For as long as she can remember, Nicole Miller, a certified pharmacy technician, and La Porte local has always loved horses. Horses became a passion of Miller’s overtime when her mother would take her riding at a very young age.
“I grew up around horses; They've been a big part of my life. My mom said she had me riding with her as soon as I could sit up,” Miller said.
When Miller was young, she aspired to become a veterinarian, but through life’s twists and turns, she would choose a different path.
“When I was young, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I worked in a vet's office in high school and then life took me in a different direction,” Miller said.
About five years ago, Miller was introduced to Equestrian and owner of Transitions Equestrian Center in La Porte, Melissa Ashcraft. Transitions Equestrian Center is where Miller would take her passion and knowledge of horses and her love for her community and use it to educate children about the basics of horse care.
“I really focus on the education part of it,” Miller said. “The children are taught basic horse care, basic first aid and how to tell if their horse is in good shape for riding. They are taught to make sure that they're feeling the horses’ legs and doing a general check before they even put a saddle on.”
One of the things she enjoys most is having the opportunity to give back to the children in her beloved community of La Porte.
“I love introducing kids to horses. I got my first pony when I was about two years old,” Miller said. “I found so much joy and I really want to be able to give that back to kids in the community that might not have access to a horse.”
She noted that the thing she loves the most about her community is the sense of helpfulness she gets from the residents of La Porte.
“I love how everyone comes together. I feel like there's a real sense of community here. I see how helpful people can be and the kindness that everyone shows. I've had so many great experiences here,” she said.
Miller has not only made an impact on the children of her community, but also through the work she does as a certified pharmacy technician at Northshore Health Center in Portage, Indiana.
“With my pharmacy job, I get to help people that sometimes might not be able to afford their medications,” Miller said.
Her journey as a certified pharmacy technician began when she took a part time job while she was attending college.
“I was in college and I knew someone that worked in the pharmacy. I took a part time job and fell in love with it. I've been doing this since 2008,” she said. “I‘ve been at Northshore for about a year now. That's where I feel like I have really made the most difference when it comes to the community, so I plan on being there for quite a while.”
Miller is an inspiration to many and has made such an impact on her community. Thanks to her drive and passion for horses and helping others, Miller is sharing knowledge with a younger generation who will grow up and also make a difference in La Porte, Indiana.