Meet our Model: Nicolina
As the friendliest person ever (we're not lying), Nicolina's compassion for people is riveting. A former Gates Millennium Scholar from St. Paul, MN, she attended university on the east coast and traveled abroad in South America. Since then, she's worked in the sustainability sector, educating community members on public health and environmental issues.
Currently, Nicolina is a new full-time mom. She considers herself a DIY project enthusiast and spends her time trying out new recipes, snuggled on the couch with a good book, or messing around with music composition on GarageBand. When COVID settles and her baby is a bit older, she'll get back to pursuing a career in public health and helping her community.
We have a conversation with Nicolina to find out what she's up to during this unusual time.
What is your daily routine now that we're in Covid?
Although it still manages to change day by day, my main routine consists of switching off between interacting with my sweet baby girl and cooking, job searching, taking care of my plants, tending to our pet chickens and hermit crabs, cleaning the house, and reading a book/watching a good show. I’ve been pretty strictly staying in during the pandemic, doing all I can to minimize spread.
You've achieved so much at such a young age, what advice would you tell your 16-year-old self on chasing your dreams?
I would tell my 16-year-old self to be honest about what you are most passionate about. To go for what you love and not because of anyone else’s expectations. Be open to changing or tweaking your path to reach your dreams, or even for those dreams to change. You can make things happen, and effort is never wasted - each challenge to achieve what you want is a learning opportunity.
What was the last dream you had that you can remember?
The most recent dream I can remember was about my hermit crab, Sebastian. For some strange reason, he was crawling under the covers of my bed, and I could see his outline moving back and forth. When I lifted the covers to catch him, I could only find his shell and no crab! I searched all over and no luck. I then checked his shell once more, and alas! He was there, and I was relieved. So strange.
Who is your favorite female celebrity and why?
I have a few favorite female celebs. Emma Watson for all her women’s advocacy and top-notch performances; Gemma Chan is just a class act all around; Kristen Bell for her sense of humor and philanthropy; Michelle Obama for obvious reasons; lastly, Chrissy Teigen has grown on me significantly for her rawness and clap backs to criticism.
What books or shows/movies are you currently watching?
Love this question. The book I just finished is called Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman. The style it’s written is a mystery, though comical and heartwarming at the same time. The characters are quirky, yet relatable. I highly recommend, as well as any of his other books. Now onto Educated, a memoir by Tara Westover. As for shows, Schitts Creek is my current go-to. Hilarious.