Congratulations to Michelle Nicholson, January After School Trainer of the Month!

How long have you worked for The Leadership Program?

This is my third year working with TLP

One thing you may not know about me…

Many people don’t know that I was actually a Film Major at U of M. After doing theater for so long, I thought I would become a film/television producer. Maybe I will achieve that dream one day!

What has been one of your most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer?

This is probably the most rewarding moment at Leadership, being recognized by TLP. The past few months have been very rewarding. I’ve watched the students that I work with become great leaders in such a short amount of time. I can’t wait to see what they will do in the coming months!

What inspires you?

Great art, great food and when a student surprises me.

How do you rejuvenate yourself?

I usually like to relax and watch a movie. I love watching movies. Most people love to exercise, but I feel I exercise enough in my daily life!

Who is a leader you look up to and why?

This may be a little cliché right now, but I look up to Michelle Obama. She is a woman who has worked to create a great career and balances being a parent. At first, she didn’t want Barack Obama to be president, but she realized that Barack as president was so important to our country and she agreed to let him run. I thought that was one of the most unselfish acts a spouse could do.

What is one place you would love to travel?

Morocco and Paris. Luckily, I will be going there this summer!

What is one of your personal or professional goals this year?

My professional goal was to have a great dance group that works hard and loves to perform. Also, I wanted to finally have Leadership be my only job and try to focus on my clubs.  It’s already starting to happen!

What do you hope your students will take from their experience in your club(s) this year?

I hope the students learn that in life, showing up is half the battle. You’ve got to push through and work hard even when it seems too difficult. We always try to address that in dance class.

What is your favorite quote?

Common once said in one of his songs, “You’ll never find love, until you find yourself!”  I can’t believe I picked a quote from a rap song, but hey it’s true!

THE BUZZ ABOUT MICHELLE NICHOLSON

“Michelle gives above and beyond contributions to her peers, her students, collaborating CBO’s and Leadership spirit.”

“A great communicator that is resourceful, committed, and supportive of colleagues.”

“Spearheading and helping to coordinate two after school 21^st century collaborative performances with Periwinkle and Urban Arts at IS 230.”

“She took on extra students and arranged for a professional guest choreographer to come in and facilitate during her club visit.”

“Exemplary planning, execution, attention to detail and thoughtfulness in her dance routines, lessons, music and costumes.”