Nick Leininger, Class of 2013

Nick Leininger is a  screenwriter and poet  based out of Vancouver, Canada. Nick graduated from American University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications. Today, he has 16 poems featured across a series of publications, including Bleakhouse Publishing, The Mid Atlantic Review, Wingless Dreamer, Solstice Magazine, Birdcoat Quarterly, and Cathexis Northwest Press. Nick is actively submitting his poetry book, "Equilibrist," to publishing houses across the US and Canada. Nick's three minute short film Lithium, is a story inspired by his own experience living with Bipolar 1 Disorder. Nick hopes his work can eliminate the stigma that people with mental health conditions face while providing hope for anyone on their individual recovery journey. Nick’s writing explores relationship dynamics, racial identity, sickness vs. health, and the complexity of the human condition. 

 

Nick credits Delaware Valley Friends School (DVFriends) with preparing him for academic success in college. Nick was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder towards the end of his sixth grade school year. In class, due to his hearing disorder, he would often miss out on key verbal instructions. He was always a hard worker but, because of his learning disability, struggled greatly with his academics. “I remember being up late at night throughout the school week trying to finish homework with my mom's help. I felt ashamed about the time I took away from her."

Nick started at DVFriends in 7th grade, and, once there, found an environment in which he could truly grow. At DV, Nick was involved in a variety of student leadership programs that helped to build his confidence and allowed him to mentor other students with learning disabilities. “One of my favorite DV memories was during my sophomore year at the upper school awards ceremony. I had never received an academic award before, but this year I was given a series of awards including the Patrick Donoghue Scholarship that I received in recognition of my involvement in activities that contributed positively to the school community. This was a key point during my time at Delaware Valley Friends. From then on, I knew that I could prosper academically."

From his experiences at DVFriends, Nick also became more knowledgeable about the challenges associated with his specific learning disability and he has developed strategies that have helped him succeed. “Prior to Delaware Valley Friends, I believed my chances to attend college were slim. Because of DV, I was accepted at the colleges to which I applied. Delaware Valley Friends School gave me the skills and self-confidence to thrive in an academic setting."

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