This is Michaels Journey: Dreams. Passion. Adventure.

Where will life take you? Will you go down the expected path or be taken in another direction? These are some of the key questions I’ve begun to ask myself as I near the end of my university career. Yet, never did I expect to have the terrifying, but at the same time, a miraculous experience that led me to Graf-Martin.

In March 2021, I received a phone call informing me that I needed to immediately go to the ER at Grand River Hospital (in Kitchener). Earlier in the day, I had gone for a blood test after noticing “red spots” on my body. The next few hours were some of the most terrifying moments of my life. My life began to flash before my eyes, I had no idea what was wrong with me, what the cure was – and led me to questions like, “Would I live to get married?”, or “Will I find a job in my field?”

To sum up a long medical journey, I was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and internal bleeding. Thankfully, this was a fairly common medical condition, and in a matter of time, I was released and onto recovery. 

Michael and his friends, celebrating his recovery

From Recovery to a New Start with Graf-Martin 

One month later, I was back to 100% health, without any side effects. It was a miracle! Through medication and prayer, I was able to recover 4 months faster than expected. I quickly caught up on missed university courses and began applying for summer jobs.

Searching for employment can be difficult at any point, but adding COVID to the mix made it even more challenging. After many interviews and dead-end leads, I came across a Summer Jobs posting for a Marketing Assistant at an agency supporting Christian organizations. My values, my Christian background, and my prior experience in marketing, all led up to this feeling that this role was God’s calling for me. I immediately applied for the position and a few days later had an interview. I was blessed to be chosen as a summer student and knew Graf-Martin would be a workplace in which I could feel included and at home.

Learning and Growing

During my time at Graf-Martin, I’ve learned and grown professionally and personally.  In my role, I help develop social media posts, prepare marketing presentations/reports, assist with social audits, and help draft proposals. There have been instances where I took on challenges outside of my comfort zone, such as dealing with MailChimp or working with Facebook Ads. Throughout my time here, everyone I’ve worked with has been very welcoming, encouraging, and always willing to lend a helping hand. I’ve learned how to communicate professionally with clients and better prioritize time. It has been a pleasure getting to work with each and every person at Graf-Martin, and I couldn’t have imagined a better workplace to have spent this summer with. 

Thanks to Graf-Martin Communications for better preparing me and providing me with the necessary experience to be able to excel in my future professional career.

More about Michael:

Michael Milne is a recent graduate of Business Marketing and Public Relations from Conestoga College and currently is in his final year in the Honours Communication Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University. He had a background in communication, working in roles such as a Volunteer Coordinator for Laurier Students for Learning, Church Intern at Grace Christian Fellowship, and as a Marketing Camp; Communications Assistant at KidsAbility Foundation. On the side, Michael enjoys playing an active role in the Young Adult ministry at his local church (Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly), as well as traveling, dining at new restaurants, or watching a good movie on Netflix! Follow him on Instagram.