By: Nick Deterding (Whetstone staff writer)

Nick Deterding: What are you currently teaching at Wesley College?

Joseph Nicolai: I have been teaching at Wesley since 2005. I have taught Business Management courses in the past, but I have been teaching Public Speaking for the majority of my time at Wesley.  Most of my classes are at Dover Air Force Base, but recently I have been fortunate to teach a Tuesday/Thursday Public Speaking course on campus.

ND: Where were you born and raised?

JN: I was born in Dearborn, Mich., and raised in a small country town named Adrian Mich., just north of Toledo, Ohio, much like Dover.

ND: Where did you go to school and why?

JN: I started my college career at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor Mich., because I could not afford the University of Michigan.  Then I changed my major and started attending Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.  Shortly thereafter, I joined the military and have attended schools across American and in Europe.  I finally graduated from Minot State University in Minot, N.D., University of Phoenix in Arizona, and the Community College of the Air Force.  I have completed five degrees and I am currently attending Wilmington University to finish my sixth with a Doctorate of Business Administration.

ND: Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

JN: When I was in the military, I had the opportunity to volunteer to become a technical school instructor, teaching my career field to young airmen joining the air force.  I found very quickly that I was blessed with the ability to teach others very easily.  I have enjoyed it ever since and will continue to teach until either my mind or body goes.  I truly feel a sense of accomplishment when I know that I have influenced the lives of people through teaching.

ND: If you had it to do over, would you choose something else?

JN: At this point, absolutely not.  Yet, if I ever do have to take an alternate path, I think that I would have to try to be a comedian or actor since I have the gift of gab and a quick wit.

ND: What strategies do you use to ensure that your students fully grasp the subject being taught?

JN: I feel that it all stems with rapport and respect.  I am humble and understand that I am here for them and not the other way around.  Even in the military, I never taught with negativity or punishment per se.  I feel that my focus should always be with the student first.  Keeping that in mind, I treat students with the respect I expect and show in return.  Additionally, I use humor and most of all realism in my analogy and metaphors.  Connecting new material with something that we already know helps us remember.  Putting a humorous spin on it just builds that cognition.

ND: What are your hobbies?

JN: I have so many hobbies it kills me. I am a true “Jack-of-all-trades.” I play saxophone, guitar (not great) and drums, and I also am involved with Luterie (building string instruments). I like to go to concerts, paint, gamble, collect antiques, remodel homes, and build and restore old cars. I enjoy motorcycling, traveling, and lately my biggest hobby that takes most of my time is school.

ND: What is you favorite music/band?

JN: I enjoy everything from classical music, especially Gustav Holtz The Planets, all the way to Metallica but I think Green Day is in the top 10.  Along with Van Halen, Seether, Toby Keith, yeah that is a tough question

ND: What is the most/less enjoyable thing about teaching your subject?

JN: Knowing that I am not able to do this full-time as of right now.  I truly enjoy teaching and wish that I could do this all day, everyday.  This would be that job that you love rolling out of bed to do.

ND: Why is public speaking so important to take?

JN: Public speaking teaches communication and confidence and when someone is able to speak well and is confident in what they feel, believe and speak they are stronger and more influential than the average person.  It takes practice and I feel that public speaking is but one of many keys to a successful life.