Tell us about yourself.
My name is Robert Michael John Witt, but everyone calls me Bobby. I’m from St. Paul, Minnesota. I’m 21 years old, and I’m studying Marketing and Business Management at Augsburg. I have 3 brothers, but I grew up with my two cousins and lived with my aunt and uncle for most of my life.
What are your plans after graduation?
My main focus once I leave school is to do something in the public relations field; probably work as a copywriter for a public relations or advertising agency. I’d like to do something to get my name out there. I’ve also considered some management on the side to gain some experience. I currently work at a restaurant and I’ve already worked my way up one step, so hopefully by graduation I’ll be offered a management position. My dream is to one day open up my own restaurant. Creating my own menus, hiring people, designing the restaurant; everything like that.
What would your restaurant be like?
I want to do lots of different things. I want to have four different, limited menus. A Mexican menu, an American menu, a French menu, and a Mediterranean-style menu. Whatever they were in the mood for, people could always come to my restaurant. They could have a new experience each time.
What is your passion; what drives you?
I feel happiest when I’m cooking, that’s my number one thing. Time always flies by when I cook, I really enjoy it. Other than that, I like finding new things to do. I’ve been practicing piano, learning Spanish, and exploring new hobbies. I think it’s because I spent years wasting my life and not doing anything productive. I don’t feel like I need to make up for those times exactly, but I want to realize my true potential. There’s so many things I want to do that I can’t do if I’m drinking. If I stay sober, I’ll continue to realize my potential. I’m trying to realize as much I can about myself and continue to grow in every aspect; whether it be financially, emotionally, or with relationships – learning how to take care of myself and others.
What brought you to Augsburg?
StepUP. Specifically, the idea of being in a community where everybody is sober, because I never had that before and I wanted to try something new. Everytime I’ve tried to be sober before, I’ve surrounded myself with people who weren’t sober, and with my family, who still uses. I wanted to completely cut myself off from that environment, and try to embrace a new environment.
I have never been to college before Augsburg. I always thought that I wasn’t smart enough to go to school or that I would never be able to afford it. I decided after I got sober this time that I was going to do everything I always wanted to do but thought I couldn’t, because using always got in the way. I took a small step and applied for school, then another small step and applied for financial aid, then the biggest step for me was actually showing up – taking classes and figuring out that I can be a college student.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I am where I am. A year and a half ago, my biggest problem was figuring out how I could afford alcohol and rent or how I was going to manage hanging out with friends. I couldn’t maintain friendships or relationships with my family or God because of my drinking.
Now all those things don’t matter. My biggest problem today are normal people problems; making car payments, getting enough fiber in my diet, and trying to impress my boss so I can be noticed. I’ve kept a job for more than a year, which is awesome, because that was a big problem when I was using too. I couldn’t hold down a job, and now I’m doing all of those things. I have healthy friendships and I like where I’m at.
Has anyone in StepUP positively influenced you?
A friend that has really influenced me is Caleb. I didn’t know what friendship was until I became friends with Caleb. We disagree on almost everything, but we are still able to maintain a friendship through it. We spend time with together, help each other get jobs, motivate each other in school, always push each other, and he’s always there for me. It’s really amazing.
The person I look up to most, though, has got to be Blake H. He does it all; he works a good program, he’s always in a good mood, he’s nice, he’s happy, he works out, he’s got a job, he does great in school, he’s very active in StepUP. That’s who I want to be like at the end of the day.
What does StepUP mean to you?
StepUP has become my new family. It’s not my family of origin, but it’s my family circle. When I’m here, it’s home. When I’m at work I say, “I can’t wait to get home.” I’ve had a lot of houses in my life, because with my mom we were always getting kicked out, having to move, or just bouncing back and forth between my aunt’s house and my mom’s house.
It took a while, but this place has become my home and it’s where I want to be at the end of the day. I think it’s because of the people that are here; the support that I get, the comfort, and how I know how everyone is going to be sober at the end of the day. There’s a wonderful staff here that is always there if I need anything, whether it’s emotional support, financial support or someone to help remind me why I’m doing this. I’ve got StepUP.
What advice would you give to an incoming StepUP student?
Let your counselor know you. I know it’s the scariest thing in the world to open yourself up to someone that you don’t know, but ultimately they’re here to help you. The more they know about you, the more they can try to not only embrace everything you’re trying to accomplish, but also challenge you to be a better person. If you tell them everything; the good and the bad, they can help you emphasize the good and decrease the bad.
Also, let your friends know you. Don’t try to hide, just be yourself. No matter what, you will be accepted here. That was my problem when I first got here; I was antisocial and I didn’t try to connect with anyone, because I was so used to being alone. It’s a way better feeling knowing that you have people here and that you fit in, no matter what.
Any last thoughts?
I’m glad I showed up. I would also like to add that I am extremely grateful for my higher power – none of this could have been possible for me without a higher power in my life.
Thanks, Bobby!