More about my guest Roger Mitchell: Roger is currently a Track Inspector/ Foreman at Amtrak, where he has worked for 12 years He served in the US NAVY as a Master at Arms and then in the Maryland Army National Guard as a construction engineer He serves in his community as a volunteer firefighter and in his church He is married and has 4 kids Austin Paul Claire Step daughter Ellie His hobbies include: Model railroading Target shooting Road trips Camping at NASCAR races. What You Will Find In This Episode: From Surviving to Thriving: The Mentors Who Changed Roger’s LifeEpisode Overview What happens when a child grows up in an environment marked by neglect, emotional and physical abuse, uncertainty, and trauma—and then finds hope in some of the most unexpected places? In this powerful episode, Roger shares the story of a difficult childhood, the struggles that followed him into his teenage years, and the people who helped change the trajectory of his life. Growing up, Roger experienced challenges at home that left him struggling with anxiety, low self-worth, instability, and uncertainty. He often acted out at school and in his community, finding himself in trouble and struggling to understand how to deal with the emotions he carried. At times, Roger tried to protect his sister from what was happening around them. He also found himself minimizing or downplaying the circumstances at home, in part to protect those who were responsible for the abuse. But his story didn't end there. Finding Belonging on the Railroad One of the turning points in Roger's life came through an unexpected passion: railroading. Roger began spending time around train stations, railroad yards, and maintenance departments. There, he encountered railroad workers who saw something in him that he didn't always see in himself. They took him under their wings. They gave him odd jobs and opportunities to earn money. They listened when he needed someone to talk to. They taught him about the railroad and, perhaps most importantly, provided something he desperately needed—a sense of structure, stability, accountability, and belonging. The railroad became more than an interest. It became a place where Roger felt accepted and valued. He eventually found another important community at local fire stations, where he discovered that same sense of acceptance and purpose. Teachers and mentors at school also played a critical role. Rather than allowing Roger's early struggles to define him, they encouraged him to listen, learn, and recognize that he could build a different future. From Troubled Teen to Military Service Roger graduated from high school and went on to serve his country, joining the military and participating in combat operations in the Middle East. He served in both the Navy and Army National Guard, experiences that brought new challenges and opportunities. During his service, Roger participated in tsunami relief efforts and survived a helicopter crash—another life-changing experience in a life already shaped by adversity. His military service also provided him with valuable skills, including construction and heavy equipment training. Those skills would later open doors to employment in Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Montana. Coming Full Circle In 2014, Roger applied to Amtrak through the Hiring Our Heroes program. Not long afterward, he was hired as a general laborer trackman. For Roger, the opportunity was more than a new job. It represented a return to the world that had helped him find direction when he was young. As a fifth-generation railroader, Roger has built a successful career and now leads as a track foreman supervisor . The young man who once struggled to find stability and purpose ultimately found both on the railroad. Today, he makes a living doing the work he loves while being a devoted husband and a caring father of four children. He also serves his church and volunteers as a firefighter. The Power of a Mentor Perhaps the most powerful part of Roger's story is the credit he gives to the people who stepped into his life when he needed them most. He believes his teachers—and especially the railroad workers who took an interest in him during his youth—helped him make it through some of the darkest periods of his life. They provided stability, structure, compassion, encouragement, and accountability. They listened to him. They believed in him. And they helped him begin to see himself differently. Roger eventually learned to use the hardships of his childhood not as a definition of who he was, but as motivation to create a better life for himself and his family. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes a single person taking the time to listen, teach, encourage, or simply make a young person feel like they belong can have an impact that lasts a lifetime. Roger's Message to Young People For young people facing difficult circumstances, Roger's advice is simple but powerful: Find something you enjoy doing. Find a good support system. Don't be afraid to trust the right people—and don't be afraid to ask for help. His story demonstrates that where you come from does not have to determine where you are going. Sometimes the road from surviving to thriving begins with finding one positive person, one meaningful interest, and one place where you finally feel like you belong. Key Highlights of the Interview Growing up with neglect, abuse, and traumaProtecting a sibling while navigating a difficult home environmentThe connection between childhood trauma and behavioral strugglesAnxiety, low self-worth, and learning to see yourself differentlyThe teachers and mentors who refused to give up on RogerDiscovering the railroad and finding a sense of belongingThe railroad workers who became mentors and role modelsFinding community and acceptance at fire stationsGraduating high school and joining the militaryCombat operations and military serviceTsunami relief and surviving a helicopter crashBuilding a career through construction and heavy equipment skillsThe Hiring Our Heroes program and joining AmtrakBecoming a fifth-generation railroaderGoing from trackman to supervisory track foremanFatherhood, marriage, faith, and community serviceTurning adversity into motivationThe lifelong impact of mentorsMoving from surviving to thrivingWhy young people should find something they love and build a strong support systemThe Bigger Lesson Roger's story isn't simply about overcoming adversity. It's about the power of people who choose to invest in someone else's life. A teacher who listens. A mentor who offers encouragement. A railroad worker who gives a teenager a chance. A firefighter who provides a place to belong. A friend who says, “You can do better, and I believe you can.” Those seemingly small acts can change the course of a person's life. Roger's journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, mentorship, service, family, and the power of finding your people. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resources: Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my coaching programs and services. Email: eric@ericslivoskey.com I hope you will follow, subscribe, rate, and/or share the podcast with someone you think might benefit from it.
