Meet Michelle Steiner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Steiner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted to go to college, work with children, and become an author. I wondered how I could do this with a learning disability. I was not alone in my doubting. I had others who told me that I would never be able to go to college, get my bachelor’s degree, get published, or have the job I wanted. I was able to do all of that and more.
Today I work as a para educator in a school. I find it rewarding to work with students with disabilities. I get to be the encouraging voice. All the kids know I can help with anything except math.
I am also a writer, speaker, and photographer. I have a blog called Michelle’s Mission where I write about my life with a learning disability and feature my photography from my walks.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have a blog called Michelle’s Mission, where I write about my life with a learning disabiltiy and feature my photography. Most of my photography is from my many walks. I am unable to drive because of my learning disability. If I do not have a ride, I need to walk to where I am going. On my walks, I get the chance to notice details others miss. People tell me that I bring out the details in a flower that others cannot see. I get the chance to stop and smell the roses. Rather than being sad about not having a ride, I think of all the details that I would miss if I were driving.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three things that have impacted me on my journey have been reading, writing, and advoacy. I always had a love for books. My dad used to read me a story every night before I went to bed. Writing has been impactful for me. My dad found a story about a dinosaur that I wrote and said it was good. Writing has given me a voice and has helped to express feelings. Advoacy has also been important. When I was young, my parents advocated for me. As an adult, I have to advocate for myself. It is especially important to do this because people cannot see my disability.
Regarding reading, read what you love! There is a wide variety of genres out there. And there are many different ways to read, such as audio books, digital books, and magazines, along with print.
In regard to writing, I tell people to just write. The first step is to get your ideas on paper, and you can always edit later. A journal is also a good place to start.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have done is never giving up on me and encouraging me to be independent. I did not have to have perfect grades, but I had to try. I can remember many long and often tearful homework sessions. My parents also made me go to school even when I was having trouble with a peer or in a subject in school.
My family also pushed for me to be independent. They wanted me to go to school, have a job, and chase my dreams. I could not have made it without them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellesmission.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/

Image Credits

All Photos by Michelle Steiner