From the Classroom to Conservation: Michgan State University Distinguised Alumni Award

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey y’all, welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter! I’m Candice Nicholson—some of you might still know me as Candice Jackson, but either way, I’m so glad you’re here. Before we jump in, I just wanna say, the last episode was such a joy. We talked about summer joys, community engagement, and that amazing girls’ retreat—so many of you reached out about the Teach. Play. Learn initiative and how you’re bringing more play into your classrooms. If you haven’t already, make sure you hit subscribe, share this with a fellow educator, and keep those stories coming. I read every single one, and honestly, it keeps me inspired.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, let’s get into some big news. I’m still pinching myself, but I was honored as the 2024 Teacher of the Year. I mean, wow. It’s wild to think about how far we’ve come together—twenty-two years in Detroit Public Schools, and every year brings something new. But that’s not all. I was given an opportunity for professional development in nature conservation. It was a full week of growth, connection. I’ll get into that in a bit. Oh, and—okay, secret’s out—I got the call that I’ll be receiving the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award this summer. When I saw that call, I thought, “Did they mean someone else?” But nope, it was real. And it just reminded me how important it is to connect our professional wins to our personal growth. It’s not just about the awards—it’s about what we do with those opportunities, how we bring them back to our students, our schools, and our communities.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, let’s talk about something a little different—smart living. This summer, I decided to put AI to the test in my kitchen. I know we’ve talked about AI in the classroom before, but this time, I used it to plan two weeks of budget-friendly, healthy meals for my family. Here’s how it went: I started by asking my AI assistant for low-cost, nutritious recipes. It spit out a whole list—some I’d never even heard of. Then, I had it generate a meal schedule, making sure we weren’t eating pasta five nights in a row. The best part? It automated my grocery list. I just copied it right into my phone, and boom—shopping was a breeze. My favorite recipe, the AI suggested? Vegetarian chili. I know, I know, my husband was skeptical too, but it was a hit. We saved money, ate healthier, and I spent way less time stressing about what’s for dinner. If you’re looking for a way to cut costs and keep your sanity, give it a try. I mean, I’m not saying AI is magic, but it sure felt like it that week.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, here we are smack in the middle of 2025. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had that moment of pause lately, asking yourself, “Wait…how is it already July?” The months have flown by, packed with lessons, surprises, and some real growth. But here’s the truth—this year is far from over. I always say: The calendar doesn’t get to decide when your year ends—you do. Whether you're resetting after a busy school year, feeling the summer slump, or realizing some goals have been sitting on the shelf since March, that’s okay. The beautiful thing about a midpoint is that it gives us perspective. We can look back, learn, and move forward with clarity. Lately, I’ve been checking in with myself—What’s actually working? What needs a little tweak? And maybe most importantly, what can I release without guilt? That self-audit has been everything. It reminded me of what we talked about in our “Balance, Belonging, and New Beginnings” episode: reflection isn’t seasonal. Self-care isn’t just a January thing. It’s a whenever-you-need-it thing. I’ve started small: shifting my morning routine, saying yes to more walks, and even letting AI help with meal planning. Tiny changes, big impact. Maybe for you it’s picking up that journal again, carving out quiet time, or finally launching that side project. Whatever it is, there’s still time. So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to course-correct, to revive a goal, or even just to take a deep breath and begin again—this is it. You’re not behind. You’re right on time. The second half of 2025 is full of promise—and it’s yours for the taking. Let’s finish strong—together.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Speaking of trying new things, let me tell you about that conservation professional development. It's a week-long immersion—think hands-on activities, peer collaboration, and a whole lot of fresh air. One of my favorite moments was this team-building hike. Picture a bunch of teachers, all a little out of breath, brainstorming ways to bring nature science lessons into our classrooms. We came up with some good ideas. It was so energizing. Nature-based learning isn’t just about getting outside—it’s about nurturing the whole child, sparking curiosity, and making learning feel real. I have a notebook full of ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. I can’t wait to bring some of these projects to my students and, hopefully, get our families and community involved too.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Alright, here’s your challenge for the week: use AI to make your life a little easier. Maybe it’s meal prep, maybe it’s lesson planning, or maybe it’s something totally creative—like organizing your summer reading list or planning a family outing. You could even ask it to help with budgeting, classroom ideas, or turning your favorite recipes into a grocery list. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s momentum. Take 10–15 minutes to experiment and see what happens. Try it out, and let me know how it goes. Share your results in the comments or tag us on socials—I truly love seeing how you take these small ideas and turn them into something meaningful. Plus, when you share, you create space for others to feel inspired and try something new too. You never know whose day you might brighten just by showing what’s possible. And if you discover a cool tip, prompt, or hack, don’t keep it to yourself—send it our way. We just might feature it in an upcoming episode. Now go have fun with it. You’ve got this!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Before we wrap up, I just want to say thank you for being part of this community. Your stories, your questions, your encouragement—it all matters. If you have a story to share, a question to ask, or just want to connect, reach out! Next episode, we’re diving deeper into conservation and community engagement, with some special guests and hands-on project ideas you won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review—it helps more educators find us and keeps the conversation going. Until next time, keep leading with heart, keep learning, and remember: every day is a chance to make a difference. Talk soon!