While some students strive to become nurses, teachers, or even graphic designers, junior Nick Niles has a different career goal in mind.

Niles is hoping to one day become an entrepreneur.

“I would like to eventually start up and run my own company,” Niles said. “I think it would be very rewarding.”

Although this type of career can be risky, upon meeting Niles it is obvious that he is determined and ready to take the necessary strides needed for success.

Currently, he is not sure what kind of business he wants to start, but Niles is determined to figure that out soon.

“I have been doing some research and am really considering a variety of different business opportunities,” he said. “I really just would love to start my own business no matter what.”

Niles got the idea to start a business from his grandfather, Mr. Dale Niles, who used to own Detailed Painting, a painting company that was located in Grayling, Mich.

Mr. Dale Niles is not just an entrepreneur and Nick’s grandpa, he is also Nick’s mentor and one of his favorite people to be around.

“I love spending time with my grandpa,” Niles said. “He always gives great advice and I can rely on him for anything I need help with. Seeing him start such a profitable and successful business has inspired me to hopefully do the same.”

Niles also participates in DECA, an after-school business club, in hopes to gain more knowledge and experience dealing with entrepreneurship.

For the 2015 DECA state conference, Niles and his DECA partner created a presentation regarding the promotion of entrepreneurship to young children and students.

“This club has given me an idea of what being involved in a business-orientated career would be like,” Niles said. “I had to do a lot of research on entrepreneurship for my last DECA project, so I was able to learn a lot about it. I also plan on participating in the club again next year, hopefully making it to the international conference.”

But DECA is not the only thing Niles participates in. He is also the manager of the boys’ basketball team.

Niles attended every game during the 2015 season, and he was in charge of many duties.

“Even though I was just the team manager, it was a lot of fun,” Niles said. “I always made sure to do my best and be reliable by never missing a game.”

Niles also enjoys working out, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.

Not only does Niles aspire to be a great business owner, he always tries his hardest to be a great friend to others.

According to junior Darrion Younger, Niles is nice and outgoing, making him easy to talk to.

“Nick is a really great friend and always puts others first,” Younger said. “He is definitely a reliable person. I am lucky to have a friend like him.”

While friends are important to Niles, so is his family.

Niles has two older brothers, Chris and Stephan Niles, as well as his parents, Ms. DeeAnna Robinson and Mr. John Niles.

According to Niles, he is proud of Chris since he recently joined the Marine Corps.

“I am really grateful to have such a great family, including great brothers,” Niles said. “My oldest brother is in the Marines, which I am really proud of him for. I miss him a lot, but I really respect what he is doing.”

All in all, Niles may appear to be an average student from the outside, but once you get know him it is clear that he will have a very successful future.