Reed Strong, Northwest Prime Time’s summer intern, is a senior in Western Washington University’s journalism program. He speaks to Northwest area seniors and baby boomers for the series LIFE LESSONS. Each is asked the same four questions: thoughts on growing older; advice for the younger generation; what are they most nostalgic about; and how the world has changed for the better.
Michael Donat is 64 years old, was born in 1950 in Idaho, and now lives in Auburn. He ended up in Washington State through various jobs, including working in the Navy and then traveling around through different trade schools. Donat is married.
What have you found are the best aspects of growing older?
“Just getting to know people. You are retired, yet you can help out still. I’ve been retired close to two years, and I’ve been helping out around [the community] and at home.”
What’s the best advice you could give to a younger person?
“Study hard. Follow your dreams, I guess. Sometimes I wish I had done more of what I thought about when I was younger.”
What thing from your childhood are you nostalgic about?
“I miss swimming, the roller-skating rink that we had, and riding my motorcycle. The rink kept me busy, though it was a lot different than they are today. I really, really enjoyed skating and helping my parents. Later on once I got into my teens, I got a motorcycle. It was a lot of fun. [And] you saved gas!”
What changes in the world do you think are for the better?
“I’m getting more and more sick and tired of politics. That’s about it.”
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