Scholar Stage
Nick Vilardo
Major: Biology
Hometown: Van Nuys, CA
High school: Murray High School
Activities and Organizations
Nick's Scholarships
- Jesse D. Jones Endowment for the College of Science, Engineering & Technology Nance Family Scholarship
- University Academic Achievement Scholarship
- Kentucky Health Systems Agency - West Scholarship
- The Murray Bank Endowed Scholarship
- Dr. Hugh L. Houston Memorial Pre-Medical Scholarship
- Conie Crittenden Lowry Pre-Medical Scholarship
Q&A
What's an interesting fact about you that would surprise most people?
That I can make a batch of world class fudge. It is made from a recipe that has been
in my family since the 1920's. It is the recipe of my great grandfather who once made
the very same fudge for Al Capone.
What do you think makes the city of Murray special?
I truly feel that the community of Murray takes a special interest in the students
that attend MSU. The support that is provided from the community outside of MSU is
what makes a student feel that anything can be accomplished, you are never alone and
there is always help along the way.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
I am unable to answer this question with a single professor. I have been fortunate
enough to have received mentorship, guidance and superior instruction from many professors.
These professors took a great interest in me not only as a student but a person. Each
professor provided me with a building block for my success. I will remain forever
grateful to these professors.
Who has influenced you the most in your life and why?
This question is extremely easy for me to answer. Hands down, I would have to say
that my Dad. He is the most influential person in my life with my mom coming very
close to tying him. Although sometimes I find it difficult to understand some of the
odd things he does and has done, I always realize why he does those things after looking
in retrospect. As I grew up, I could never comprehend why he was always so overprotective
of me. He would always say my prayers with me every night and every morning. He would
always talk to me on how important it is to be a listener not a talker, and a leader
but not a follower every day while on the way to school. At the time, I didn't understand
but after 20 years of being on this earth, I believe I have finally figured out why
he did such things. As a young man who is ready to face the harsh realities which
exists in today's society, I am very appreciative that my father has taught me what
truly matters in this life. The most important value I have learned is to always place
your family and the ones you love and their happiness above anything monetary. Second
he has taught me to have faith. In addition, he has also taught me have integrity
in all I say and do. He as also taught me many other virtues such as to be a gentleman,
to be optimistic, to spend money wisely, to drive a car, to play most sports, and
so much more. The list goes on and unfortunately I can't possibly describe how many
wonderful things my dad has done for me without writing an entire novel. The fact
that he has been my greatest role model which I aspire to resemble is why he is person
who has influenced me the most.
What do you like about yourself?
I believe a few of my greatest strengths are patience, kindness, persistence and humility.
What is your favorite book and why?
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt. This is primarily because the summertime adventures of Toby
Wilson, the protagonist, remind me that unexpected events one comes across in life
should be embraced even though they can change one's life in the blink of an eye for
either the better or for worse. On the same note, I also enjoy this book because I
find it interesting how Toby handles each of these situations which are either incredibly
awkward or too difficult for any ordinary person to handle.
What advice would you give high school students about college?
College is not a party. You will get out of it what you have put into it. You must
attend class, work hard and form relationships with your professors, administrators
and fellow students. Resources and help abound in many forms. All you have to do is
ask. Remember, the harder you work now, the easier things will be someday
What is your favorite quote?
A day wasted is a day where you haven't laughed. — Unknown
Nick says
The true measure of greatness is how we treat those whom we have no intention of ever benefiting from. Thank you for believing in me.