TONTOGANY — Gavin Miller is heavily involved in theater at Otsego High School as well as community theater in the area.

“Theater is one of my greatest passions and I love doing it so much,” he said.

He played Gomez Addams in Otsego’s spring production of “The Addams Family.”

Miller called it a “dream role.”

He is heading to Eastern Michigan University to study Spanish.

Five years ago, if someone told him he’d be studying Spanish, he would have asked why, Miller said.

He explained he took Spanish his freshman year and it led to him wanting to learn more and more of the language.

Miller has taken multiple Spanish classes at Bowling Green State University and also studies during his free time.

“It’s quite a contrast to what I do right now, but I hope to work in medical translation, which is a big thing, particularly in the South,” he said.

Miller works in dietary at Brookdale Senior Living in Bowling Green, which means he works in the kitchen and serves meals.

He also helps out with activities and programs.

“I have done quite a bit here,” Miller said.

He started part time in January 2021.

“I stay because I get to meet some really cool people that have done so much in their lives and have so much to stay,” Miller said.

He has made new friends and bonds with the residents.

“I myself am an old soul,” he said. “I like to crochet and typically people will call me an old soul for doing that. And aside from connecting with them, I feel like I learn so much from them.”

Miller has also had residents tell him to slow down and live in the moment, and appreciate what he has now.

“I think it’s very important to take the idea of taking things slow … that’s one of the most common things I take away with working with them all the time.”

Miller said he thinks it’s great that someone his age can learn so much from so many people that he gets to work with.

“You make so many connections with them. They also become like family members to you because I get to know them so well and it’s pretty nice.”

Miller has participated in choir, theater, student council and National Honor Society at the high school.

He said he loves thrift shopping – it’s so interesting to see what other people might have given away – and how he can give it new life.

While Miller may leave Brookdale in August to head to college, he plans to return and work over break.

“I hope to continue working with senior citizens in the future,” he said.

There also is a Brookdale in Ann Arbor, and he said he could work there, but local residents have told him he can’t get new friends there, because “we’re your people.”