Getting to Know Dr. Nina

Written by Kenya Kirkman

As we all try to find inspiration and light at this time, we want to share the remarkable story of “Dr. Nina” Leach. As a child who was completely non-verbal and diagnosed with developmental delays, Nina continues to show that with dedication anything is possible. Despite her diagnosis - her brilliant mind, love for learning, and meticulous tenacity took her from literally riding the short bus to the top 1% performer in New York State each year. Nina is now A Better Chance scholar and recipient of a $62,100 annual tuition to a globally recognized college prep school with students from over 24 different countries & 10 states. Taking the time out to answer our zoom call after her remote learning, Dr. Nina eagerly awaits this moment with The Dinner Table Doc. I had the pleasure of speaking with the young powerhouse, and this is what she had to say.

Who is Dr. Nina, and what should the world know about her? Most people don’t know that I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) because of my physical appearance. Usually, when people look at me, they see me as a normal child, but once they get to know me, they learn more about the challenges that I face. I got the name Dr. Nina because when I was younger, I use to enjoy watching Dr. Mcstuffins. I enjoyed playing with my toys and fixing them up. I had the name for as long as I can remember.

Before our call, I learned that you are in the 7th grade and attend school in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania. What is that experience like?

Yes, I am in my second year at Perkiomen School. I am apart of the diversity club. I play on the lacrosse, basketball, and soccer team. My favorite is lacrosse, and I have been playing since being a student at Perkiomen. We celebrate holidays like the Lunar New Year, and because it’s an international school, we are exposed to food from many different cultures. I enjoy learning about different cultures. There aren’t many black students at Perkiomen, and I am friends with most of the black students on campus. Overall, I enjoy meeting new people, and I feel comfortable on campus. 

As we all navigate being back home and doing school virtually, what are some things that you do in your spare time?

I typically like to spend time with my friends, dance, and sing. In this time of isolation, “ I facetime my friends a lot and try to talk with others as much as possible.” I just finished the Netflix show, On My Block, and I am now watching Home with Rihanna (now a series on Netflix). I’ve been able to read books such as The Reader by Traci Chee and The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas.

The current climate can be hard to navigate and understand. Navigating challenging times can be tough for anyone. I know that you have faced some challenges, so what do you do when facing challenges, and where do you seek support?

I get a lot of support from my mother. Normally, I try to step back and assess the situation. If I notice that I can’t handle the situation, I usually seek support from my mother. I would recommend to others who are facing challenges that “you can go through anything, and it’s okay to ask for help.” Even if you don’t feel comfortable asking for help, it doesn’t make you less than. To someone close to me in age, I would tell them that they are amazing regardless of the challenge they face. If I can help, I would like to assist them. However, It is also important to make sure that whatever decision you decide to make that you are proud of your decision. When you do things for others, you will feel more pressure. Also, I would like to share that it is essential to write things down that you want to achieve out of the situation. When you write things down, it helps. 

The Dinner Table Doc has allowed me to meet an array of young women and women.  If there were three people that you could meet, who would it be, and why?

My first person would have to be Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was terrific, and I would like to know more about who she was as a person. My second person would be Madam Cj Walker. My third person would be Rihanna because she is very successful, and I heard that she had a poor upbringing therefore I am interested in knowing how she overcame her obstacles.  

Last but not least, what do you see for yourself in the future? 

In the future, I will like to be a brain surgeon. I also aspire to be an entrepreneur where I can start a few businesses and teach other women how to handle and eventually give them the business. I am thankful for the program I did with The Dinner Table Doc. Asha taught me a lot about starting a business that I would have not known if it wasn’t for the program. I know that I have some business ideas, but I may not be able to handle running a business and being a brain surgeon. While visiting and taking courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), I was able to learn a lot about the brain as it pertains to emotions. The brain is fascinating, and it controls everything.  

So perhaps you may attend MIT for college?

As far as college is concerned, I was accepted to enroll at Mary Baldwin University for their exceptionally gifted program with a scholarship. So, I will be attending Mary Baldwin, however, MIT may be possible for medical school.  I enjoyed the community and the space at Mary Baldwin University. 

Yes, making Dr. Nina eligible to skip high school and enroll into college at 13.

This upcoming summer, I have been accepted to the University of Oxford for their CSI program. If I am allowed with everything going on with COVID-19, I will be learning about forensic science and how it has progressed over the years. I also applied for a program called Fintech, which is a paid 4-week program where I would learn more about coding. I am also interested in coding. I am waiting to hear back on my acceptance, and really looking forward to that opportunity. I know with my ADHD; I get distracted often; therefore, I have to set up small goals to help me stay focus. I utilize different apps and the calendar to help me with reminders. It has helped me to stay on track with all of my goals. This method has helped me along my journey.

In the end, we should all become accustomed to Nina Leach. She continues to show us that often times adversity births legends.