Griffin Nicholls’ Post

#aggies #aggiepride On this day, we remember the events of September 11th, 2001, a day that changed our nation forever. It was a day that tested our resilience, unity, and the strength of our defense. In the face of adversity, we came together as a nation. We rebuilt, we persevered, and we strengthened our resolve to protect our homeland. Today, as we remember the past, we also look to the future. The ACE Program, 'America's Cutting Edge,' is paving the way for the next generation of defenders. ACE isn't just a program; it's a mission. It's about empowering individuals from all walks of life to join the workforce that defends our nation. Whether you're a recent graduate, a skilled worker, a veteran, or someone looking to make a difference, ACE welcomes you. Through cutting-edge training and hands-on experiences, ACE equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in defense, manufacturing, and technology. We honor the memory of 9/11 by building a stronger, more secure future. Join us in this mission. Together, we'll continue to defend our nation, just as those brave heroes did on that fateful day. Remembering 9/11: Empowering the Future of Defense with ACE Hub in North Carolina at N.C. A&T 🎉🎊🎁🎈🎂🚀 ACE Hub in North Carolina at N.C. A&T North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

In today's video where I talk about preparing for a Ph.D. thesis defense. Having experienced both sides of the equation as an examiner and examinee, I understand the unique challenges each role brings. While no two defenses are the same, there are some commonalities that I believe everyone should be prepared for. Link to the checklist and video below. Please share with those who may benefit. That is all I ask. 👊🏼 😎

💫 “It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in the tech industry, and the support and resources provided are truly invaluable.” NDE IT Pre-Apprentice and Army vet, Maverick Cheung, shared some of his story and advice for future students! 📖 Read about Maverick’s dedication to getting a job in tech. ⚡️Check it out: https://hubs.li/Q02HqQq50

Isn't it interesting how the most timeless pieces of advice always seem to conflict with one another? For instance: 1) “Defense wins championships” vs “The best defense is a good offense.” 2) “Good things come to those who wait” vs “The early bird gets the worm.” 3) “You're never too old to learn something new” vs “You can't teach an old dog new tricks.” This just goes to show that there's no such thing as universal advice. In most situations, it's better to just simply do what works best for you.

3 life lessons the Army-Navy Game gave me when I was a midshipman. 1// Always check the weather. When getting dressed for the game, I worried about 2 things: - What I was required to wear to the game - What I wanted to wear after the game The problem: No back packs So I put my civvies on under my uniform. Because the year before it was freezing so I thought it would help my day. The new problem: it was a 74 degree day and I was wearing a jacket, long sleeve shirt, sweater and tshirt. So, yeah, check the weather. 2// Belief is not rational. We believed Navy would win. Like deep in our souls. Ignoring the fact that we’d lost every game that year. Every game. A perfect record. But bad. Army wasn’t great that year either. So we believed and hoped. Like when I set an OKR or a BHAG that is a little too inspirational. Miracles can happen. Just not as often as realistic expectations. 3// Don’t let excitement make you stupid. Remember the cadets that made the railing collapse during the game? 10 of them fell out of the stands. Which means way more than 10 of them were leaning on the weakest part of a wall. I’m not saying it was the cadets fault, but maybe there was a point where someone could have said, Hey, does this railing feel a little unstable to anyone else? I remember when 4,000 mids were jumping in unison to “I believe that we will win” and we could feel the concrete stands oscillating. Concrete was moving. We still jumped. Luckily we didn’t make bigger news than that little railing collapse. —- What did you learn from the Army-Navy Game? And do you have your kids to do pushups every time Navy scores?

Does the general tend to rely on past successful formulas, or do they confront current challenges with creativity? There is a common tendency for generals to fight the last war, as evidenced by current training programs, plans, and entry-level schools, including basic training. This tendency leads them to fighting their last war, which is why we don’t win anymore.

Day 7/7 of inspiring speeches. Naval Adm. William H. McRaven is a retired US Navy four-star admiral and author of several books. Of all the 7 speeches, this one spoke to me most, because: I've always been fascinated by SEAL Training. How far can the human body and most of all spirit endure? I guess life for many people is as close as we will get to SEAL Training. In this speech Naval Adm. McRaven breaks down 10 lessons he learned during SEAL Training and how it can shape you to change the word. Here are 2 of the most valuable lessons: 🌱 7. "There are a lot of sharks in the world, if you hope to complete the swim, you will have to deal with them. So if you want to change the world, don't back down from the sharks." Dealing with hardships as the come at you if life is tasking but rewarding. Standing our ground and facing life head on, takes courage and determination. 🌱8. "If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in your darkest moments." If in our darkest moments we can concentrate on being our best self, knowing that we have everything within ourself to thrive, then the reward at the end is all the sweeter. 📝 What resonated with you? Let me know in the comments. 👉 Follow for more musings!

Motivation is key to success! I recently came across one of the best motivational speeches ever and it's my go-to whenever I need a "pick me up." It's still as impactful as the first time I heard it, even after meeting 2 Medal of Honor recipients and a Navy Cross recipient. Check out the link to listen and get inspired! #Motivation #SuccessTips

Two pieces of advice I’d offer to retirees.  1) Go back to school. Even if you have four Masters and your doctorate, go back to school. A single course, a full program. Engage yourself intellectually. Sure, the military sent you to CLS, ILS, and TLS, but did you learn anything…useful? Or were you on the same Sonic the Hedgehog course as everyone else. Complete to compete, but not to apply what you learned. Pick a subject that you find fascinating. It will make you a more critical thinker, ESPECIALLY if it’s a class or program with non-military peers. (On that note, if you DID do the required reading…did it pay off? Did Jomini and Clausewitz give you a decisive advantage over your peers or a peer adversary, or just cool email signatures?) 2) Take up a creative hobby. Painting, woodworking, auto repair. Creativity is puzzle- and problem-solving, but it’s finding a solution that suits YOU, not the solution the guy or gal to whom you report can visualize, but is JUUUUUST different enough from what you come up with that you spend more time discovering g what they’re thinking, rather than an equal or BETTER solution. (I don’t know what I want, but I’ll know what it’s NOT the first time you show it to me!)