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May 21, 2007 Wheeler met the challenge of a family crisis early in her Cornell career, while gaining leadership experience and helping her softball team win an Ivy title.
Student profile: Nicole Wheeler
Major: Communication Main Cornell extracurricular activity -- why is this important to you?
Being involved with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). I served as co-chair for two years and was a regional co-representative, collaborating with chapters from 22 campuses. The AISES is unique; it fosters academic, professional and cultural development. While at Cornell, what other accomplishments/activities are you most proud of?
My freshman year, I was part of the Cornell varsity softball team. While on the quest for the Ivy title I was struggling with my father's diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer, and it was therapeutic to practice each day. To be part of the title will always be special to me. As a junior, I received the Ron LaFrance Memorial Leadership Award, given by the American Indian Program to a student who sets an example in their ability to overcome adversity. This honor from my peers helped me build the confidence and courage that I needed to continue at Cornell. Your most profound turning point while at Cornell?
In April during my freshman year, my dad called with his diagnosis. I was devastated and had trouble focusing on school. I realized that my family's well-being is most important to me, and unless I took the time to cope with the situation my grades were never going to improve. I began making frequent trips home while my father went through treatment. Finding a balance between self, academics, community and family is still something I struggle with. Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
The values my family instilled in me. They have always enforced the idea of reciprocity and how important it is to give back to the community. It was wonderful to find a program at Cornell that had these same values. The American Indian Program has been a supportive community of peers, professors and advisers and a surrogate family for me. Did any of your beliefs or interests change during your time at Cornell?
Because Cornell is a community that encourages dialogue, I have had the chance for my beliefs to evolve through constructive discourse, and most importantly become comfortable with my own ideals. I can now clearly and respectfully demonstrate them through different political and social causes. What are your plans for next year and beyond?
This summer I will be working with American Indians and native Hawaiians with disabilities on the island of Oahu, facilitating equal opportunity cultural celebrations. In September I look forward to being a staff member on a presidential campaign. Following the campaign I will begin full-time graduate studies in public health. Ultimately, I hope to create culturally relevant public-health campaigns for underrepresented populations. |
