Nicole Carlson – Grand Valley State University
Diving
Nicole Carlson
Diving
Grand Valley State University
Why did you choose GVSU as your final destination?
I choose GVSU because of the atmosphere on the campus; Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Also, the swim and dive team was a big part and I could see myself fitting in with them really well.
What was the turning point that made you want to dive in college?
The turning point was after my sophomore season when I went to states for the first time and became all-state. Also watching close friends and teammates continuing to dive in college helped me decide that it was for me.
What is your favorite moment from your diving career?
Sophmore year when all five divers on our team placed in the top 8 (all-state), and we broke a state record for the most amount of divers from one team to place in the top 8.
What is your biggest goal once you get to GVSU?
I would like to make it to the NCAA nationals.
Describe your journey from your early diving experiences to now.
I started diving freshman year after quitting gymnastics. That really helped with all of the flipping and air awareness in diving.
FHC Inspires Q&As: Letizia Cumbo-Nacheli
Name: Letizia “Tz” Cumbo-Nacheli
Position: Speaker
TED Talk title: Why do I care so much?
How are you feeling about FHC Inspires?
“Regarding speaking at FHC, I’m feeling nervous, but good. Surprisingly, public speaking is a little intimidating for me even though I would say I’m extremely talkative.”
What was the process of picking the perfect TED Talk topic?
“The process of picking the ‘perfect’ topic was difficult but extremely fun. Talking to Mr. George had helped me a lot because he truly makes you think deeply and question yourself in a good way. To be completely honest, I still don’t have a title that fully encapsulates my TED Talk.”
What does your message mean to you?
“My message means the world to me. It is extremely emotional and a tough topic to talk about. It comes from a sensitive but passionate place in my heart.”
Who is your target audience?
“My target audience are the people who have gone through something similar, people who are struggling, or people who believe that they are alone. I want my message to get across to them; they are not alone and their feelings are valid.”
Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?
“When I saw the posters at the beginning of the year, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this. During my TED Talk, I was shaky and wasn’t so sure. After talking to a good friend, she told me it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and those words sparked something bigger than myself. I realized that I had the chance of impacting someone’s life just by submitting my application.”
What are you doing to prepare for the big night?
“I am doing run throughs, run throughs, and more run throughs. The night before FHC Inspires, I am going to have my outfit and hairstyle set. Along with that, friends and family play a huge role in my preparations because my courage comes from them.”
How does your Google Slide presentation reflect your topic?
“My Google Slide presentation reflects my topic because it shows real life photos and situations that I have been in, which adds more emphasis behind my talk—it adds reality.”
What’s a mobile game you’re currently hooked on?
“I’m hooked on Disco Zoo, Dragon City, and every type of Wordle. I can’t go a day without those games.”