We recently had the chance to connect with Nadina Picarella and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Nadina , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important. I believe that Abraham Lincoln said it best: Steadfast commitment to being true. Consistency in word and deed. Moral courage to stand by his convictions, even in the face of social pressure.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Living Wonder Homeschool Co-Op, and our goal is to teach children how to learn effectively! Practicing what we have learned is the most important part. Here’s How: Stay curious, ask questions about our surrounding community and the world around us. Practice teamwork, work with friends on projects to learn how to cooperate, be open to new ideas, and try different ways of doing things to find what works best for the overall goal. By focusing on these skills, we can prepare ourselves for a bright future. Creating lifelong learners.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Networking skills from my corporate days in marketing and law school have taught me to form connections with families and businesses in our community through civic engagement. Being vulnerable and developing communication skills in event planning and fundraising. You can find educational opportunities in every aspect of life if you listen and talk to people. Sometimes, it’s not that easy, and the most valuable lesson in business has been learning how to problem-solve and understand time management through raising my family and juggling education, faith, and community engagement. The right answer doesn’t always make you feel good, but it does get you closer to your end goal.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Failure. I am probably my biggest critic. I considered myself a late bloomer with success. Now, I understand that EVERYTHING that I have experienced has trained me for such a time as this. The disappointment from failed jobs, people who were supposed to have my back. My lack of maturity in professional jobs that I didn’t take seriously. I never felt good enough, even though my personality said differently. Connecting to people or finding the right position was never impossible, but performing to my best was. That was because I never finished most of what I had started, and it wasn’t that I wasn’t smart enough; I just felt that I couldn’t handle the success, if that makes sense. The pressure of accountability and management. I spent twenty years on self-improvement and loving myself enough to allow for my growth spiritually, mentally, and physically. The best decision I made was to get married, have a family, and homeschool. It’s never easy; it takes long days, hard decisions, and lots of communication. I wouldn’t change a thing. Success now has a deeper meaning after the failure.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you are not capable of homeschooling your own child. You need to be educated according to public school standards in order to teach your child. You are your child’s biggest advocate and teacher. Create a village of resources and a network. You will find exactly what you need. Don’t be afraid of failing or starting and stopping things that don’t go along with your homeschooling journey. It’s a tailored education that continuously changes and moves. Embrace the mundane and enjoy peaceful days.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That your life affects everyone around you, stranger or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livingwonder.my.canva.site
Image Credits
Living Wonder Homeschool Co-Op, Nadina Picarella
