Nicole Dimas, a recent graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a major in Early Childhood Education, embarked on a transformative journey this past summer as a Teaching Fellow with Breakthrough Collaborative. In a recent interview, Nicole shared her experiences, insights, and reflections on how Breakthrough helped her grow both personally and professionally.
Q: Tell us a little about your background.
Nicole: I graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a major in Early Childhood Education. I’m originally from Denver and just graduated this past spring. The first thing I did after graduation was apply to become a Teaching Fellow with Breakthrough Collaborative for the summer.
I had a friend who attended Breakthrough when they were younger, and they shared such amazing experiences with me—about the people they met, the friends they made, and how close the entire community became. It was completely different from anything I had experienced.
Q: How did your experience with Breakthrough differ from what you expected?
Nicole: My major is in Early Childhood Education, so I’m used to working with toddlers. Breakthrough focuses on middle and high school students, which was definitely a change for me, but I loved it. I especially enjoyed working with the seventh and eighth graders—their personalities really shine at that age. I went into the program with an open mind, and it turned out to be such a rewarding experience.
Q: What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
Nicole: I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. I’m naturally a shy and introverted person, but Breakthrough really helped me come out of my shell. I found that one of my strengths was in lesson planning and time management, but I also discovered that connecting with students was something I needed to work on. Over the course of the summer, I learned different ways to connect with my students, even those who were shy like me.
Q: Can you share a specific moment that was particularly meaningful for you?
Nicole: Yes, there was one student who was incredibly quiet, barely saying five words a week. Then, in the middle of the summer, out of nowhere, she approached me and started a deep conversation. It was a big moment for me because I had been struggling to connect with my students based on my own shyness. That moment showed me that being my most authentic self was the key to building those connections.
Q: What do you think makes Breakthrough effective in helping students and educators?
Nicole: Breakthrough creates an intentional community where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves. We spend a lot of time together, in classes, electives, and community times on Fridays, which fosters a sense of belonging. For future educators like me, it’s a great place to practice teaching in a real-world setting. The structure of the program helps future teachers learn how to manage a classroom, connect with students, and adapt lessons to different learning styles.
Q: Why do you believe programs like Breakthrough are important for students?
Nicole: Programs like Breakthrough are crucial because they offer students a safe space to be themselves, especially if they don’t feel that way at their regular schools. It’s only six weeks, but it’s a close-knit, impactful six weeks that can really set students up for success in the future. The program not only helps them academically but also prepares them for life by exposing them to career opportunities and helping them build a strong sense of community.
Q: How has Breakthrough impacted your career aspirations?
Nicole: Breakthrough has been an amazing addition to my resume. I’ve received numerous callbacks and interviews from potential employers who were interested in hearing about my experience with the program. It’s a great starting point for anyone interested in education, whether you want to be a teacher, administrator, or take on a leadership role. The experience has given me a solid foundation to build my career.
Q: What are your final thoughts as you reflect on your Breakthrough experience?
Nicole: One of my biggest takeaways is how much I’ve learned about myself and how I’ve grown through this experience. I’ve built connections with my students, fellow educators, and the entire Breakthrough community. It’s something I’ll carry with me as I move forward in my career, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I plan to stay involved with Breakthrough in any way I can, whether through volunteer work or participating in future programs.
