Name: Ryan Nicholas
Year: Senior
Hometown: Gainesville, Fla.
Major: Economics
Relationship Status: Single
Her Campus (HC): You grew up in Gainesville, FL but you’ve been a Nole for the past four years. What was it about Florida State that drew you in?
Ryan Nicholas (RN): It started with a desire to get out of Gainesville and go somewhere new. Once I started considering going to FSU, I realized that a lot of their programs matched up really well with my interests like the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. I also noticed that every single person I knew that came back from FSU always talked about how much they loved it there and I really wanted to be a part of that community.
HC: You’re involved in quite a few organizations on campus. What are a few of the ones that have been most rewarding to be part of?
RN: My primary involvements are with PeaceJam Southeast, Garnet and Gold Guides and working as a University Ambassador. All of these have been extremely rewarding in their own way. Being an Ambassador helped me really fall in love with Florida State, its history and all of the incredible opportunities it has to offer. Through this job, I give campus tours to potential students and their families. It is such an honor to showcase what I love about the school and to be able to help play a part in the college decision process for the individuals on my tour.
HC: As a Garnet and Gold Guide, what’s it like to work behind the scenes with the football team?
RN: Growing up a sports fanatic, being a GGG has been a dream come true. I’ve been able to work behind the scenes with the best college football program in the country and be a part of its success. From operating the field goal net during every home game to being in the locker room for Coach Fisher’s post-game speeches, this organization has given me memories and stories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
HC: What are some of the most fulfilling aspects of being part of PeaceJam Southeast?
RN: PeaceJam Southeast changed my life. I spent a year volunteering at an elementary school in Tallahassee, mentored at three of our PeaceJam conferences and was a “Jamily Leader” where I helped facilitate the mentor process. I have been able to meet three Nobel Peace Prize winners and mentor at unforgettable conferences where I worked with other mentors to inspire youths from all over the southeast United States to get involved in service and change the world.
Courtesy: Florida State University
HC: How has working with different types of people around campus impacted your life?
RN: It has shaped me into who I am. Through everything I have been in involved in I have been so fortunate to surround myself with incredible people. I think a lot of the divisiveness we see in our society is due to the fact that people want to stay within their own comfort zones and don’t allow themselves to have their views challenged. Personally, I treasure the fact that I have spaces where I walk in to a room and I am the only one who has the background I do. This has built my opinions and views and even when I disagree with someone I am able to understand and empathize with them.
HC: You were also a Social Science Scholar last year. How has that helped shape your future for life post-Florida State?
RN: The Social Science Scholar program is offered by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy where select students are placed in a cohort and receive a grant to conduct a project of their own choosing. I used that funding for a summer internship in Washington D.C. where I worked with an organization called Waterkeepers Chesapeake. It was an opportunity to learn about how to affect policy, engage in sustainable habits and ensure that communities are provided safe food and water. This experience helped solidify my desire to go to law school to utilize the law to help fight for my own passions.
HC: Graduation is right around the corner. What are your plans after May 6?
RN: I’ll spend this summer interning with the Gillum for Governor campaign and this fall I will start at law school at FSU! Go Noles!