When I first arrived at Nichols College, I was shy and kept myself. I didn’t really know where I fit in or what the next four years would look like for me. But within the first hour of orientation, something shifted. The orientation leaders created an environment where everyone felt comfortable so quickly. It was genuine, it was welcoming, and it was real. For the first time, I felt like I didn’t have to hold back who I was. In that moment, I knew Nichols was where I was meant to be.
Playing a sport I love in college has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience, but it wasn’t always easy. My first year was tough. I struggled to balance being a student and an athlete, and there were moments where I felt like I was falling behind. It was frustrating and at times overwhelming. But what got me through that period was the support system at Nichols. My professors didn’t just see me as another student. They cared about me as a person. They showed patience, understanding, and a willingness to help me get back on track. Because of them, I didn’t give up on myself. I grew, I learned how to manage my time, and I became stronger because of it.
Public speaking was something I had always feared. It made me anxious to the point where I would dread it days in advance. Taking Effective Speaking at Nichols pushed me in ways I never thought I could handle it. Speaking in front of the class every day I felt unbearable at first, and I questioned myself constantly. But over time, something changed. I started to find confidence in my voice. That class, which I once dreaded, became one of the most important experiences for my growth. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the courage to step out of my comfort zone, build connections, and take advantage of the opportunities around me.
On a professional level, Nichols helped me grow in ways I didn’t even realize I needed it. Working with the Career and Professional Development Center CPDC challenged me to become the best professional version of myself. They did not just prepare me for a job. They prepared me for the real world. From helping me navigate internship and job searches to perfecting my resume and cover letters, they were there every step of the way. One of the most impactful experiences was participating in mock interviews during my second and third years in PDS. I used to be so intimidated by the idea of interviews, but going through that process helped me face that fear head on. It gave me confidence, not just in interviews, but in myself.
One of the things that makes Nichols so special is how easy it is to get involved. Because the campus is small, you are not just another face in the crowd. You are part of a community. I made the decision to fully immerse myself in everything Nichols had to offer. I worked two work study jobs, joined five clubs, and continued playing my sport. It was not always easy to juggle everything, but it was worth it. Through those experiences, I built meaningful relationships and developed skills that I know will stay with me long after I leave.
What truly makes Nichols feel like home is the way it brings people together. Whether it is events, traditions, or just the everyday interactions on campus, there is a sense of connection that you cannot really explain unless you have experienced it. It is in the little moments, the conversations, the support, the memories, that you realize this place is more than just a school.
Looking back on these past four years, I can honestly say I am not the same person who walked onto this campus as a freshman. I came in quiet, unsure, and hesitant. I am leaving confident, driven, and proud of who I have become. Nichols did not just give me an education. It gave me growth, resilience, and a place where I truly found myself.
