Late Nite Success Stories
Reaman Miller
Late Nite ParticipantWhen I first came to Late Nite I was trouble and walking straight into a dead end. I had been going through life thinking I had no options. My parents weren't there, nor did I have any other immediate family support. I would spend as much time away from home as possible to avoid the inevitable - getting yelled at, the possibility of getting the boot, and numerous circumstances involving alcohol.
When I heard that anyone could go to the Y on Friday night to play football I didn't hesitate to give it a chance. The football field in the sports park became my haven for the next hundred Friday nights.
Through football, I met a few Y staff who I could talk with and trust. They helped me prepare for my future and guided me down the right paths that will ensure my success. They also saw my potential and offered me a job at the Mel Korum Family YMCA.
Soon after I started working and started my senior year of high school I was involved in a incident that landed me in jail. I woke up in a hospital bed with my mom at my feet and county crisis at my side. I promised counseling, as it was one of the only options she gave me. I would be allowed to leave that morning just to explain to my mom the pain and depression I had been dealing with for almost my entire life.
I knew my actions had jeopardized my employment, some of my relationships, and myself. While gasping for what I thought would be the last air I would ever breathe inside the Y, I stepped into the chapel.
The outcome: I still have my job and have never felt more focused. Already I have encountered kids at Late Nite who can relate to me, and who I can mentor. I'm setting a goal to reach out to these kids more. Maybe one day I'll end up leaving my prints on a heart or two to help these kids realize they want more than what's being offered to them.
While working at the YMCA, I'm also attending a technical college with the intention of becoming a biomedical technician and eventually a biomedical engineer. I have overcome those obstacles that were in front of me and I now have a plan and purpose for my life.
To find out more about Late Nite and how to get involved or contribute contact Edie Metz.
