Nicole Wheatley-Causer

Wheatley-Causer plans to continue her education at Wilson College someday to earn her bachelor’s degree and become a teacher. Her day job is at the Kane Area School District, working with middle schoolers in need of emotional and learning support.

“What my role means to me is to be someone the kids can count on to help them. If it’s just listening, going for a walk, or helping kids with their assignments, I’m happy to do it all. I don’t just help the kids I’m assigned to; I’ll help anyone that needs it. I love to watch the light bulb click when a student understands.”

Like her peers, many of the evenings in the last two years have involved attending classes and completing schoolwork. It’s certainly been a grind, but she’s gotten by with a little help from her friends, much like The Beatles famously wrote in 1967. Her advisor Sandie has helped her navigate going to college online and one of her co-workers turned classmates, Jennifer Asel, who is also a part of the Paraeducators Pathways Program, has been her go-to in making sure she understands and remains organized “Jennifer is my go-to for everything with our courses and she has been my biggest cheerleader, just like I have been hers during this program.”

Outside of these members of the NPRC community, there was one rock in her life that was as proud as anyone of her going back to school; Nicole’s late mother, Carol. In October 2024, Carol passed away; but there’s no question she remains with her in spirit and would be as proud as anyone for her finishing this college degree. This loss was devastating; especially as she balanced working full-time, being a college student, and having duties as wife to her husband David and mom to her two children, Levi and Baya. But her family, classmates, and co-workers were all there for her during the toughest moments in the Fall 2024 term.

“Losing my mom in the middle of the fall was brutal. The class schedule I had was tough, but that made it even harder. I’m thankful for everyone who made classwork and life a little easier to get through during that really hard time. Specifically, I want to thank my husband for always being there with words of encouragement and support. He always tells me I can do anything I put my mind to, and I appreciate that belief he has in me.”

Through all she’s balancing and even with loss, Nicole continues to think about and show up for others, even with a full plate. She’s someone who continually checks in on her classmates through the program and cheers each of them on in their pursuit of reaching their goals. Her kind heart is one of many that helps make the NPRC community a welcoming one.

While there’s more to Nicole’s story, she wanted to plant a seed for the newest NPRC students and those who are considering becoming a student here. “I encourage those considering NPRC to jump in. Everyone here is very helpful. You aren’t getting this degree on your own; you have people here to lean on. NPRC will help you with whatever they can to see you succeed.”