to dogs to horses. And like people, she has a natural perception that connects her with animals as well!

Mike said that he once asked Miley what she wanted to do with her life, and she said, “I want to make the world a better place,” and her family all wants her to know that she already does that every day of her life!