Meet Michael

We were lucky to catch up with Michael recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

Throughout high school and now in college, I’ve dealt with a lot of people who’ve hated on me. I was bullied several times in high school, but that never stopped me. I’ve developed a mindset where I simply ignore negative comments from people who dislike me. Yes, I’m an overthinker, but I’ve learned to brush it off and keep moving forward. Most of the time, the hate comes from people who are either jealous of what I have or just trying to act “cool.” In fact, when this happens, especially on social media, it only motivates me to do more, create more content, and keep pushing myself further.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am currently a college student at Stony Brook University, majoring in Environmental Design, Policy, and Planning. My ultimate goal is to become an architect and own my own firm that focuses on providing affordable housing for low-income families. While I plan to specialize in design, my vision for the firm includes creating a structure that ensures housing accessibility for everyone. Additionally, I plan to double major in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing to strengthen my marketing skills. This is important to me because I want to make the most of my creative abilities—whether it’s promoting my own content or advancing my future firm. Furthermore, I have a deep passion for music. If architecture doesn’t work out, I hope to pursue a career in music. I’ve already released one song; while it’s not perfect due to limited resources, it’s a start. I’m currently working on an album that I hope to release soon. I also enjoy creating content across my social media platforms, all under the handle @Itsmike63. Balancing school and content creation can be challenging, but I do my best to stay consistent. I’m grateful for the positive feedback I receive from people who enjoy and are entertained by my content—it motivates me to keep going.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One important thing to keep in mind is this: do what you enjoy. Don’t try to copy what others are doing, be unique. For example, if you take a look at my content, you’ll notice that I post all kinds of different things. I never stick to just one theme. Yes, that can affect the algorithm sometimes, but at least people get to see me and not someone I’m pretending to be. Another thing to remember is that if you get famous for one specific type of content (as many creators do), you might end up feeling stuck doing that same thing for a long time. You can see this happens to a lot of big creators, and it often leads to burnouts or a loss of interest from their audience. Also, don’t let other people discourage you. You’ll probably run into hateful or negative comments, but try not to think about them too much. Keep doing what you love. There will always be people who spread negativity, I know this from experience, but you can’t let that stop you. There’s also a lot of people who will support you through your journey; make sure to show your appreciation to them! Lastly, make time and don’t be shy. Set aside time to create and edit your content, and don’t be afraid to involve others in your projects. I’m naturally outgoing and social, but I still get shy when it comes to talking to new people for my videos. Just remember that there are plenty of people who’d be happy to be part of your content, you just have to ask first!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I would definitely say my close friends are my biggest supporters. They always watch my videos and give me honest feedback, which I truly appreciate. I encourage them to be upfront with me because I want to make sure I’m heading in the right direction with my content. If I post something that isn’t my best or doesn’t really connect with my audience, they’ll tell me and I value that honesty. Having people you can trust to give real feedback is so important, especially if you’re trying to grow as a creator or artist. Sometimes we can get caught up in our own ideas and lose perspective, but supportive friends can help you see things from a different angle. They can motivate you to improve, remind you of your strengths, and help you stay motivated. That’s why I recommend everyone find at least one person they can rely on; someone who will be honest, encouraging, and supportive. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even another creator. Having that kind of support system makes a huge difference. It keeps you motivated, focused, and confident in what you’re doing.

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