CFNN Reporter Gabriella Umanzor

Everyone focuses on the core classes at Cape Fear, like math and English, but this week we’re shining light on our incredible CTE programs. This week we honor Mrs. Nichols as Teacher of the Week!

Mrs. Nichols has been the accounting and Excel teacher at Cape Fear for 6 years. Previously, she worked at Overhills for 3 years. As well as this, Mrs. Nichols organizes the club ‘Future Business Leaders of America’ (FBLA) with Mrs. Meininger.

School Life

When it comes to being a teacher, some express that it sometimes takes time away from their home life, but Mrs. Nichols feels the complete opposite. 

When asked what inspired her to be a teacher, Mrs. Nichols said,” I wanted a career that allowed me an opportunity to make a positive impact on people but also didn’t sacrifice any time at home with my family. I wanted to be home with them during the summer and holidays as much as possible. Teaching provides me the best of both worlds.”

Mrs. Nichols enjoys teaching Accounting and Excel because in both classes she works with numbers. Math has always been a subject Nichols highly favors. 

“Subjects like these are also rewarding to teach because they provide students the chance to earn an industry credential they can use to help obtain a job outside of school,” Mrs. Nichols continues. 

“When students are struggling with certain topics in accounting, Mrs. Nichols will go over questions in depth to make sure it is understood fully by everyone.” says accounting student Soleil Knaff.

“I enjoy providing students another opportunity to become involved in their school and community while also providing them opportunities to grow their leadership skills and network with other FBLA members and advisors across the state,” says Mrs. Nichols.

Along with her regular subjects, Mrs. Nichols is in charge of FBLA. FBLA is a student organization that strives to bring business and education together in a positive relationship, working through innovative leadership development programs.

“To help us prepare for the challenges that come with FBLA, Mrs. Nicols always prepares us with different material to study from so we know what competitions will have in store for us.” says FBLA member and accounting student Peyton Starling.

Deeper Meaning in Teacher

Mrs. Nichols’ favorite part of being a teacher is the school spirit and the community support Cape Fear provides its students and staff with.

However, with being a teacher, there are highs and there are lows, but when asked about her personal experiences, Mrs. Nichols shares, “I can’t think of any struggles I face. I think as long as a teacher shows students they care and that they are here to support them and help them succeed, then students will work hard for that teacher and be respectful, which in turn makes the teacher’s job much easier.”

She shows support for her students by, ” I enjoy getting to know the students at Cape Fear and trying to support them in their extracurricular activities.” 

“Mrs. Nichols is a very kind soul and helps with everything, even subjects that aren’t her own. She is always there, whether it comes to school or personal feelings.,” says the accounting student Alissa Fulghum.

When it comes to her students, the best advice Mrs. Nichols shares is that it takes so little to be kind to others and to work hard each day. She pushes for students to find what they are passionate about, decide what they want out of life, and go after it.

“Don’t let others get in the way of your success,” says Mrs. Nichols.

Fun Info

Mrs. Nichols doesn’t just love being a teacher, she enjoys other things as well. Her hobbies include reading suspense books, watching a good movie with her family, attending sporting events, and just relaxing at home. 

When asked “If you could have had any other career, what would it have been?’ Mrs. Nichols said, “If I could have any other career, I would probably choose to be a sonographer. I would enjoy getting to provide families the first glimpse of their child.”

Mrs. Nichols, although not a big traveler, has a dream destination that is just somewhere warm and sunny with clear water.

Finally, Mrs. Nichols’s final thoughts for the Cape Fear community are, “Always treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Thank you, Mrs. Nichols, for being an incredible teacher and staff member at Cape Fear, you deserve all the honor as this week’s Teacher of the Week! Tune back in next week for the next amazing teacher at Cape Fear!