EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD. — NELSON “MADIBA” MANDELA
Noah Nicholas
Meet Noah Nicholas, expected graduate at Howard University 2020 and future Orthopedic Physician Assistant.
This year, we take a moment to celebrate the unstoppable Noah Nicholas for being a returning awardee of the WFF scholarship. In Noah’s interview, he explained how a bump in the road is only a hurdle that can be faced and triumphed. Noah is no stranger to facing a challenging situation and creating room for accomplishment.
So, who is Noah Nicholas? Why Georgia’s own! From Stone Mountain to Washington, D.C., he is a recent 2020 Howard University (HU) graduate, with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports medicine. Noah is also a skilled swimmer and as a HU student, competed on its swim team and served as a lifeguard at the university pool. Noah’s ultimate career plan is to attain a master’s degree to become an orthopedic physician’s assistant.
Mr. Nicholas says, “The WFF embodies the values that I want to have in the future. The best tools from this organization for my continued success came from the leadership webinars, for example, we attended one for financial sense, and on for finding scholarships.”
For Noah, sharing his talent and time didn’t stop at the pool. As a student, he extended his hands to volunteer for a number of D.C. organizations and institutions such as Capital Area Food Bank, Feed the Homeless with Love Ministries, and Howard University. Mr. Nicholas is passionate about sharing his love of swimming with the youth. As a result, he mentored high school students about swimming fundamentals with Black Kids Swim, a Maryland based organization.
“That was my first time running the 5K, all the team members were the only runners from the school… it was located around the campus and it was fun. I was surprised I finished first, but I am just happy to run and represent my school and team– Noah Nicholas
Q: What advice would you give future scholars?
A: Take advantage of all the activities, advice, and everything (they know what they are doing). Remember they helped and give back.
Q: If you could give a quote of your journey what would that be?
A: What is life without a challenge. I believe that challenges are what make life meaningful.
Q: What does graduation mean to you?
A: Accomplishing the first phase of life and going to the next level.
Remember that bump in the road that was mentioned earlier? Well, this was the inspiration – the “why”- for Mr. Nicholas to pursue his passion for orthopedics. In his freshman year at HU, on the first day of swim practice, he told his coach that he had to have hip because of loose bodies [Loose bodies are small loose fragments of cartilage or a bone that float around the joint. They can cause pain, swelling, locking and catching of the joint.] Due to the location of the surgery and extent of the recovery, he was unable to participate on the team for the first semester. Physical therapy was a must and sparked his interest in orthopedics. Through the WFF, Mr. Nicholas gained an internship with Barry E. Thompson, Jr., a physician’s assistant in orthopedics in the DC metropolitan area. Mr. Thompson has practiced in this field for over 15 years and is a graduate of Howard University where he earned his PA degree specializing in orthopedics.
In 2018, Mr. Nicholas learned about the Williams-Franklin Foundation scholarship through a HU communication. He was successful in being awarded a financial scholarship and receiving career and professional development, two years in a row. Mr. Nicholas says, “The WFF embodies the values that I want to have in the future. The best tools [gained] from this organization [that will attribute to] my continued success, came from the leadership webinars…one for financial sense, and finding scholarships.”