Nicholas is a fine example of someone dedicating his life to make the world a kinder place. And when we say world, we mean it. Nicholas, born with congenital melanocytic nevus, lives in the United Kingdom and recently spoke to students at MCC Academy all the way in Skokie, Illinois after they read R.J. Palacio's novel "Wonder," about Auggie Pullman, a student who faces going to middle school after years of homeschooling.
Nik shared his life story about being born with a facial difference and how he embraces
kindness towards others. He encourages the students in his audience to do the same. As a member of CCA's speaker's bureau, he suggested ways to combat bullying and how he envisions a more inclusive world. A true renaissance man, Nik wanted to share his artwork with the class, but time did not permit. The artwork is a huge part of his message and advocacy raising. Images of his artwork are sprinkled throughout this blog post.
MCC Academy fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Rahman commented, "Nik was a wonderful and inspirational speaker. It was a pleasure to have him in class today. He did a wonderful job in sharing his personal story that tied with the novel "Wonder" we read in class. Nik beautifully shared a message with the class that they need to embrace everyone's differences and be kind."
Melanie Andrews, Nik's mother shared that the class of MCC Academy fifth graders were equally as kind and respectful, ""Nik had said that he felt so happy to answer such educated questions and they were asked so respectfully. Wow what a school. A role model school for us all."
Thanks to past opportunities to share his story and works of art, Nik won the Diana Award, given by the Princess Diana Award charity for acts of anti-bullying, and inclusion for all people in the United Kingdom. Nik advocates for people born with facial differences like himself. Nik was born with a a large congenital melanocytic nevus. His card initiative started with him taking his artworks and placing them on postcards for distribution to "to the public to advocate for kindness and equality. Nicholas considers Princess Diana his role model and lives by her quote ‘do what your heart tells you.’ His heart has encouraged him to spread the message, ‘even if you look different you should be proud of who you are,' says the Diana Award website.
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| Some of Nik's Artwork Inspired by characters from R.J.Palacio's "Wonder" |
Thank you MCC Academy in Skokie, IL for choosing kind. Many thanks to Nik for continuing to spread this important message. Clearly a fun and informative time was had by all on this Friday in the first week of June as Nik bridged the gap across the pond!
Learn more about CCA's speaker's bureau program, or request a speaker for your school through our #ChooseKind Initiative on our website at.
