The Social Institute Student Influencer Program: Introducing Ryan Nichols
This summer, The Social Institute launched our first-ever student influencer program where we highlight impressive students on our Instagram every #TakeoverTuesday. Each week, a different student is selected to be highlighted as a positive influence and inspiration to others.
We are excited to introduce Ryan Nichols as this week’s student influencer. Ryan is a sophomore serving as a student government representative and ambassador at Forsyth Country Day School in Winston Salem, NC. He is a volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank where he serves over 20 counties in North and South Carolina with food and grocery items. Ryan has expressed that he is very passionate about his volunteer work with his local food pantry because his county is one of the most food-insecure counties in the nation. Ryan is also on the swim team and spearheaded a fundraiser with his team that raised over $1,300 for children in need! It is no surprise that Ryan won the Leadership Award at his school last year for his outstanding work within his school and community.
Recently, we got the chance to interview Ryan to learn more about him. Here’s what he had to say:
What do you value about yourself or others?
Ryan: I value compassion and integrity in myself and others because with these two characteristics people are more kind and honest to one another, can accomplish and persevere through anything, and build stronger relationships together.
What are your personal goals?
Ryan: My personal goals in life are the simple but effective ones: try to make someone smile every day, be honest with myself and others, and work hard in school and athletics because, with all these goals, I will succeed in life and accomplish major things like college, a profession, a family, and many other things.
How do you expect to feel as you go back to school this fall?
Ryan: I expect myself to feel happy and excited to see everyone, both friends and teachers because I have grown up at my current school and miss seeing everyone in the summer. I also expect to feel a bit of pressure with some serious classes that I am taking, but I work well under it so I am not worried.
What are the things you try to accomplish each day?
Ryan: Each day I try to push towards my personal goals and to be happy at the end of the day because there is truly so much negativity in the world that that is something everyone should try to accomplish each day.
What or who inspires you most?
Ryan: The idea of going to college and majoring in a study to succeed in a profession inspires me the most because it forces me to be on my A-game all the time which allows me to be the best person I can be while still remaining true to myself. My mom also inspires me to work hard to succeed in life.
How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?
Ryan: Social media has positively influenced my life by allowing me to connect with my friends from afar and meet new people and companies like The Social Institute!
Of our Seven Social standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?
Ryan: I most resonate with using your mic for good because I am an advocate for change both in my community and globally with current issues. I also hope to inspire others to use their mics for good and promote positive change, or to be an upstander rather than a bystander.
If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to him/her about navigating social media or social relationships?
Ryan: I would tell my younger self to be careful about what you send even to your friends as a joke because you never know how it may come back one day. I would also say to carefully reach out to more people and to build relationships online that may branch into meeting someone one day in real life.
We were so impressed with Ryan and can not wait to continue to follow his journey as he makes an impact at Second Harvest and within his community. If you know a student who is accomplishing great things, let us know! We love sharing impressive students with the world. Contact us here.
About The Social Institute
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.