Achiever Stories

Brilliant, Academic Deficient, or Both--Mozart or Mayhem

Year two was a significant age for Michael Christiansen.  He started reading the newspaper and playing the piano.

In 1992, as an applicant to CSU Chico’s Upward Bound Project, he tested below grade level in reading and his home schooling grades were slightly above average.  Yet, his file contained junior high counselor recommendations that he should go straight to college.  Was he brilliant or in need of academic support just like any other low-income, first-generation student?

Michael will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in recording arts.  It has taken him nine years and four majors, but he will graduate without owing a cent for loans, a rarity in this day.  His higher education included some time at Butte Community College, and a semester on exchange to London before entering CSU Chico.

“I kept taking majors that other people said I should take,” he admits.  He started in microbiology, then math, a year or so in computer science—all before settling in the music department.

He has written and produced two rock CDs and one rap CD.  In each of his albums, he plays all the instruments.  He sings or raps the vocals in addition to writing, producing, and recording each song.  He is accomplished at playing the sax (and most other woodwind instruments), the guitar, trumpet, piano, keyboard, and computer/electronic synthesizers.  (Hear a clip from his song Sea of Misery © Michael Christiansen.)

“My music is not inspired by any particular kind of music.  Significant life events are my inspiration,” shares “Money Mike,” as his friends call him. 

Raised in Oroville, California by his grandparents, Mike was too much to handle for any one teacher.  They recognized his virtuosity, but could not tolerate his hyperactivity.  Here was a kid with Tourette Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) who literally, bounced off the walls.

The Tourette Syndrome Association defines the disorder as “an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements (tics) and uncontrollable vocal sounds…. These outbursts are neither intentional nor purposeful. Involuntary symptoms can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder shrugging or jumping” (http://www.tsa-usa.org/).  It has been theorized that Mozart might have suffered with the disorder.

Attention deficitdisorder is one of the most common childhood syndromes and is distinguished by hyperactivity, lack of focus, disorganization, restlessness, difficulty finishing projects, and losing things. (More can be learned at http://www.add.org/).

Upward Bound immediately negotiated with Mike’s grandparents and the school district for Mike to attend a traditional high school.  Staff educated themselves about his medication, and helped him monitor his intake during the taxing summer residential schedule.

“Going from home study to Upward Bound and school helped me socially.  I was around people who were serious about academics and their education.  Upward Bound gave me the college environment with all of its responsibilities, that I needed.”

In addition to his dedication to music, Mike holds the highest class of ham radio license.  He has made a music video, and he enjoys photography.

“Mike has had a significant struggle to overcome his disabilities, remain focused, support himself through college—all while pursuing his art,” states Dave Ferguson, Chico’s Upward Bound director.  “Many people never gave Mike a chance.  They were sure someone would kill him out of sheer anger or frustration.”

Mike has two goals that he will be focusing on after graduation.  One is fulfilling his vision of a dual career as an audio/recording engineer and a moneymaking songwriter.  His second goal is to find the woman of his dreams and marry her.

Don’t make any bets that he won’t succeed.

~~~

Read about other achievers Erlinda Ulloa, Jose Ronstadt, Ned Doffoney, Heather Morrison, Blanca Escobar, Christopher Harrison, Wendy Sanchez, Hazel Amina, Sunshine Lawson, Jennifer Dyke, Laura Ochoa, and Michael Christiansen.

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If you have a story about a participant or staff achiever, send it to Dave Ferguson. The person does not have to be nominated for the WESTOP Achievers Award. He or she is a person, in your eyes, whose story is inspirational. Afterall, if we don't tell the stories of our participants and staff, who will?

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