Mikey's Story

Graduate: Mikey B.

Interviewer(s): Amira Mitchell (Summer PIE Intern) and Julia Granet (Marketing and Communication Coordinator, Stone Soup PDX)

Q: Good Morning, Mikey. I’m excited to sit down with you and talk about your life before, during and after Stone Soup. Does that work for you?

A: Yes, of course. I’m really ready to talk about it now more than ever. 

Q: We’re really proud of you. How did you hear about Stone Soup initially? Are you originally from Portland?

A: I heard about Stone Soup from a similar workforce training program called Cultivate Initiates. They recommended this program, and I’m really happy that they did. I was homeless for many years and after getting stable housing, I was able to accept good things in my life. Stone Soup being one of those things. I’m actually originally from Nebraska, but I moved to Portland for a fresh start. It wasn’t very accepting in Nebraska and I didn’t feel like myself. I have since found some community here, and met people who really see and respect me.

Q: That’s really wonderful to hear. That’s so important in building a successful life and space. Do you feel like the program helped get you there also?

A: Yes, joining this program has really changed my life. I wasn’t a very good student back in Nebraska, and I feel like I get to re-write history here by being a good student in this program. I’m able to relax here, talk about my neurodivergence and mental health openly. It feels safe. I have learned so much from all the instructors and my fellow peers.

Q: Is there something you’ve noticed about yourself that has shifted or that you’re proud of?A: YESSS! I’m more confident all around. I feel more prepared for interviews and that I can articulate myself more now. I’ve gained both culinary and social confidence. I didn’t have that before…I really had a lot of walls up when I started. I didn’t think I deserved any of this. After learning how to properly hold a knife, everything clicked into place. At times, I felt like I was working on the food network. My personality really came alive in the kitchen! I learned so much at Stone Soup, it helped me land a job at Shake Shack. I’m so excited.

Q: I’m so glad you had a positive experience in this program. Everyone loves you here and has nothing but amazing things to say about their time working alongside you. Everyone wants the best for you. What do you think is next?

A: Thank you for saying all of that. I really want to become a drag queen here in Portland. I’ve done some open-mics in drag, but I want to host my own events. My dream is to host a drag children’s book reading. That would be so fun. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like us to know about the program?

Anything that you loved about your time here? The people?

The circumstances? Etc?

A: I could talk about the program endlessly. I have so many positive things to say. One that comes to mind though is the bus pass that is offered. Having that resource available took one less thing away from my plate so that I could show up and be present for class. It might be a small thing, but it went a long way. Learning alongside such positive people helped me feel positive about my own life. Thank you for providing this space for all of us.

Q: Thank you for your time today, Mikey. We are so happy you joined us in our culinary program and I know you’re bound for greatness.

A: I absolutely feel that. Thank you. 

[See more stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments at www.stonesouppdx.com or on Instagram @pdxstonesoup.]