About Joel Nesi
Middleburg, Fla.
Business Administration, and Finance majors | Economics minor
“My Flagler experience was memorable, loving, and community oriented.”
Men’s Cross Country and Track, President’s Leadership Academy (PLA)
Joel's History-Making Moments
Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
Over the years, I have grown a passion in building meaningful relationships and developing further as a leader. I hope to carry these passions into my post-grad plans by pursuing a career in Wealth Management. Wealth Management will allow me the opportunity to create a positive impact on people and build long-term relationships with them as I help achieve their financial goals.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
Being a member of the Cross Country and Track team at Flagler these last 5 years has helped inspire my passion in this area. Being a part of a team and coaches who I have grown so close to throughout the years has been an experience like no other. It has helped me understand the importance of a team and how these relationships can elevate you as an individual to reach goals never thought to be attainable. This includes within the sport and outside of it when facing everyday obstacles.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
A memory that stands out to me the most was going up to Raleigh, N.C. this past Spring 2024 to compete at Raleigh Relays in the 5,000m race. At this meet, I achieved a long-time goal of breaking the school record in 14:27.62. Although, that was a big moment for me, it was the time I spent with Coach Beil, Coach K-Rod, and some of my closest teammates that sticks out the most. Exploring Raleigh after my race with my teammates and the countless funny memories we shared is something that I will always look back on with a smile.
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
There are too many people for me to list that assisted in my journey and made my Flagler experience so memorable. However, the four that truly standout include Coach Beil and Coach K-Rod, Professor Upchurch, and Dr. Hoover. Coach Beil and Coach K-Rod blessed me with the opportunity to compete in the sport I have grown to love and were one of the only programs that truly believed in me coming out of high school. Their passion and commitment were something I truly admired, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Professor Upchurch assisted my development as a leader by introducing me to the PLA and was always supportive in helping me take the next steps as a leader. Lastly, Dr. Hoover, who I spent a lot of time with during my last two years at Flagler, for pushing me academically and guiding me down the career path that I am now in pursuit of.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
Take one step at a time, it may seem like everything hits you all at once sometimes but that is not the case, it is all for a reason and just a part of the journey.
Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?
Currently I am preparing to take the Security Industry Essentials (SIE) exam to jumpstart my career in Wealth Management. With the SIE, I hope to land a position as a financial advisor at a bank, such as Fidelity. I plan to continue to run and be involved within the running community, but it won’t be on as competitive of a level.