Nichelle changed my life. A midwesterner growing up in a very segregated city I had no real exposure to minorities (one Black guy out of 2,400 high school). In my first semester at a small college everIy week Ithe whole men’s dorm to watch the basement tv for Star Trek. I was transfigured by the composed, professional bridge communication officer serving with such a mix of crew. Things changed for me. after that school year. I went on to teach at a very large urban school. She was a catalyst.