---
title: Nick - Bright Futures 2021
description: Nick, a Gladney Adoptee, graduated in 2021. Read his adoption story.
image: https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Bright%20Futures/BF%202021/Nick%20Shelton%202nd300.jpeg
---

[![Gladney Center for Adoption](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Adoptionsbygladney_November2017/Images/gladney-logo.svg "Gladney Center for Adoption")](http://adoptionsbygladney.com)

- [I'm Pregnant](https://gladneyadoption.com)
- [I Want To Adopt](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt)
- [Post Adoption Support](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/post-adoption-support)
- [About](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/about)
- [Resources](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/contact)

- [I'm Pregnant](https://gladneyadoption.com)
- [I Want To Adopt](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt)
- [Post Adoption Support](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/post-adoption-support)
- [About](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/about)
- [Resources](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/resources)
- [Contact](https://adoptionsbygladney.com/contact)

# Gladney Blog

# Nick - Bright Futures 2021

Posted by [Gladney Center for Adoption](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/author/gladney-center-for-adoption) on 6/13/21, 4:17 PM

![](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hubfs/Gladney-Logo_MarkOnly-bio%20photo.png)

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**![Nick - Bright Futures 2021](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bright%20Futures/BF%202021/Nick%20Shelton%202nd300.jpg?width=554&name=Nick%20Shelton%202nd300.jpg)**

**Parent Quote**

![Nick  - Bright Futures 2021](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bright%20Futures/BF%202021/Nick%20Shelton%201st300.jpg?width=300&name=Nick%20Shelton%201st300.jpg)As first-time parents, and first-time adoptive parents, we had very little to guide our expectations of meeting our first child. As it would turn out there was no way we could have anticipated the incredible joy that was about to come into our lives. Early in the morning, we were awakened by a call that the birth mother had been admitted for labor. We arrived just 2 hours after Nick was born and upon entering the room with his birth mother, Nick was brought in for his first feeding. The overwhelming joy of holding this long-awaited gift from the Lord via the miracle of adoption is still difficult to describe.

**From the Graduate**

Adoption is all about second chances. My entire life is based upon the unselfish choice of my birth mother. While I may never know her or speak to her in my lifetime, her choice has impacted the way that I live. It has given me empathy towards my friends who are adopted and has shaped my worldview. Adoption has impacted the career that I have chosen, medicine. I will be able to help those who otherwise cannot help themselves, just as I could not help the situation that I was in.

**About Nick**

Nick was a varsity kicker and defensive back all four years of football. He was also an active member of the National Honor Society, senior class vice-president, academic team member, trap shooting member, Student's Performing Unselfish Deeds officer, technology team captain, track team member, and an active member of the drama organization on campus. He will graduate as valedictorian of his class and has received the state designation of Academic Scholar. Next fall, Nick plans to attend a private Christian university where he will study pre-med biology in the honors program.

***Write a comment below congratulating Nick on his accomplishments and encouraging him in his future!***

 Topics: [Adoption Stories](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/adoption-stories), [Gladney Adoptee](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-adoptee), [Bright Futures Publication](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/bright-futures-publication), [Gladney Graduate](https://blog.adoptionsbygladney.com/tag/gladney-graduate)

Adoption Programs:

- [Domestic Infant Adoption](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/domestic-infant)
- [Foster Adoption (New Beginnings Program)](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/foster-adoption)
- [International Adoption](http://adoptionsbygladney.com/i-want-to-adopt/international)

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see all

##### Other links

- [I'm Pregnant](http://pregnancyhotline.org)
- [I Am Gladney](https://iamgladney.org/)
- [Adopt*Ed*](http://adoption-education.com)
- [Gladney University](https://iamgladney.org/gladneyuniversity)

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