My name is John Michael and I am Racing for the World!
I am a 22 year old man, looking for adventure and the furthering of Humanitarian service around the world. I couldn’t be more excited for the World Race!
I was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Virginia. When I was young, my family moved a lot. By the age of 15, I had moved eight different times. From childhood in Virginia, Middle School in Florida, to spending High School in Alabama; I had a pretty good understanding of what our nation was like. At seventeen I moved out of home for the summer, working as a farm hand in Northern Alabama. Then, in my senior year I attended a Non-Denominational Christian School in Maryland.
When I was in Maryland I stayed with my Amazing Grandparents. They have been “my biggest fans” (as they like to call it). I have learned so many invaluable life lessons from both of them. Dad-Dad, instilled in me the necessity of having a solid work ethic and the true value of honesty. Mom-Mom taught me, through her wonderful example, the true value of being a person fully focused on God and the furthering of Love on Earth. The years I spent living in their home will always be remembered as some of the best years of my life.
Unfortunately, because we moved so much, I never had any really close friends while growing up… but, God blessed me with something even better; my brother Christopher. He is only sixteen months older than I am. While growing up, we shared every experience and adventure together. I have always looked up to him, (partly because he is 6’3″) he is such an amazing individual. As a young man, I was extremely introverted and if it hadn’t been for Christopher I probably would have become a hermit. While growing up, he would purposely let me win at games and competitive sports, so as to build my self-esteem. I never once guessed that he was letting me win, until looking back years later. He is the most vivacious individual that I have ever met; he is always ready for any adventure and is always meeting new and exciting people. He really encouraged me to “come out of my shell” and express myself.
In 2012, I was involved in an automobile accident and it scared me half to death. I feel like that was a major turning point for me. I changed from a boy to a man overnight; all of the sudden I realized where I wanted to go with life. Ever since then I have been trying to live every day like it’s my last… To do this I have made three dramatic changes to my life.
Firstly, I have become very involved in my church; Passion City in Atlanta. I have learned so much from my Pastor Louie Giglio and my Youth Pastor Nick Brandt. Through the Church, God has blessed me with immeasurably more than I could have ever asked for. A Church that is like a Family. A Family that are Friends. And Friends that are drawing me closer to God.
Secondly, I have immersed myself in volunteer services all over the city of Atlanta. At first, it was a hassle to try and find time, and when I did, I felt that maybe I wasn’t making a difference. However, over time I realized that I was receiving more than I could ever hope to give. No matter how many hours I gave to humanitarian service, I got so much more back. After working with the homeless for months it dawned on me… no matter what, each and every one of us is making an impact on everyone else, whether we intend to or not. Every single human we come in contact with is affected either positively or negatively. Hence, my goal is to leave a warm lasting memory with everyone I meet.
Lastly, I have embraced becoming more adept physically. Since the accident I have taken up competitive long distance running. I have completed several races including 5ks, 10ks, Half Marathons and Marathons. Over the past few years I have placed in several races. It is so enjoyable to be adroit and healthy. I am so thankful for the great gifts that God has given me both in health/strength and amazing people who encourage/train me in my running.
In August of 2013 I moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to my older brother Grant. As a young child I used to share a bedroom with him, and we were always close. (I have 13 siblings, so all through my life I shared a bedroom.) However, it had been 10 years since we had reconnected. I spent the semester with him at Georgia Tech and it was my great honor to see him Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been such a role-model to me over the past few months. I greatly doubt if I would have had the courage to embark on this amazing opportunity if he hadn’t encouraged me.
Probably one of the proudest titles I can call my own, is that of Uncle! I have five amazing nieces and four wonderful nephews. It is so exciting to see them grow and learn. Unfortunately half of my family lives on the west coast. However, I make it a priority to visit them as much as possible. I usually spend at least a month with my niece and nephews every year. (Honestly, I think that I will miss them more than anything when I’m on the World Race) Each and every one of my niece and nephews are unique and special in completely different ways. I’d like to think, that if each of them turn out half as awesome as their parents, they will be absolutely amazing individuals.
This is just a brief glance into my life, I am excited for the future. The places I will travel, the lives I will change and the adventures I will have will all help to sculpt me into the man I wish to become.
