At the 2019 underwater hockey Potluck tournament in the Florida Keys, math specialist Nicholas Grande did not know who would be on his team. In fact, no one did. He had to adapt, plan and work together with people from around the country in order to pull through with the win … Underwater hockey requires not only skill but great teamwork and communication — skills Grande applies both inside and outside of the pool.
“[In] underwater hockey, we’re doing teamwork and really relying on others, so you can’t do every job on your own,” Grande said. “When good people are around you… you can be supportive [for them] … they still need you there if you’re on the same team.”
He also continues to do marathon swimming along with underwater hockey for the Orlando team, which is ranked third nationally. He originally found his passion for sports in high school and still plays to this day. Grande is joining Trinity’s wellness team as a mathematics learning specialist. He is located in the library and wants to make math understandable and enjoyable for all.
“I will tutor everyone,” Grande said. “As the math specialist here, everyone’s welcome. If you’re in sixth grade math … to Linear Algebra, I can help.”
Before coming to Trinity, Grande went to Penn State for two undergraduate degrees in Systems Analysis and Mathematics. He then went to Clemson for his masters in Teaching and Learning before returning to Penn State again for his second masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Of his multiple alma maters, Grande prefers Penn due to the diverse number of outdoor activities and the overall college town feel.
“I like Penn State a bit more, and that’s because it was more of a college town and there were a lot of things to do, like hiking and kayaking and all that around it,” Grande said. “Clemson is a nice campus, but outside there wasn’t too much to do.”
When Grande returned to graduate school, he furthered his love for math, speaking and teaching at conferences to mathematics professors and experts in the field.
One of Grande’s favorite memories at Penn State was getting to have dinner with a celebrity and pioneer in the field of science, Bill Nye.
“I got an email that asks if I want to have dinner with Bill Nye,” he said. “Only so many people are accepted, and I was one of the first to submit it so that was really fun. I did wear a bow tie for that.”
With a vast amount of knowledge in math under his belt, Grande was lured to Trinity by none other than the words on the very front page of the website.
“I like the mission statement,” Grande says. “I think teaching leadership [to] future leaders is one of the most important things you can do … There’s certain skills that can’t be replaced as you move forward, and I really think this is a place where those skills can be developed.”
Empowered by the mission statement, Grande is thinking of new unique ways to help students. Having been a formal math teacher for many years, he decided to take on a slightly different challenge as a math specialist.
“Instead of [making lessons] every day, it’s how do I approach each student individually when they come to me. And how can I help them the most instead of teaching to a broader group,” Grande said.
Grande is also thinking ahead, planning on reaching into other departments as well. But, being his first year here, he still has to settle in for the long run.
“As to getting involved with other departments, I do plan to, but I am still figuring out my way here. I’m sure that will come in time,” Grande said. “I’d be open to just about any department, but I need to get my bearings first.”
With his past experience in being a teacher, Grande brings up important advice in the educational world and wants to share this with students.
“If you’re having trouble, talk about it because no one’s a mind reader … the best thing you can do is say exactly what you’re having trouble with,” Grande said. “Just saying I can’t do math isn’t helpful … that goes for any of your math teachers, if you can ask them a question, it’s better than just saying I can’t do it because … we want to help you and find solutions.”
Grande’s dedication and love for math will provide students with the necessary help to excel at all levels. Beyond math help, Grande is an active member in the Orlando and Trinity community and provides an uplifting environment for all students.
“I still want to be around students [because they] make the whole experience fun,” Grande said. “I see myself using my skills and moving up the ladder in the education world, and hopefully at Trinity Prep because every day I always want to grow … and I really see myself challenging myself, finding new responsibilities to take on.”
