Mike's originally from Peoria, Illinois, USA. He graduated from Purdue University in West Lafeyette, Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management in 1991. His original plan was to come to Taiwan for a year to get some new experiences. That was in 1995. Living here has helped him learn more about himself and taught him lessons in adapting to different environments. He plans on being here with his wife, Julie, for many years to come. Mike's students know him as being strict, but fair.