TeamMates of the Month: Michael and Nick

November 4, 2024

Growing into the Future 

Nick Hernandez remembers his sixth grade mentee Michael as friendly and social when they first met, something Nick wasn’t at that age.

“I feel like I am doing fine, as an adult, but I did not have what he has.”

Michael remembers Nick as much taller than him! Naturally, they gravitated to basketball.

“We played a lot of ‘horse’ and ‘around the world.’ It was cool.”

Nick volunteers that it was Michael who dominated on the court. Michael agrees, but it wasn’t just about hoops.

“We talked about a lot of subjects I didn’t really understand at the time but now that I’m older, I’m understanding more. He definitely brings up some topics that are pretty interesting.”

Michael says those conversations opened his mind more about everything in and outside of school. Nick has noticed the change in their relationship too.

“It’s grown,” he says, spreading his hands wide. “Michael’s interests have expanded, and looking to the future is becoming more prominent. He’s thinking about what comes next.” 

Maybe that is why Michael chose the word “motivating” as one of the ways he would describe Nick.

“Hearing all of your stories, all of your past motivates me. A while ago, you were in the same spot I am now. You help me see how I could see and do things differently and just keep going.”

Both Nick and Michael enjoy making connections with other people, but their motivations are different. With Nick, it is about finding people to explore ideas with. For Michael, connection is part of making sure others around him are happy and comfortable.

Nick says of Michael, “He really likes working with younger kids. He’s already got the mentoring spirit going.”

It is one of the things that may continue to spur his interest in pursuing a career in medicine. After an accident landed him in the hospital with a broken leg, Michael found that he enjoyed the community there and realized what a difference it makes to bring a positive outlook and caring into that setting. It’s something Nick has modeled too.

“I can tell he cares what’s going on in my life. That has made me realize how much I care about my future, what I want to do in college and after.”

And Nick is grateful to have learned that he can connect with younger people.

“I didn’t know if things had changed so much that I couldn’t. It turns out I’m doing okay.”

 

You can learn more about Lincoln TeamMates at https://lincolnteammates.org/.

 

 

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