Name: Nicole Holmgren 

Degree: ‘20 M.Ed. Special Education

Current Employer: Rochester Public Schools

What is something people don’t know about your field that you believe they should know? 

In my field, especially in special education, there are many behaviors. I think what I learned is that all behavior is communication. Flipping the lens and looking at it from a different perspective helps you be more patient and learn to problem-solve through it. 

What advice do you have for current UNLV students who wish to pursue a similar career path as you? 

I think before getting into the classroom, something I adopted last year is to really practice a work-life balance. I defined myself through my work. That’s me. But then, if the work is hard, or let’s say you lose your job, you need a sense of self and identity to hold on to. 

What is a fun fact about yourself? 

My husband and I have been to Japan twice. It’s our favorite place in the world. So, every year, or every other year, we go for two weeks. There was a really cool cafe that we went to called Dawn Cafe.

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