In March 2025, MICC CEO Amy Gudmestad, along with three seniors and a graduate, visited the House Office of Higher Education committee to spread awareness about MICC’s programs and how the investment from the state is changing the lives of neurodivergent adults. Abbie (pictured left in front of the Minnesota State Capitol) was one of our speakers! An MICC Senior, Abbie shared her MICC story with the committee. See her full speech below. Congrats to Abbie who will graduate in May 2025!
Hello, my name is Abbie, I’m from Dalton, Minnesota and I graduated from high school in 2019. After graduation I lived at home and worked at a nursing home for a few years, not sure what I would do next. Thankfully, my mom found MICC through a caseworker at her job. After learning more and visiting MICC I decided to apply because I wanted to be part of a learning community where people understand and support me. The students at MICC share similar experiences, and the staff knows how to help us.
Over the past three years at MICC, I have gained skills that have helped me become more independent. I have learned how to effectively clean and maintain my apartment, manage my medications, and budget my finances responsibly. Most importantly, MICC has helped me prepare for the workplace.
I will graduate from MICC in May with a Certificate in Health and Human Services. Through my classroom work and hands on practicum experiences, I have the knowledge and tools to be successful in my career. Thanks to MICC’s training and support, I feel confident in my ability to enter the workforce.
After graduation, I will be moving into my own apartment and working at my new job as a Dietary Aide at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. I am also excited to join MICC’s Community Program, which will allow me to stay connected with my friends and receive continued support from staff when needed.
Thank you for your time and everything you do to support MICC and its students.
