Michael Girma Abayneh—Problem Solving with Diversified Knowledge

Michael Girma Abayneh—Problem Solving with Diversified Knowledge

October 10, 2022 • ISSUE 642

Michael Girma Abayneh

Problem Solving with Diversified Knowledge

Michael Girma Abayneh is a student in the Master’s in Software Development program who holds a master’s degree in accounting and finance from Arsi University, Ethiopia. Michael grew up in a small town in Ethiopia with the belief that education should be used to solve problems and that diversified knowledge can solve any problem.
 
He began his career as a secondary school teacher, then worked as an accountant in the mining and agro-industry sectors, and as a university lecturer in accounting and finance. 
 
In 2019 Michael moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where five of his sisters work as nurses. He worked for Wells Fargo Bank as an operations clerk for two years prior to coming to MIU.
 
Michael already had computer applications skills, and when he heard about MIU’s MSD program he took the opportunity to further diversify his education. “Computer science makes all my previous education and knowledge meaningful because I can practice accounting more effectively,” he said.

Michael with his wife, two sets of twin daughters, and son

The program has exceeded Michael’s expectations and he is confident he can find a good position in the US. He enjoys the healthy lifestyle MIU promotes, including the vegetarian meals and the opportunity to exercise and get sufficient rest.
 
Michael grew up in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and has volunteered in the Church alongside his father. He has discovered that practicing the Transcendental Meditation® technique does not contradict his religion.
 
“TM has a lot of positive impact on my life,” he said. “My mind is tired after classes and TM gives me some rest, which helps me gain more energy to study and focus on my homework in the evening.”
 
Michael is graduating in 2023 and looks forward to reuniting with his wife and five children and creating a better life for his family.

Candace Miller—Artist and Integrative Medicine Practitioner

Candace Miller—Artist and Integrative Medicine Practitioner

October 4, 2022 • ISSUE 641

Candace Miller

Artist and Integrative Medicine Practitioner

As a child, Candace Miller was fascinated with human anatomy and the natural world and aspired to be a doctor. But in high school she pivoted to the arts and earned a BA in humanities with a focus in medical anthropology from New College of California in 2001.
 
Her calling to be a healer reemerged in 2009 when she moved to New Mexico. She enrolled at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine PA program and graduated with a Master of Science in 2015, launching her career as a physician associate.
 
She spent the following six years working as a clinician in retail health/urgent care with CVS MinuteClinic, occupying various leadership roles, including senior clinician in New Mexico and regional quality lead during clinic expansions in Utah and Washington. She currently focuses on training and mentoring.

Hiking in New Mexico

Candace wanted to do more for her patients and dreamed of establishing an integrative primary care practice where she could spend more time with patients and offer a holistic approach that addresses the root cause of disease.
 
She had long been drawn to Ayurveda and she chose MIU’s online MS in Maharishi AyurVeda® and Integrative Medicine program because it was the only program in the US offering a part-time master’s degree, allowing her to continue working in patient care.
 
“I am glad I chose this program, and I think the TM technique is a really significant piece,” said Candace. “It was transformative for my health and helps me juggle all the different things I do. I have more patience with other people, myself, and my process.”
 
In 2021 Candace opened her own integrative primary practice, incorporating the Ayurvedic knowledge she has gained at MIU. “Thanks to this MSMAVIM program, I am doing my true life’s work,” she said.
 
In her free time, Candace enjoys making pottery, painting, and hiking in the mountains around her Santa Fe home with her partner and two dogs.