Charles Miller, age 59, is a custodian for Normal Hall at Western Kentucky University. Miller gets paid only $14 an hour. He financially supports him and his wife and lives a low income lifestyle. He always has a smile on his face, and is never discouraged. Miller enjoys the simple things in life. “It would be nice to make more, but I have everything I need.” Says Miller.
Charles Miller, age 59, works as a custodian at Western Kentucky University. Everyone he passes, he greets. He has a charming and charismatic personality. He always shows up to work with a smile on his face. He has struggled with a low income his whole life. He thrives in simplicity and believes he does not need more than he already has.
Miller greets students that pass as he cleans the residence hall. It is clear that everyone who comes in contact with Miller, ends the interaction with a smile on their face. Austen Gore, a psychology major that lives on the second floor in Normal Hall, talks with Miller about how nice the weather has been outside and moving out for the summer. “Hey, how you doing today?” Is what Miller says to all students that pass.
Miller and his wife, Glinda Miller, build a cow corral in their backyard. Due to their low income, the pair are making the corral out of the wood from trees in their backyard. The cows have not yet been delivered to the property, but the preparation is under way.
Since Miller lives on a low income, and must support his wife and himself, he is currently making a cow corral out of wood from trees in his backyard. When the cows arrive, they will be a major source of milk for the Millers. He is also raising six chicks. The chicks will grow up to be hens and will lay eggs for them. When both projects are complete, the Millers will be able to save a lot of money. Their current home is quite beat down. They have many outdated appliances and need to repaint the entire outside of the house, including the porch. They plan to also do this themselves.
Miller is raising chicks for their eggs. He gives them water and feeds them every night and morning. The chicks, who will grow up to be hens, will be fully grown by October. He is currently raising six.
For Miller, projects like building the cow corral and raising chicks are what make him happy. Both his day job and his life at home, although simple, are plenty for him.
Glinda Miller reminisces about her life and family. Although Charles Miller does not have any kids, Glinda does. She has three daughters, all from a previous marriage. She is proud of her girls and misses them frequently.
Making dinner is an enjoyable part of Miller's day. This night, Miller made burgers. As he does not have a grill, Miller made the patties in a skillet on the stove. The stove tends to get extra hot, due to it being broken, so he must be careful as he cooks. "It gets real hot." Miller says, "I have to switch burners from time to time."
The Millers sit down for their meal. Since they do not have hamburger buns, the pair ate on slices of white bread.
