Teachers, loved ones and friends get a major shoutout from Leilah Nichols, who says she couldn’t have made it to this point without them. Now, she is set to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she will major in either kinesiology or psychology to set her on the course to become an occupational therapist.
Her favorite memory as a DPS student is learning to dance in elementary school, a talent on which she still relies to express herself. In fact, another shoutout goes to her first dance teacher, Lakia McNair, for inspiring her to learn to love dance.
Leilah encourages those who will follow in her footsteps to take advantage of the time and resources they have and to not be afraid to ask for help when they need it. Making friends is important, but only with those who encourage you in your life pursuits.
“Any kind of relationship can come and go, but you are the creator of your own destiny, and no one defines you but YOU!” said Leilah.