My Story: Michael Bulling
May 2, 2011 | By TJ Gioconda | 
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Michael Bulling is the 2011 Goodwill Industries International Graduate of the Year
I was born in El Paso, TX, and weighed in at one pound, five ounces. My disability is cerebral palsy. It does play a part in life. People look at you differently, and you want a fair shot in the world.
I had a friend of mine who suggested we go to Tacoma Goodwill Industries and check it out. We went in there, got an application, and he filled it out for me. Then I met a guy named Mr. Tim Barr who’s in the Choices program. He told me about the program, and we went from there.
The Choices program is a program that helps participants like myself with finding a job or getting on the road to finding a job. I received a variety of services from one-on-one support to having a job coach, to learning how I can land a job and what’s the preparation involved.
Michael Bulling cleans the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Mr. Barr told me he knew a person at the airport who could help me. So I went to the airport and I met a job coach who worked there. I said, “I really need to have a job right now. I’m not going to beat around the bush – just give me a chance and I’ll show you what I can do.” He took the chance that I would do as much as anyone else. I felt humbled, excited and a sense of relief that somebody wanted to take me under his wing. and give me a job and a shot.
As part of my job, I maintain D concourse, Delta concourse, sweeping, washing chairs, dusting, cleaning the lavatory restrooms, stocking, replenish, stocking the closets, making sure the boxes are off the ground, keeping everybody in check, including myself. I stay in a good mood because I love what I do and I do what I love. The Sea-Tac Airport is great environment with new challenges every day.
In five or ten years, I see myself working as a consultant with people with challenged and disadvantaged needs, or alongside the Port of Seattle and the CEO. They need an advocate like me — somebody who has guts and who is not afraid to speak up and speak out. They need to understand that if I can do it, anybody can do it. All you’ve got to do is believe in yourself.
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Congratulations Mr. Bulling. You have made our entire community proud. You have the heart and spirit of an enlightened human being. Your future is brighter than words can describe. As you live fully in this present moment, you are making the world a better place for others. Thank You!
i just met Michael on the job at the airport. He is a real inspiration … Such a positive attitude and solidarity values. Everyone can learn from Michael.
You’re right about us needing an advocate.
Hi Michael, I met you at the airport on 2/3 – we have a length conversation where you shared your story. Amazing! God has blessed you with my gifts that surpass any CP disabilities. You have a great smile and story. Continue to share both with those around you. God Bless You.
hello my name is walter and I work at goodwill in columbus Ohio and i am willing to try to do the samething as well by talking to people just like you and I. I am mild retarded and i also do graphics
Hi Walter,
You can contact the Goodwill in your community and ask for an employment specialist. Use our locator at locator.goodwill.org to find your local Goodwill contact information. Finally take a look at our job postings at http://www.goodwill.org/goodwill-for-you/jobs-and-careers/find-a-job/ for job opportunities within our 165-member network.
Cheers,
TJ Gioconda
Goodwill Industries International