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Mentone Mentour: Socializing

9/15/2023

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Welcome back! I hope your seat is still warm, because today, we’re gonna be uncovering the cold shoulders of truth! That’s right, we’re gonna be covering the most difficult topic of them all:

Socializing…

Now, before you run for your blankets and cover your face with your hands, let me make myself clear: This is gonna be about how to make such a task easier; and not meant to add complexity and difficulties to the already stressful task of talking. I would like to start us off with what is kicking us to today’s topic, that being a recent letter I’ve been bestowed. It reads:
“Hi. I’m new to MICC. I don’t really know how to open up to people or make friends. Do you have any tips?”
First, let’s give a big clap to this individual for speaking out about the issue no one else will. The bravery and tenacity to bring up such a topic is far more than what I have to do! With such a wonderful question, it’s going to be a challenge to come up with an equally wonderful answer, but I think I know how to help.

Instead of fancy metaphors or serving scoops of philosophical banter, I’m gonna give you the solid truth: When we first enter our little MICC world, we’re going to be starting at ground zero. Unless you’re coming in here with a big group, you’re not going to know many people, and they’re not going to know you. When someone is in this position, what is something that helps make connections and elevates the individual? That’s right, conversations!

If we think of conversation topics like different tiers, you have the first tier, being simple questions and pleasant introductions (i.e. “Hello, how are you doing?” or “Crazy weather lately, huh?”), and higher tiers can focus on shared experiences or interests (i.e. “Wow remember what Bert did last week?” or “Hey check out this kickass D&D Character I made last night.”). The tiers themselves are going to be different with each person, but the first tier will always be the same, since that’s where everyone starts! As you make connections and experiences with someone, you’ll slowly notice the tier rising, and you can stray away from the simple questions (if you want), and get right into the gritty fun stuff.

Oh, I guess I showcased another metaphor afterall. Well, that’s what happens when you’re given such an open and difficult question.

If you need to leave reading this with learning only one thing, have it be this: Your creativity is a powerful tool in creating positive connections and experiences. Combining that with patience and empathy will bring you a long, long way.

If this topic has been of interest to you, let me know if I should continue this! Otherwise, feel free to send another question and I’ll get right on it. Or, well, within my weekly schedule…

Until next time, friends of MICC!


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Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a senior in MICC's College Program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls - creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with autism and learning differences. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency.
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Participant Feature: Introducing Mentone Mentour

9/4/2023

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Hello again, friends! I’m glad you’re here, because I have some exciting news to share!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy with a recent development project within Metaphor Meadows! You remember that little place, right? Well, I’m happy to share that I’ve constructed a little building within the center plains of the area.

You might be thinking, “Wow, that’s a little intrusive, isn’t it?” And you’d be absolutely right if I hadn’t discovered that this entire little field… is completely barren! All forms of sentience just refuse to enter here and will make unnecessary detours to reach their destination. So, at that point, what’s a spontaneously erected office establishment going to do for the people in and out of the meadows?

The answer is a lot, because this is not just any ordinary building, this is the home of the Taleing Tall Terrace, featuring the owner of the hour, Madeline, the Mentone Mentour!
Here’s how it works: Anybody can use the submission box to ask any questions or concerns they have about what’s going on in their life: be it little pet peeves or long-term problems they wish to overcome. From there, I will view these, and publicly give advice from the perspective of the meadows! Worried that you can’t make it in person? No problem; recent technological advancements have allowed a Google forum to appear below all posts and pieces I publish! It’s as simple as a name, your question/concern, and submitting!

However, let me iterate some important notes before you click below and type something:
  1. I am not a licensed psychiatrist, therapist, or hold any master’s degree level of training. This is only meant to be a safe venue to let your worries be written, and to have a voice come back and support you.
  2. Your name will not be public. There’s no intention to release personal information through this. If you feel as if you’re in a situation that calls for that kind of action, I suggest contacting local authorities instead.
  3. Your content is not guaranteed to appear in a post, but is still highly encouraged. There isn’t much I’m willing to avoid, but try to keep content around a PG-13 level.
  4. The subject matter is limitless (provided it’s public-appropriate). Talk to me about sports, the weather, food, animals, habits… almost anything. 
  5. Lastly, I can only see your submissions through the Google forum. Leaving comments on the website or social media will not allow me to answer what’s on your mind. These carrier pigeons only know one thing, and it’s Google. If you try explaining something like Facebook or LinkedIn to them, they’d probably explode.

Remember, your submissions are going to be reviewed and displayed to a public audience. If you imagine talking with a friend you see infrequently, then you should have the general idea of privacy levels.

With all of that said, I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts and questions!

Until next time, where i’ll return with some press from the Taleing Tall Terrace express (a train isn’t until a few years down the road, so you’ll have to deal with hand gestures for now).


Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a senior in MICC's College Program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls - creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!

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COVID-19 Updates

8/14/2023

 
Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) is closely monitoring news and information about the spread of COVID-19. MICC will continue to take precautions and actions to ensure our participants, families, and staff are safe. Please check back regularly for updated information. 

Below you will find published communication updates.
August 2023
8.24.23 MICC College COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.pdf
File Size: 109 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


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Community Participant of the Month - Ann

8/8/2023

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PictureAnn, a current Community Program participant and 2008 alum, is August 2023's Participant of the Month!
Introducing Ann, MICC's August Community Participant of the Month!

Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect.

Ann, a proud MICC graduate from the class of 2008, brings a unique perspective and an array of wonderful experiences to our MICC community. Let's delve into Ann's world as she shares her favorite memories, go-to activities, and some interesting tidbits about herself.

For Ann, the fondest memories from her time at MICC revolve around the friendships she forged. Meeting friends and connecting with Clare and Brooke have left a lasting impression on her journey.

When it comes to her preferred activities, Ann finds joy in biking and gardening, often in the delightful company of Clare, doing henna and Pretty Polish Nails. She clinched the top spot at Special Olympics' skills drills, showcasing her dedication and skill. On another note, her prowess on the basketball court earned her a proud second-place position at the state level, further highlighting her sportsmanship.

So, what's the reason behind Ann's recognition? According to the nominations, Ann's welcoming nature and her readiness to embrace new challenges stand out. She's known for her positive presence at work and around campus, with a knack for adapting to new tasks. Ann's respect and warmth are reflected in her interactions, making her a cherished and approachable member of the MICC community.

Congratulations, Ann!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with autism and learning differences. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant Feature: How to Enjoy Your Summer When the World Is Doomed

7/19/2023

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Hello, everyone! Long time no read, and happy summer!

This time of the year is always an exciting one for Minnesotans; whether you enjoy your time in the pool, the grassy fields, the backdoor forests, or 5-hour traffic jams, there’s always a little something that any person can gravitate their interest and dopamine towards. However, if you’ve ever had to look at the sky this summer (and I’m sure you have, because your brain requires a double-take on the gas prices), you’ll notice a rather weird, yet ominous presence that looms in the air. You’ve been reading all the warning signs, and the fruit is being barred over the sky’s garden - it’s the end of the world…

...in about 10 billion years.

I guess whoever was assigned chef of the planet forgot to upgrade their oven. That doesn’t mean things aren’t happening– After all, a smoking oven is only a convenience away from becoming a smoking gun. It’s clear that we’re starting to see what our climate’s health really is, and these dangerous skies are just another consequence of our failure to deliver our planet to our local E.R.


This all to say, you might not even need a roasting planet to feel hopeless. Maybe you’re just having a bad summer, with nothing lining up properly. Whether at the end of the spectrum you’re in, I hope to share some insight that can lead you to a brighter tomorrow.

When you look at the bright red sky, and the images of guilt and grief flow like the troubled thoughts they are, the biggest step to cleansing those thoughts is to know that, what you’re doing currently, is going to one day make the sky clear once more. It can be something as simple as running through your neighborhood; to something more active like donating or volunteering to trustworthy charities; or even something difficult like running for office and enabling policy that protects our planet. As long as you’re not harming yourself or others, whatever you end up doing will save the world.

When you reach adulthood and are able to make choices for yourself, you’re given a greenhouse to nurture. You don’t know where it is, but you keep it happy and healthy by bringing that same nourishment back to yourself. Not every greenhouse feeds off the same things to grow, but you learn what that is by continuing to live life to its fullest. I mean, look at me! I’m some random chump that’s writing brief little pieces for you to read, but in doing so, I’m growing my personal greenhouse by providing weird little stunts of wisdom and humor to brighten your day. It doesn’t matter how convoluted you make a greenhouse be, because at the end of the day, it’s still a greenhouse.

While it may take years or even eons for my greenhouse to finish its construction, what you’re reading now is the foundation of it. I don’t know what it’ll look like when finished, but I’m enjoying every moment of it because it’s something that I love doing, while feeling like it’s helping others in a small way.

This is not meant to pressure you into doing things. Downtime and resting are completely normal ways to grow a greenhouse. What’s important is that you recognize what your greenhouse needs, and how you’ll grow it. For me, it’s words. For you? I can’t read your mind, but I’d imagine it has something to do with having an enjoyable summer. Good thing your greenhouse is fueled by joy and euphoria, right?

Oh, would you look at the time! I must go and nurture my greenhouse through Cherry Pepsi; too many words can make the poor thing thirsty. I’ll leave your greenhouse to yourself, do as you wish with it.

Have a good remainder of the summer!

Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline will be a senior in MICC's College Program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls - creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.