Nicki-Jean Henderson '24 Recruiting Profile

Wherever I go, I try to bring the best form of myself possible, something learned from my parents Dean and Erica. I want to bring my best self, full of energy and humor, as well as someone others can depend on. I believe that it is extremely important to bring a welcoming and positive energy wherever you go. Humor also ties into energy. Humor is a way to connect with others around you. Humor boosts morale and creates an overall positive way of working with one another. Furthermore, dependability and flexibility are two things that I pride myself on. I strive to be the one that others look to when they need guidance and reassurance in knowing that a task will be done thoroughly and correctly the first time. Finally, flexibility is extremely important to me. I try to do everything in my power to accommodate others when they need. Especially in an athletic setting, things don't always go according to plan. Practice schedules change, as well as game times and dates. However,being flexible with these changes ensures that I am able to do the things I love, such as lacrosse. Being flexible also makes me versatile. I am able to pick up new things quickly if I am thrown into a position where I need to do so. Particularly in lacrosse, players get hurt frequently. If someone on my team gets hurt and their position needs to be filled, I am more than willing to jump in, even with no experience in that position. In the end, there are many attributes that I bring to those around me, all of which I work on everyday to try and be the best me. 

My whole life, I have been an A student. Ever since elementary school, I have devoted myself to my work and the goal of being my best academic self. My parents taught me to never settle for less than 100% effort; to work hard to make sure to get the best grades possible even if it takes extra effort or more time. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the sciences. My parents used to buy me little kid science kits and microscopes and I would spend hours collecting dirt and animals outside with my brother Cody, in order to look at them. Recently, I have become fascinated by forensic and criminology and  have begun to research more about the fields and what they have to offer. This year I am taking both forensics and AP Biology in order to further my understanding in these fields and potentially find my future career path. Additionally, I enjoy helping others who may be struggling with school. As a student in Spanish 4 AP, I volunteer in the language help center at school which focuses on helping and tutoring other students in Spanish 1 and 2, while additionally tutoring 2 middle schoolers in all of their subjects. Overall, I enjoy putting hard work into my schooling and being the best student I can be, not only because it makes me proud of myself, but also because it allows me to branch out and help others. 

Growing up, my parents raised me with the phrase “don't expect anything for free.” Of course, nothing in the world is free. As I grew up, I came to realize that the phrase doesn't necessarily just pertain to material objects. Even if things don't have a monetary value, they have a work value. If you want to get better at something you have to put in the work. Two summers ago I got a job at a local auto body shop. I worked all summer and through the year and finally saved up enough to buy my cousin's car, all by myself. I was so proud that I was able to buy my own car. I thought back to how hard I worked for my money and even though my car wasn't a brand new Mercedes like the ones parked in my school lot,I was excited and overall appreciative that my parents raised me with the understanding of hard work. My dad was also a firm believer in “If you want to get stronger, you have to put in the time and effort.” When I started getting more involved in my athletic career, I struggled with the drive to put down whatever I was doing and to go work on my skills or improve my endurance. Every time my dad would see me laying around, he would remind me that nothing comes for free; you won't get stronger by sitting on the couch. Honestly, I am so grateful that when I was young my parents instilled this mindset in me. Now, every time I find myself lying around, a thought pops into my mind to “go be better.” It causes me to get up and go do something productive that will help me in the long run, whether that be picking up my stick and going to throw with my brother, or putting on my shoes and going for a run. I only have my parents to thank for helping me to understand the value of hard work and that nothing in life comes for free. This mindset also stems from my involvement in the church. Before I could even walk, my grandma Bunny was taking me to midday mass and reading me the children's Bible. Growing up in the church taught me how to treat others with compassion. Without my parents support and the reassurance of God, I wouldn't be where I am now, thankful for everything I have and everything I have been taught.