Every winter, Mike Millington works as a ski instructor. His favorite people to teach are those who have never been skiing before. They start their day struggling to simply carry their equipment, but by the end of their time together, Mike watches them ski down the mountain, claiming that they want to keep skiing for the rest of their lives.
“It’s very rewarding to me,” said Mike. “I never want anyone to feel frightened in my class.”
In fact, one of his top teaching tips is to remind people to smile.
Mike maintains this approach as a CASA Volunteer as well. He creates safe spaces where people can thrive, recognize new goals, and take the necessary steps to achieve them.
When Mike met his assigned CASA young adult, she had a goal of attending a four-year nursing program at a community college. Mike attended orientation with her, helped her navigate the financial aid process, and most importantly, took the time to understand her hopes and dreams.
“I could tell she felt so nervous, like a fish out of water,” said Mike. “The school gave her a t-shirt, and she said she was going to wear it all the time – she is the first one in her family to go to college.”
Mike supported this young adult as she learned to drive, guided her as she built a budget, and he helped her consistently use a calendar.
“You might not think that’s a big deal, but she has a lot of meetings,” said Mike. “She never seemed to really know when things were supposed to happen, so we worked on this. Next time I saw her, she was putting things in her calendar.”
Each goal that Mike worked on with his assigned young adult was meant to sustainably support her independence. The fun times and lifelong bond that came with it were just a bonus.
“It felt a bit like business in the beginning, but then it clicked into a more personal relationship,” explained Mike. “After a while, I noticed that she would talk to me about anything.”
Mike went back to the young adult’s school for a visit, and she proudly gave him a tour. Mike said she had a newfound confidence, showing so much growth from orientation a year prior.
“We worked to make sure she has goals and dreams and is taking the steps to get there,” said Mike. “She has such a positive outlook, despite all she’s been through. She is like Little Miss Sunshine.”
Whether Mike is gliding down the ski slopes or walking the halls of community college, he is inspiring others to dream big, to reach their goals, and to feel safe enough to smile through it all.
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