My Story Timeline by Lucas, Nicole

Born on Black Friday

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 17:17:02 UTC

My parents had to leave Thanksgiving dinner to go to the hospital, they always said this was foreshadowing for the stress I put them through during my childhood. My brother told everyone he knew that he was going to get a little brother because he wanted one so bad, but he got over the fact that I was a girl and became the best big brother a kid could ask for.

Spent a lot of time outside as a kid

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 17:36:15 UTC

My mom and dad encouraged me to be outdoorsy because I had too much energy. They put me in any sport I was willing to play, along with Girl Scouts, art programs, and all kinds of activities.

Struggled in Elementary and Middle School with behavior issues

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 17:45:04 UTC

I was running around with unchecked ADHD and I would always get in trouble during Elementary and Middle School for goofing off with my friends, wandering around and just overall being a problem child.

Got to High School and had a Reality Check

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 18:11:30 UTC

The first year I started high school, my mom got diagnosed with breast cancer and had to go through surgery, chemo, and radiation, all during Covid. She no longer had the energy to check my grades and tell me to do my schoolwork, so I had to take accountability for my own education.

Started doing well in school for my own sake, rather than just to stay out of trouble

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 18:17:58 UTC

My grades improved drastically because I started to care a lot more than I ever had, and for the next 3 years I was a straight A student involved in Volleyball, Think Pink Club, NAHS, NHS and the Peer Education program at my school. All of these activities helped shape the person I am today in some way or another.

Discovered my interest in Neuroscience

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 21:28:38 UTC

In my AP Psych class we learned about addiction, and this drug that scientists were working on to help addicts cope with withdrawal symptoms from opioids. I remember this day vividly because it was the day I discovered what I wanted to do with my life and what I would major in when I got to college.

Saw the benefits of putting effort into school

nlucas2_2 — 2025-01-15 21:31:55 UTC

Getting scholarship opportunities during the college application process made me realize how much that effort can pay off (literally). I'm grateful for the fact that I changed the way I view my education, it's a gift that is so easy to take for granted but there are people in the world who don't even have the option. I always try to remember this when my work load gets overwhelming.