Within two years, he was promoted to manager of the Stafford store. In August 2012, he took over the facility near Spotsylvania Towne Centre and became a corporate trainer.

"He never wavered from his work," said Jay Spitler, Michael's first manager. "He was a very organized guy and he showed up on time and did what was asked of him."

When Michael trains new employees, he gives a motivational speech and mentions that he earned two college degrees while working at the store.

He doesn't usually add that he was a high school dropout, but it's not because he's still ashamed of his past.

"If I ever had an office, I would hang my GED right up there," Michael said. "Without that one, I wouldn't have been able to get the other ones."

Michael already has been accepted into the master's program at Richmond and will start classes in January.

Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com