Nicole Costales Nagel

Year I Joined HSH: 2014

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Education: UCLA, B.A. in English, Emphasis in Creative Writing; M.Ed. from HIU

Why HSH? My dreams of becoming a lead teacher here came true 5 years ago, and I have had and continue to have the privilege of sharing my days with kindergarteners, my favorite grade level. I have also made friends here who have become family, and I am so grateful for that kind of community.

What causes or non-profits do you support and why? I support the American Cancer Society because I know the pain of losing a loved one to cancer and want to help in any way to prevent others from losing those they love to this disease. I also support Reading to Kids which is an organization dedicated to inspiring the love of learning in students in underserved areas of Los Angeles.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an only child!

What piece of advice would you give to a graduating sixth grader? Work hard every day to be your genuine self. Spend time with your family. Try to do at least one thing every so often that you wouldn’t normally think you would like to do. Life will surprise you. You will surprise yourself. Enjoy these moments.