Coach Mike’s Journey: From Foster Home to Calling
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Coach Mike’s story is not one of ease or privilege. It is shaped by faith, endurance, and a quiet refusal to surrender to despair.
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His journey began when his family immigrated to the United States in search of safety and opportunity. Like many immigrant families, they arrived with hope but limited resources. Mike’s father worked long hours in a barbershop to support the family, while Mike struggled to find his footing in a country that felt unfamiliar and unwelcoming. Language barriers, cultural displacement, and persistent prejudice made daily life overwhelming. School, rather than being a place of belonging, often felt confusing and isolating. Frequently misunderstood by peers and teachers, Mike learned early what it meant to feel unseen.
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Even in isolation, God planted something lasting within him: a desire to learn and a quiet belief that his life held purpose. That belief was tested when cultural misunderstandings around discipline led to Mike entering the foster care system. What followed was a childhood marked by instability, frequent moves, and uncertainty.
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His first foster home, a Chinese household, introduced him to structure, discipline, and responsibility. These values became early anchors. Later, while attending a predominantly African American school, Mike experienced bullying and violence. He was beaten, robbed, and ridiculed. Still, he refused to let bitterness take hold. Instead, he chose curiosity over resentment, learning the culture around him and forming genuine connections. The nickname Black Egg Roll became not a source of shame, but a symbol of resilience and belonging.
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As life began to stabilize, Mike was moved again, this time to a Vietnamese foster home in Los Angeles. He was separated from his sister for the first time as the city faced civil unrest. Once again, Mike had to adapt, this time in a largely Latino school. Bullying returned, but so did his ability to connect. He learned Spanish, built friendships, and earned the nickname Chino Miguel. Wherever he went, Mike became a bridge between cultures and communities, especially for those who felt overlooked.
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The constant movement left lasting scars. Carrying his belongings in garbage bags from home to home, Mike struggled with loneliness and abandonment. There came a moment when the weight of it all felt unbearable, and life no longer seemed worth continuing. At his lowest point, Mike cried out to God. In that moment, he made a promise that would shape the rest of his life: he would not quit. And if God carried him through, he would dedicate his life to helping others who felt forgotten.
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That promise changed everything.
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Mike threw himself into his studies, often reading by flashlight after the foster home lights were turned off. At fifteen, God suddenly answered his prayer. A Bible study teacher recognized Mike’s potential and chose to become his foster parent. For the first time, Mike experienced stability, unconditional love, and spiritual guidance. She enrolled him in private school, hired tutors, and gave him something he had never known before: a safe place to grow. With faith and consistency as his foundation, Mike flourished academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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Even after another transition following his sister’s emancipation, Mike stayed focused. He worked multiple jobs, endured racism in the workplace, and faced moments that tested his integrity and resolve. Each challenge strengthened him. He graduated from high school with a strong GPA and pursued a degree in Behavioral Psychology, driven by a desire to understand pain, both his own and that of others. He balanced school, work, and internships with determination, committed to honoring the promise he had made to God.
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In 2005, Mike founded Strategic Writers Club Academy, now known as SWC Academy, with a mission rooted in education, service, and faith. He believed writing was more than an academic skill. It was a way for students to find their voice and take ownership of their story. Remembering his own experience, Mike made it a priority to support foster youth and underserved students, often providing services at no cost. Today, SWC Academy serves students across the United States and internationally, supporting hundreds of families each year. In 2019, the academy was recognized as Best After School Program in Rowland Heights, reflecting years of consistent and purpose-driven leadership.
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Beyond the academy, Coach Mike has mentored and coached hundreds of individuals worldwide. Through one on one mentoring, group coaching, live sessions, and keynote speaking, he has guided students, parents, educators, and professionals through academic challenges, personal growth, and mindset development. His approach is grounded in behavioral psychology and faith, with a focus on clarity, discipline, and resilience. These experiences are not transactional. They are relational and built on trust, accountability, and genuine care.
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As a keynote speaker, Coach Mike speaks to audiences about grit, hope, motivation, and courage. Drawing from his own life experiences, he challenges people to see adversity as preparation rather than punishment. His message resonates with students, educators, parents, and professionals because it is honest, practical, and deeply human.
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Coach Mike’s influence has reached far beyond classrooms and coaching sessions. He was selected by Warner Bros Studios to participate in a professional panel alongside other respected coaches, contributing to discussions on success, purpose, and mental well being. He has also worked with Meta executives, sharing insight into modern coaching practices and the mental health challenges facing today’s digital generation.
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His story has received national and international recognition. Coach Mike appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where he shared his life journey to inspire others with a message of hope, perseverance, and faith. He was also recognized by MSP News Global for overcoming significant life obstacles and for his commitment to supporting mental health.
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During the COVID pandemic, as millions faced isolation and uncertainty, Mike expanded his reach through social media. His faith centered and psychologically grounded content resonated deeply, leading to a global community of nearly one million followers on TikTok. He also continues this work on Instagram with over 5,000 engaged followers, offering encouragement and practical guidance rooted in lived experience.
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In recognition of his influence and integrity driven leadership, Coach Mike was named to Yahoo Finance’s Top 10 Success Coaches to Follow.
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Mike’s life is not a story of perfection. It is a story of perseverance. His faith carried him through rejection, instability, and loss, and it continues to guide his work today. His personal motto, One day at a time, reflects his belief that growth and healing happen through steady, daily commitment.
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Today, as an educator, author, keynote speaker, coach, and entrepreneur, Coach Mike remains committed to the promise he made years ago. He helps others see that adversity does not disqualify them. It prepares them.
For more information about the programs and coaching services offered by SWC Academy, visit www.swc-academy.com.
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Coach Mike’s life reminds us that broken beginnings can lead to meaningful callings. Through faith, discipline, and service, he continues to help others rise, one day at a time.