Nicole Merriweather

“Every dark place has helped make you who you are—I made it through, and so can you.”

Nicole first met On Point’s Ginny Donohue at her graduation from Herkimer Community College. She wanted to transfer to a four-year college, but had no support. “From then on, On Point helped me every step of the way,” she said. “They helped me to transfer to Buffalo State and helped me with orientation and supplies, but most of all they were like a family to me.”

Nicole grew up in a low-income family, one of six children. Her parents had struggled with drug use, and she had no support at home. But with the help of On Point and her spirituality, she was able to readjust her mindset about what she wanted from life.

Today, Nicole is proud to be working at On Point for College as a College Success Advisor, where she is able to give the gift of hope and opportunity back to young people the same way it was given to her. She is also involved in dance and youth ministry at her church.

“I have faced many obstacles in my life, and when I meet with different people who are facing something similar, I think of me being that shining light for them, encouraging them in a positive way,” she said.