Nicole Burgon

Nicole Burgon – Connecticut
Nomination & Photography by Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography
Issue 58 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

Nomination revised by Nicole: I am from the small, coastal town of East Lyme, CT. I graduated from East Lyme High School in 2021 and I was the Senior Laureate. I now study at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, where I’m majoring in History and double minoring in Secondary Education and Law & Public Policy. My dream has always been to help others. Reading, writing, and learning allow me to follow my dream by listening to and sharing diverse stories. I just returned from studying abroad in London. This would not have been possible without my friends, family, school, and community! I want to give back!​

Photography by Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography

​Tell us about your college life at Arcadia. What do you love most about it?
I love that Arcadia is a tight-knit community and that students have the freedom to explore possibilities for their future. Within my first couple days at Arcadia, I was lucky enough to meet the people who are still my friends a year later. Within my freshman year, I was also lucky enough to work with professors and advisors who I know will be a great support system for years to come. I was also lucky enough to study abroad. Arcadia is a place that fosters students advocating for themselves and taking advantage of these kinds of opportunities and connections.

How do you balance all your studies with a major and double minor?
This sounds cliché, but I believe I am able to balance all my work because I am truly passionate about what I’m studying, and I have a genuine love for learning. When I’m reading a book or writing a research paper for a class, while I often have to push through the tedious parts and the late hours, the work is so undoubtedly worth it to me because I see how my studies connect to other areas of my life. That’s why I want to inspire people to follow their heart and find what excites them.

What are your extracurriculars at college?
I am an editor of our scholarly journal, The Compass; I am an Ambassador, a Study Abroad Mentor, Co-President of the Arcadia Baking Club, Secretary of the Self Defense Club, and part of the Honors Council. When I have time, I like to participate in something recreational such as Zumba.

What was the most unexpected thing you found at the University?
To be honest, I did not expect to find the same cliques and prejudices that were present in high school. Granted, in college, you will meet a LOT more people who don’t care about that kind of stuff, but it was surprising to me that people still do, until I remembered that people get a lot of validation and power from their titles, what they look like, and how much they fit into the status quo. Genuine people are harder to find in the “real world” than I thought, so when you find them, appreciate them, and be one yourself! Be someone who is intentional about your words and actions, and conscious of how they can affect so much around you and connect to so many consequences.

Photography by Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography

​Tell us about your travel abroad to London. Why did you choose London, how long were you gone for and how did it differ from American studies?
Studying abroad in London was such an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve always been drawn to traveling. I visited Peru when I was really young to visit my mom’s family, but after that, my only opportunities to travel were through school programs that provided the funding and resources I needed. I traveled to China and Canada in 8th grade and fell in love with traveling then, but this was my first trip since. I have always wanted to visit Europe and the UK, so when I found out that London was where you went if you wanted to study abroad your second semester freshman year at Arcadia, I was ecstatic. At first, I was hesitant about studying abroad my first year, but I rather impulsively decided to take the leap instead of waiting for a time that felt “more right,” because as we all learned during Covid, everything can change so quickly. I was gone for 4 months (Jan-April) and in that time, I noticed that perhaps some of the biggest differences from American studies were that 1) Everything is just much more historical. America is such a young country when you put it into perspective. 2) Being in the capital city, the center of everything, also made everything much more political and cultural. We are often unwilling to confront those aspects of life in American studies, but my British professors did not shy away from those conversations. 3) You have much more freedom and independence while studying abroad, but because of that, you need to take even more initiative in your own learning and really, in your own life. It’s inspiring to find out that you CAN do that.

What, if any, challenges did you find with studying abroad during covid?
Luckily, the Covid situation where we were was improving. I was already so used to restrictions, regulations, and quick changes at that point, after two years of the pandemic. However, it was a bit scary living in a city, using public transportation, traveling around, and living with people all during a pandemic, especially as people around me began to get Covid. Luckily, I somehow never got the virus, and I’d like to think that is all because I have responsible, diligent people in my life, but I know at least some part of it is out of our control, and you have to learn to be okay with that. Accepting the unexpected and relinquishing control is such an important lesson learned from studying abroad.

What is a favorite memory from studying abroad?
I really enjoyed visiting The Cotswolds with two of my friends. We had planned the trip the night before, or rather, the morning of, at 2 am. We woke up hours later to leave for Bath, and we were going to head to the Cotswolds at midday. The transportation we had planned for wasn’t running, and as students on a budget, we didn’t know how we were going to pull off getting there, but we did, and it was truly the most magical place I have ever been. On that note, I loved Windsor Castle. Any excursion where I got to finally be somewhere so iconic after years of just seeing it in pictures and media was such a meaningful experience that I will always remember. Also, the more mundane memories such as movie nights with friends stand out because we were all living in an apartment together, on our own, for the first time. I also got to meet the author of one of my favorite books, In Defense of the Princess. She was so kind.

Photography by Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography

How did you find and why did you choose Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography for your photographer?
Dorothy Hart has been doing photoshoots for high school seniors in my community for years, so as soon as I got into high school and onto social media, I was growing up alongside her beautiful images. But it was she who approached me and asked if I would be interested in pursuing this opportunity to be in Inspiring Teens, and I am forever grateful that she did, because no matter what happens, it’s so empowering to go after something such as this. Dorothy Hart made my photoshoot possible and helped me every step of the way and stayed in touch with me while I went away to school and abroad. She provided me with the resources and support I needed, all with a positive attitude and kindness.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I really loved that I got to take pictures with my parents, my dog, my books, and flowers. The location of my photoshoot was perfect: it was the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, where I have been before. The experience was also so pleasant. Therefore, even before this competition started, I was just so grateful to have pictures that meant so much to me and reflected a good memory and time in my life.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I grew from being a very shy child to someone who loves to speak with others. In high school I had leadership roles in Key Club, Leo’s Club, Encountering Differences, Best Buddies, and a project I started called History in the Making. I was also in the National Honor Society. I loved all of the relationships I formed through these clubs. I met inspiring people, and I hope to uplift and empower them through my work. In college, I am a leader in our Honors program, an editor of our scholarly journal, a student Ambassador, and more.

Tell us about some of your leadership roles in these endeavors.
I am extremely grateful for these leadership roles because they are truly where I found my voice. They also allowed me to make deeper connections with teachers and people in my community. I got to work with and know people on a more personal, meaningful level. Whether I was the one designating tasks to people or the one performing an act of service, I really loved being united behind a common cause. Seeing actual results from that, whether it’s more funding for a historical house or just a smile and a “thank you” from someone at the senior center, is inspiring.

What do you feel is your best leadership quality as a result of these experiences?
I feel that my best leadership quality is that I have a genuine enthusiasm and knack for bringing people together. I do enjoy being a leader, but not for the title. I enjoy being a leader because I get to see other people become inspired to be a leader themselves, whether it’s in their studies, their personal relationships, or something else. I like to recognize everyone’s diverse skills, all of which are very needed, and encourage them to use them for good. Everyone needs to be seen and appreciated for who they are, and as a leader, you should be doing that. Ultimately, I think that if you have a platform, you should use it to pull others up to the platform with you, or give them their own. I hope I am doing that in all my leadership roles, in some way.

Photography by Dorothy Hart - A Hart's Eye Photography

What else would you like to talk about?
I would most like to talk about the importance of going out of your way to learn about people and their stories or struggles. People are so focused on inspiring others that they don’t see how many people could inspire them. If anyone has the privilege of receiving a platform, such as being in this magazine, they should consider using the platform to speak up about the quiet, unrecognized, inspiring voices in their life. There are many people in my travels so far who deserve a shout out. They have inspired me to be outspoken about doing the right thing.

Who is someone who has inspired you, and how?
This sounds cliché, but my parents. I haven’t always publicly talked about how much they inspire me because I know they prefer to stay out of the limelight, but they have always been there for me as parents and true friends. They believe in me, encourage me to be myself, and to simply try my best. They remind me that it’s okay to change, to not know, and to make mistakes. Both of my parents spend a lot of their time helping their families even though they have a lot of other things on their plate, so I’ve always been inspired by their selflessness and generosity. As a child, I was insecure about not having the biggest house, not going on faraway family vacations every summer…but as a teenager, I’ve realized that I have all the blessings and riches I need in that I learned manners and morals from my parents and that they are two people who I can always talk to about anything. Success shouldn’t be defined based on a college degree that determines what you know, nor who you know based on the connections you’ve made through your cultural capital such as being able to speak English. You are successful when you are happy and a good person who tries to do right by those that need it. That’s what matters most.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Anyone who knows me can confirm that I like to talk about topics that we are taught to stay away from such as politics, religion, and philosophy. However, I can go from discussing those topics to talking about my favorite music, movies, and books. Ultimately, a common theme throughout all my favorite topics is the importance of treating others with kindness and going against the status quo to stand up for people. There are so many “enemies” right now, but we (we as women, as teens, as Americans, as other groups) are strong when we stand together.


What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I had always considered speaking at graduation, but when the time came to sign up I did so rather impulsively, and then I had great help in revising my speech after I was selected for Senior Laureate. I was nervous about getting up there and reading it, but when I stepped onto the stage, I was more excited than anything to finally tell people what I’d wanted to for 12 years.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
“Treasure your past, thrive in your present, and dream for your future.” Find joy in and be truly grateful for the seemingly small experiences and relationships right now - they are big parts of your story, or someone else’s, and deserve to be respected!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I am still passionate about education, but I might want to go into something more investigative and writing-based before teaching, such as journalism. I plan to travel somewhere else by then (hopefully Ireland), I hope to still be friends with amazing people and get to see all of their successes and achievements, and I plan to still be coming back to East Lyme, CT to be with my family.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I really love music and I hope to learn more about it and even somewhat participate in it someday. I have always grown up listening to lots of different types of music, and I have a deep appreciation for the classics but also the up and coming artists who are using their gift to share positive messages.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’d like to say I’m good at whistling. It’s very random and probably useless, but I can whistle like a bird, and that’s fun to do around friends and surprise them.

3 Things on your bucket list
Publish a book, go to Paris, and go skydiving or on a hot air balloon.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I hope to inspire others by being authentic, optimistic, and brave enough to care and SHOW that I care through my words, actions, and work. I believe these are traits that we need a lot more of in the world.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
As the daughter of two working-class parents, one of which an immigrant, and as someone who vehemently believes in the power of using people’s stories to inspire, thank you for this opportunity.

Look for Nicole in issue 58 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

---

click here for more information on issue 58

click here to nominate an inspiring teen