Gratitude, Growth, and Greens

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter. Um, I always say this, but truly, if you’re listening right now, thank you. This podcast has become something bigger than I ever imagined. What started as conversations, reflections, and stories has turned into a space that carries real meaning, real emotion, and honestly, real responsibility.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

There’s a certain gravity that comes with knowing people are listening, thinking, and sometimes even changing how they see things because of something we shared here. And lately, what’s really touched me is meeting people who tell me they listen. I’ve had colleagues, parents, and even strangers say, “Hey, I heard your podcast,” or “That episode really made me think.” Um, that’s powerful. It reminds me that Chalkboard Chatter isn’t just background noise. It’s connection.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I’ve also been getting feedback. Good feedback. Thoughtful feedback. Some of it makes me laugh, some of it makes me pause, and some of it pushes me to go deeper. And yes, I’ve even gotten feedback about the non-education parts of the podcast, like my constant love for crockpot recipes. Apparently, people are listening for that too. Which honestly makes me smile, because that’s the whole point. This podcast isn’t just about education. It’s about life. It’s about what happens inside the classroom and outside of it. It’s about being human, being reflective, and finding joy where we can. So, with all that said, let’s ease into today’s episode, because there’s a lot of good news, a lot of gratitude, and yes, a little friendly competition coming up.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, um, let’s talk about some really good news coming out of Detroit, because we don’t always hear enough of it. And when we do, it deserves to be shared loudly and proudly. The first story stopped me in my tracks. A Detroit man found a 6-year-old girl walking alone on the street. Instead of passing by or assuming someone else would help, he stepped in. He made sure she was safe and walked her all the way to school. No cameras. No expectations. Just humanity. As an educator, as a parent, as a person, that story hit deep.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

It reminded me that community still exists. That people still look out for one another, especially our children. Then there’s this next story that honestly brought tears to my eyes. An 88-year-old military veteran working at a Meijer store here in Detroit was gifted over 1.7 million dollars through online donations. Let that sink in for a second. This man served his country, continued working well into his late 80s, and people decided, collectively, to say, “We see you. We appreciate you.”

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

That kind of generosity restores your faith in people. It’s a reminder that gratitude doesn’t have an expiration date. And then there’s the big news. Detroit will host the 2027 NCAA Men’s Final Four at Ford Field. Um, that’s huge. This isn’t just about basketball. This is about economic impact, visibility, pride, and showing the world what Detroit already knows. We’re resilient. We’re capable. We’re ready. All of these stories share a common thread. Care. Community. Pride. Detroit continues to show up in ways that matter. And as someone who lives, works, and loves this city, I couldn’t be more proud. Now, speaking of pride, let me finally admit something I’ve been holding onto for a while.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, um, I’m just going to say it. I’m officially admitting this to the world. My husband, Vern, makes the best collard greens and turkey tails crockpot dish. There. I said it. I know, I know. I talk about cooking a lot, but this dish deserves its own moment. It starts with fresh collard greens. Two to three pounds, washed really well and chopped.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And if you’ve ever washed collard greens, you know that’s a labor of love. Then come the turkey tails. Fresh or smoked, about one and a half to two pounds. They bring that richness that makes the whole dish sing. You add a chopped onion, a few cloves of minced garlic, and four cups of chicken broth. Sometimes we use bouillon if that’s what we have. A little apple cider vinegar, just enough to cut the bitterness.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

A pinch of sugar if needed. Salt, black pepper, paprika, and if you’re feeling bold, some crushed red pepper flakes. Now, sometimes he adds Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. Not too much. Just enough. Everything goes into the crockpot, low and slow. Hours later, the house smells like comfort, tradition, and love. This dish isn’t just food. It’s storytelling. It’s family. And honestly, it’s one of the reasons I look forward to the holidays. Which brings me to something that’s been filling my heart lately.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

I am genuinely so happy knowing my sons and their significant others will be coming home for the holidays. There’s something about having everyone under one roof that fills you with a different kind of joy. I’m fully in the spirit of thankfulness, praise, and yes, gift giving. This season has also reminded me how appreciated I feel professionally.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

The gifts I received from colleagues, from the 2024 Teacher of the Year community, from the Marygrove administration, and especially from students, truly touched me. These gestures may seem small, but they carry enormous meaning. Teaching is hard work, especially this time of year. And feeling seen, valued, and appreciated adds a special layer of encouragement that helps us keep going. It reminds us why we do what we do. And speaking of encouragement, let’s lighten things up just a bit.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, um, let’s address the elephant in the room. Will my Detroit Lions beat my husband’s Pittsburgh Steelers to secure a playoff spot this year? The answer is… we’ll see. What I do know is that we’ll be rooting against each other this week, but with love. A whole lot of love. Friendly competition, playful trash talk, and probably some tense moments on the couch

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

.And let me tell you, game day in our house is an experience. Jerseys come out early. Snacks are strategically planned. There’s a little pacing, a little side-eye, and the occasional “Did you see that?” shouted from opposite ends of the room. And yes, we absolutely remind each other of past wins and losses, because what’s a rivalry without receipts?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

What I love about it, though, is that it’s fun. It’s a connection. It’s something we can laugh about even when the score isn’t going our way. Sports have a way of bringing people together, even when they’re technically on opposite sides. And honestly, that’s part of the magic. Win or lose, we’re still celebrating together at the end of the night. So, I want to hear from you. Who are you rooting for? Are you all in on the Lions this year, waving that Honolulu blue with pride? Or are you standing firm with the Steelers and their long legacy? Drop it in the comments. Show your love, your loyalty, and maybe a little humor too. And before we wrap up, I want to revisit something important.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In a previous episode, we talked about “When Test Scores Don’t Tell the Whole Story.” And I want to follow up on that, because performance results matter, but context matters more. Growth isn’t always linear, and success isn’t always captured by a single number.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Education, like life, is layered. It’s about progress, effort, resilience, and support. When we look at performance through a broader lens, we create space for understanding instead of judgment. So as we close out today’s episode, I encourage you to reflect, to celebrate growth in all its forms, and to keep these conversations going. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe to Chalkboard Chatter. Your support means everything. Thanks for listening, and we’ll talk again soon.