Meet Nancy Celis, Grant Haliburton Foundation’s Thrive education summer intern.
Originally from Dallas, Nancy is entering her sophomore year at Dallas College, where she’s majoring in science. She’s passionate about education, art, and making a difference through meaningful connections. During her time with the Foundation, Nancy is gaining hands-on experience in presentation development, youth outreach, and nonprofit fundraising.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at my local Walmart when I was 16. I was a cashier and self-checkout host, it was easy and very laid back. Although I only worked there for a little under a year, I made some good friends and enjoyed my time as an employee.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is eating Lindor chocolate truffles and watching “The Kardashians.”
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I would tell my teenage self not to worry so much about other people’s opinions, just have fun and live life like nobody’s watching.
What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
My favorite movie scene is at the end of “The Notebook,” when the two main characters, Noah and Allie, have grown old. Noah visits Allie in her room before bed, and they fall asleep and pass away together. That scene gets me every time.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I hold the women's 400-meter record at my high school.
What’s a book that you’d recommend?
A book that I’d recommend is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, who was a prisoner in the concentration camps during World War II. In the book, he describes and analyzes his experiences and observations of the human mind in the camp environment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with the people I love the most. I also enjoy running, scrapbooking, and exploring new shops and restaurants!
What are the top three TV shows you’re watching right now?
The top three TV shows I’m watching right now are “The Kardashians,” “My Name is Earl,” and “Ginny and Georgia.”
Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
I don’t have a favorite travel destination, but I’ve always wanted to travel to Italy or Spain. Both countries have rich, beautiful cultures that equally fascinate me.
Why is the Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
The Foundation’s mission speaks to me because I have seen firsthand the positive impact that access to mental health resources can have. I also believe that being able to recognize when someone is struggling is key to a better world.
