My Story: Michael Bulling

May 31, 2010 | By Adam Stiska | Subscribe to "My Story" RSS

My mother calls me the five million dollar kid — starting with the umbilical cord around my neck that forced me to be born three months premature at one-and-a-half pounds. Within a couple of weeks, I was already diagnosed with a disability.

My story is not a sad story—it’s an uplifting one. My mother always said to me I could learn new things. She is right. No matter where you come from, it’s where you’re going that really counts. No matter the disability, we all need to be treated equally.

It was through a friend I found out about Tacoma Goodwill® and the help it gave. Before Goodwill, I had jobs, but not the advocacy I needed.

Goodwill for me is not just an organization, it’s a new beginning. It helped me get a job and a fresh start. I took the ball and I ran with it. I can now call my job a career. It’s the same for anyone with a disability, or anyone who never had a chance. For all that, I especially thank my mom and my family.

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10 Comments

1. Katherine May 31st, 2010 at 4:18 pm

   What an amazing video and attitude. Thank you for sharing your story, Michael. I’m sure you will make it to DC as an advocate! And congrats on becoming Tacoma’s Graduate of the Year!

   Reply
2. Judy Stein June 1st, 2010 at 11:50 pm

   Hi Michael.
   ‘It’s all about your abilities’ NOT disabilities, and I wish you all the best!!!!!!!!!!!

   Reply
3. kenn hasling June 5th, 2010 at 4:09 am

   Michael,
   Thanks for telling your story.  You are an inpiration. I’m sure that you will get to D.C. to speak and tell your story.

   Reply
4. Kelly V. June 10th, 2010 at 1:06 am

   Hey Mikeeee,
   Congrats for being the Grad of the Year! We all knew you could do it. Continue on in your dreams and never let go. You to will make it to D.C.

   Reply
5. Robert Salazar June 15th, 2010 at 11:35 pm

   Mike your a Hard Charger, like you say never give up, you can make your dream come true and get to D.C. See you there.

   Reply
6. Jim Hornsby June 29th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

   Hello Michael,

   I saw your story on King5 News.  You are an inspiration to me!  Congratulations on your accomplishment as Graduate of the Year! 

   I want you to know because of you I am contacting Goodwill Industries to learn how I can help.  Goodwill’s programs are amazing and I want to be a part of the success of others.

   Reply
7. Asim October 28th, 2010 at 11:01 am

   Hi

   Reply
8. GOODnewsaz yt May 27th, 2011 at 11:13 pm

   Touching minds, hearts, Purpose…Mr. Bulling U r our HERO ! !!

   ps. God bless U as well Goodwill

   Reply
9. Marc Mullins September 12th, 2011 at 6:20 pm

   I had a nice chat with Michael today at SEA-TAC while waiting for a flight. He mentioned the website. Good luck and best wishes Mike!!

   Marc Mullins

   Reply