EXPLO Junior Interview with Nicolas from Texas

Nicolas is entering the sixth grade and it's his first summer at EXPLO. Between keeping up his studies and activities, and running his own business, this articulate young man keeps a tight schedule; but luckily not too tight for EXPLO. Here Nicolas spends his time playing Ga-ga, picking up scary makeup tricks, brainstorming marketing ideas, and memorizing celebrated speeches. Not even two weeks in and Nicolas already knows that he will be returning to EXPLO next summer; that is, unless his business takes off...

How did you find out about EXPLO?
We found out at a convention where we go every year. It got down to about three different options and this one was obviously the best.

And what do you think of it so far?
I've had a great time here. I think that the staff is great, and I've been enjoying my time here because they've been challenging me so much.

What classes are you taking?
My two classes are Stand Up + Speak, which I've been having a lot of fun in. I love public speaking, and my instructor Lizzie is just great. And then there's Marketing and Advertising with Ghariza. She's been a lot of fun, and I'm really excited everyday to go to (Ad)ventures, so I'm having a fun time.

Why did you choose those two in particular?
Stand Up + Speak: I've always loved public speaking. One of those things that I've been good at is being able to speak to a crowd. And then Marketing and Advertising: I have a business, and I'm trying to get into some local farmers' markets to continue that business, so I need to be able to have marketing and advertising skills.

Wow! Tell me about your business.
My business is tea. The name of my business is “Herb's the Word,” and it's local. I make fresh tea with premium tea leaves and just try my best, and I'm really excited to keep on going with that. One day I was just messing around with pre-made tea and I made something and it was pretty good, so I decided to start buying the non-packaged teas and start adding my own spices and herbs and it ended up working out pretty well. So I make my own teas and then I sell them. I started about a year ago.

That's fantastic. And what electives are you taking?
My two electives are Theater Special Effects, which I would have to say I'm having the most fun ever in, and the most fun I've had all summer. My instructor Aly is amazing at what she does, and I've been having a lot of fun with the makeup and everything. And I do that because I like to scare people on Halloween, and throw Halloween parties. And then I also do Improv with Alex, which has also been pretty fun; we get to joke around a lot. And I did that one because I'm a little bit interested in acting.

You have a nice variety there. Can you tell me how classes at EXPLO are different from classes at your school?
Well I'm at an International Baccalaureate school and I would say that they're a lot different because everyone here seems like they're really well trained, like even more well trained than at my school. I went to that school because I wanted it to challenge me — and EXPLO has done a better job of challenging me here than at school. What makes it challenging is just that the teachers are so good. They know what they're doing, they obviously haven't just been put there because another teacher is missing. They are always there and it is always just really cool. And I've been having a lot more fun here than at school.

And if you were to become an EXPLO instructor, what would you see yourself teaching?
I would probably end up doing some kind of speaking class, very interactive. I enjoy being able to speak in front of people and being able to explain things.

What's been an important lesson that EXPLO's taught you in the past couple of weeks?
I would probably have to say learning how to speak better, in Lizzie's class. And then Advertising has been phenomenal; I've learned a lot in that, and I'm confident about my business now. I've already been thinking about signs and how to speak to customers, so it's really exciting.

How has EXPLO prepared you for future endeavors?
EXPLO has been helping me because I want to be a lawyer, and Stand Up + Speak has been amazingly helpful with that. And then, of course, I'm also aiming for entrepreneurship, which is extremely difficult because not a lot of businesses actually make it, and EXPLO helps with that. So that is just really helpful.

Other than your business, what sets you apart from other people?
I think what sets me a part is that I'm confident, and I know I can do things. And EXPLO has been helping with that a lot. I think that if it comes down to it, I will be able to come across as the best. I'm working on that, and I want to be unique.

That's a great answer. And what advice would you give to someone who's new to EXPLO?
You'll have a lot of fun. Just keep a good attitude and let yourself relax, and don't think about home too much.

Do you have a favorite part about EXPLO?
Probably everything. It's just been so much fun!

Is there anything else you would like to say?
Make sure to come to EXPLO and to keep on working on your dreams.