“I like to getting to know people who are new to the program.” – John ‘08
When John arrived at MICC from California, he came with a simple but powerful goal: to build a life of his own. “I wanted to learn how to be independent,” he says. One of the first adjustments was Minnesota’s weather—going from California heat to cold winters was a big change. When John joined MICC in 2005, the organization was growing quickly, and the campus looked very different than it does today. There were fewer activities, and most staff offices were located at Colony Apartments, where students lived. “All the staff were over there with you,” John recalls. Over the last twenty years, MICC has expanded across a few blocks to Woodlake and the Community House, creating even more opportunities for participants to connect and grow.
During his time in the College program, independence took shape in everyday moments, especially in the kitchen, where John learned to cook meals like Mongolian beef and spaghetti and meatballs. One of his favorite memories was attending a Minnesota Thunder soccer game with MICC graduates during his senior year. “I thought it was fun to be with a lot of people, see a big crowd, and connect with graduates from the past,” he says. John graduated in 2008 with a class of just eight participants and returned home to California. But something was missing. He missed the independence he had built at MICC, the community that supported him, and the opportunities to continue exploring the Twin Cities. So, he made a bold decision: he moved back to Minnesota for good.
Nearly twenty years after first arriving at MICC, John is often the very first face people see when they walk through the door. From a small welcome desk outside Amy’s office to today’s Welcome Center and the newly established Woodlake Welcome Desk, he has been a steady and welcoming presence through years of growth and change. Volunteering several times each week, John greets visitors, answers questions, and helps people feel comfortable from the moment they arrive—just as MICC once did for him. “When visitors are coming, I ask who they’re here to see, then I call the person and let them know their guests are here,” he explains. For John, the most important part of the role is simply being present and focused on welcoming others.
Outside of volunteering, John enjoys attending MICC outings, especially Minnesota Twins games. He travels home to California to visit his parents a few times each year, and they often come to Minnesota for MICC events like the 5K and Gala. Looking ahead, John is excited to see MICC continue to grow. He hopes for a new building—with a shorter walk in the winter cold—and for the return of a dedicated space for graduates like the Community House once provided. Having seen so many years of growth and change, John looks forward to a new era of momentum for MICC.
John’s story is a reminder that independence doesn’t end at graduation—it grows through opportunity, connection, and community. Because of supporters like you, participants like John can build lives rooted in confidence and belonging, then turn around and help others feel the same welcome and support that shaped their own journey.