Nicholas Rhodes Coughlin, better known as “Nicky C,” is a name recognized by many at the school. Nearly everyone knows him—whether as the “Passionman,” a member of a club, your cross-country teammate, or a representative on the student council. Coughlin is deeply involved in the school and throughout Arlington, serving as an inspiration for community engagement.
Coughlin has contributed to the school community in more ways than one can easily count. He is president of Model General Assembly, co-president of Best Buddies and the Sunrise Environmental Club, captain of the cross-country team, English Learners’ senator in the Student Council Association, and founder of the Ambassadors Club—among many other roles. However, his involvement extends far beyond the classroom.
“Outside of school I play club pickleball and professionally coach pickleball,” Coughlin said. “I have a podcast. I am always trying to learn Spanish. I am also an advocate for a pickleball company, so I try to promote them and post about pickleball. I had a stint as a wellness influencer with cold plunges. I go to youth group every week, and I am involved in the church choir and the annual youth play that raises money for our mission trips.”
Being a high school student is no easy task, and managing such a schedule is difficult. While Coughlin has been part of many activities, he does not necessarily recommend trying to do it all.
“Honestly, I have struggled with managing my time,” Coughlin said. “Coming out of COVID, I had social struggles, anxiety, and struggled with depression and OCD. After being isolated, I felt that joining and trying many new things was a good idea. It did make me happy—discovering new passions, furthering existing ones, meeting new people, doing new things, serving, advocating—all things I really enjoy. But as I started taking harder classes and added school sports, club sports, my podcast, and became a leader in clubs, I did not have time for it all.”
Coughlin recommends focusing on quality over quantity when choosing extracurriculars. He said it is important to manage your time while finding joy in the things you love.
“Looking back, I have given up time with friends and family to do all these things because I overcommitted,” he said. “I got overwhelmed quickly. I thought it was what I needed for my mental health and for a good college application. I wish I had done less and prioritized my health and relationships more.”
Coughlin is passionate about many things. Whether being active, meeting new people, serving the community, or sharing his thoughts on his podcast, he has been intentional about finding meaningful ways to give back.
“Find connections with others, and find a way you can use your strength to address important issues while having fun,” Coughlin said. “Utilize our amazing school and community resources while remembering that the people working with you are not competition—they are your teammates, coworkers, or your friends.”
Coughlin was given the title of “Passionman” by Jon Fudd of Wakefield High School. The title symbolizes a person of integrity, hard work, and unique qualities who pours passion into everything they do. “Passion people” work to improve the world through their strengths while continuing to grow themselves.
“[Fudd] saw my passion by cheering on and motivating my teammates during indoor track,” Coughlin said. “He then investigated and saw I was a hardworking person trying to better the community through my strengths. He gave me the title when he graduated as a symbol that his inspiration, vlogging, hard work, and passion would live on across the community. I do not plan on passing it on, but I see passion people everywhere.”
Coughlin plans to attend Pitzer College in the fall to study Spanish, anthropology, politics, and foreign relations. He hopes to travel the world, learn about new cultures, possibly pursue a small pickleball career, and eventually go into politics, media, teaching, and motivational speaking.
“I want to leave the legacy of the Passionman,” Coughlin said. “I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, tried new things, persevered, was honest, open, enthusiastic—not necessarily normal or organized, but smart, well-spoken, and who tried their best. I hope people can learn from my mistakes—of overloading myself, of worrying too much about college, of not spending time with friends. Of choosing quantity over quality. I hope people carry on my enthusiasm and try to be better every day through unique and kind actions.”
