Jugar Tragaperras

My name is Mikey, a Belizean national from Myan and Spaniard descendants. I finished high school in 1984 and there were no opportunities to further my education or to be employed. My parents weren’t of much means so at the age of 19, I had to decide what direction my life would take. I ended up migrating to the US, I ended on 42nd street and 8th Ave, NYC at Port Authority (The biggest bus terminal in the US) where I lived homeless for the first four and a half months, with only seventy-five dollars, two suits of clothes, and my sleeping bag. I survived!  

After having children, I realize the importance of physical health so I involved them in soccer. Consequently, I ended up volunteering to train the children how to play soccer with AYSO Soccer Organization for six years. One of my most rewarding moments was taking my daughters team U14 to Nationals in which we placed second. Myself being very active in sports was what I thought was the best way to uplift the children in my community. 

 Thirty-three years later, I recently moved back to Belize. By divine intervention, I met this wonderful person, a dentist. She invited me to her office. I saw the work that she did. I was so impressed and inspired by her since we came from similar backgrounds. She made me think anything was possible. I ended up volunteering during the pandemic at her office for a year. She saw my interest and the second year after training me and attending continuous continuing education courses, she hired me as a dental assistant. I can now say I have the experience in the following dental specialty procedures such as ortho, endo, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. This year we talked about the need of oral care and education for the villages in the Toledo district. This is my way of giving back to my community in which I consider home.