Nichole L. Bartel

I’m the first in my family to earn a college degree. My parents are hard-working and practical; they are also clever and witty as hell. Growing up with them prepared me more for humor writing than any class, and I love them both so much it hurts a little.

My professional background is about as linear as a lazy river. But all of the jobs I have had reflected my core passions in some way: writing, research, marketing teaching, and helping people.

Although I love my current jobs in teaching, it’s time to settle down and find a full-time place to land— hopefully forever, but at least, like Maggie Rogers sings, “for a long, long time.”

I doubted the lazy river analogy at first (“replace with something better!” urged my inner-critic), but after careful consideration, it’s perfect. I’m mid-way through life. One of the greatest things I’ve learned is every day you can swim against the current or float on with it. I’m floating toward my next challenge right now. . . Are you it?