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Hidden Gems: Meet Michy E. Morillo

Michy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
At the age of 11, my Mom moved my sister and me to the outskirts of Boston for a better life. The move itself was difficult for me because I had no friends and was unfamiliar with everything. I began to get in trouble and those troubles became increasingly worse. I ended up with a probation officer by the age of 13 and not complying with their orders and found myself incarcerated by the age of 14. When I got released, I found myself going back to my old destructive behaviors and was incarcerated another three times. I realized the last year that if I didn’t make changes, I would end up in a state prison. After working on myself the last year I was incarcerated, I made amends and took responsibility. Many years later, reflecting on those times, I realized that the reason I kept going back to my old behavior patterns, was because I was not given the tools to look inward and examine my choices in life. That’s when I decided to devote my time to making a difference for young troubled youth by writing a book for young juveniles that taught them the tools, they would need to create a new life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t a smooth road. Every time I got released, I faced some of the same situations. I knew in my heart, that I needed to leave town to leave behind the friends that would not be supportive of what I was creating. I went to Job Corps and picked up a trade, in graphic design. Afterward, I moved to Florida and began to reinvent myself. The life I designed began to happen. There were still stumbles along the way, and in the process, I learned more about myself. Part of my journey has been to empower juveniles along with continuing to grow toward my better self.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your business?
I formed the business Michy E. Morillo to encompass my speaking engagements, coaching and making a difference in the lives of troubled youth, especially those incarcerated in the Juvenile Justice system. I’m known as an author who also speaks at juvenile detention facilities. What sets me apart is that, I have experienced being incarcerated at a young age and can speak and relate with these youth because of my past choices. I am very proud of my newly released book “Cell Dreamer” because I am to these kids, what I needed at their age. I am committed to breaking the criminal cycle, so that these youth can have a brighter, successful future. Cell Dreamer took me three years to write, and I have learned more about myself in the process. Cell Dreamer engages our youth with thought-provoking questions that help them look inward and prepares them for the outside world. I also offer courses and programs to the Juvenile Detention Centers which helps youth re-enter society with confidence. I want my readers, especially our single parents, to not lose hope because help is here! In the future, I will make a difference by having this as a mandatory curriculum for those youth on the verge of going to detention centers, having this be the stop-gap measure that creates the bridge from where they are and who they want to become.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I felt that Covid-19 helped me look within and be more grateful each day. I also learned on a deeper level what was really important to me. Many people have discovered to NOT take time and life for granted. With our fast-paced world, this slowed us down to pay attention to the little things in life that are the most important.

Pricing:

  • Book Price $20.99

Contact Info:

  • Email: michy@celldreamer.com
  • Website: www.celldreamer.com
  • Instagram: @michyemorillo
  • Facebook: Michy E. Morillo
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