Michael Hill posing in front of the Guidance Department of his old high school. (Photo Credit: Errol Lewis/THECollegiate)

Manhattan born Michael Hill, 28, just retired from the United States Army. After spending three years based in Hawaii, he’s now looking to continue his education in the field of mechanical engineering at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech). In fact, he’s also received employment interest from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

What would he say about himself now compared to when he was in high school? “I got my act together,” says Hill of his current state in life. “In high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I pretty much was malingering, getting myself in trouble, but then my mom threatened me. She told me that I needed to get my act together before I got put out of the house,” explains Hill. “I have some family members that didn’t do so great in high school. They tell me all the time I need to pay attention. ‘Don’t be like me!’ they would say. So, I used their example, and also definitely listened to my mom.”

Hill credits their input for helping him reach his goal of graduating high school and helping him forge ahead to present day as a recent retiree from the United States Army.

“I was stationed at Scofield Barracks, Hawaii, out in Oahu, and my unit was 227 Wolf Hounds,” Hill proudly states of his experience in the military as he hopes to use the tools he learned there to help guide him in all his future endeavors, including his employment at NASA and completing his education at City Tech.