Auburn College of Education EAGLES student pursues passion for writing through magazine internship, covering Gogue Center performances

A seat at Auburn University’s Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center has become a front-row opportunity for Auburn College of Education EAGLES student Richard Nettles to pursue two of his greatest passions: the arts and writing.

Through an internship with local magazine, Uniquely You!, Nettles regularly attends live performances at the Gogue Center and crafts reviews that showcase both his growing talents as a writer and his appreciation for the performing arts.

“I enjoy writing reviews for the Gogue because I truly enjoy the arts, musicals, plays and concerts,” Nettles said, adding that through his reviews, “I hope people gain a better appreciation for the arts.” 

Nettles' internship was made possible through the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES, program in Auburn’s College of Education. EAGLES is a nationally recognized postsecondary education program that provides young adults with intellectual disabilities opportunities to develop academic, employment, independent living and social skills as they prepare for meaningful careers and lives after college.

Nettles’ internship is structured around monthly live performances at the Gogue Center. He attends at least one show each month and often several before selecting the performance he wants to review. His articles offer readers a comprehensive look at the experience, from entering the theater to his final impressions after the performance concludes. Before publication, he works closely with a Uniquely You! editor to refine and polish each piece.

Through his reviews, he hopes to help others discover the value and joy of the performing arts.

“At the end of the day, I want to impart a passion for art and education through art,” he said.

Through his published articles, he also hopes to inspire others in the disability community by showing that passion, dedication and opportunity can lead to meaningful success.

Lauren Ozment, employment instruction coordinator for the EAGLES Program, said Nettles has made tremendous progress throughout his internship experience.

“Richard has grown remarkably by consistently elevating the clarity and quality of his writing while mastering critical life skills like meeting deadlines,” Ozment said. “His proactive communication and reliable work ethic have made him stand out in this role.”

Nettles’ work has also left a positive impression on the magazine's leadership.

“Richard’s work with Uniquely You! is a wonderful example of what can happen when students are given meaningful opportunities to use their talents,” said Paul Hancock, publisher of Uniquely You! magazine. “We are proud to have him on our writing staff and deeply value our partnership with Auburn’s EAGLES Program.”

As Nettles looks toward the future, writing remains at the center of his ambitions.

“I am passionate about writing and want to pursue it as a career after college,” he said.

Through the support of the EAGLES Program and partnerships such as the one with Uniquely You!, Nettles continues to build the skills, confidence and professional experience needed to pursue his goals. And with every performance he attends and every review he publishes, he is turning a passion for the arts into a foundation for future success.