My name is Michael and I can’t wait to meet you! Here’s my story.
The world, media, and the legal system will try to tell you that who I am will always be based on my worst acts. They will always judge me by the mistakes and stupid decisions made by an overwhelmed 18-year-old kid. I just hope you will give me a fair chance to introduce you to the man I’ve managed to rebuild myself into, despite my flaws and the obstacles placed before me.
I spend my time reading, studying, working out (I love Yoga) and educating myself. I’m a published author of three books on teen/gang violence and bullying prevention. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on justice centered around youth development and violence prevention. I’m a peer educator, tutor, and mentor to college students. I’m also a Teaching Assistant in college level humanities courses.
As you can see my story is not typical and I have not allowed this place to break my spirit. Now that the hard work is done it’s time to take a break and have some fun – lots of it! I do admit to having a rebellious wild streak, but nobody’s perfect.
There’s two things I can guarantee. First, you will always get to be exactly who you are or even who you always wanted to be. Second, you’ll have lots of fun. All I ask is that you be bold, adventurous, and willing to test and push past old boundaries you find restrictive or oppressive. Just be unapologetically you!
If you see the world, people and relationships differently – great! I will promote and deeply appreciate your unique individuality. Unconventional, open-minded and mischievous by nature – even better. I’m 100% un-shockable and completely unoffendable.
I love people who don’t take themselves too seriously and who are just as comfy in a ballgown as they are hiking in the mud; watching Jeopardy as much as late night cable TV; as much at a museum or art gallery as at a street festival; as a conservative sports mom during the day and whoever she wants to be at night; who’s as happy with a diamond as with a handmade card. I know, don’t push it, right? But you know what I mean. I just want you to still be active, vibrant, exciting and youthful at heart, mind and spirit.
Age, race, nationalities of superficialities are all unimportant. I don’t feel sorry for myself and I’m not looking for sympathy or money. I simply hope to meet intelligent, freethinking, intellectually curious adults who are willing to let me ride shotgun on their life’s adventures via letters, calls, emails, visits and pictures.
If you’re fun starved, bored, fed-up or simply want to take charge and live your life by your own rules – write!
Tell me about you. What do you like to do? Hobbies, dreams, passions? What’s unique, weird or special about you? Tell me two things your best friends would say about you, and one thing they’d be surprised to know. There will be no judgments, criticism, expectations, or obligations. I may laugh with you but never at you. Remember, be you, I can keep a secret.
Hopefully I’ve already made a new friend and we can use this as an opportunity to get to know each other. I look forward to meeting you.
Be well,
Michael
