Tyler Miller originally planned to build websites at Baylor University. He later entered law enforcement, working as a K-9 officer and training future officers. Today, his work includes mentoring college students, cleaning up after campers and zip lining into a lake.
The Milligan alumnus has pursued several careers since graduating, guided by his faith, his family and a desire to help others. Now the senior high camp director at Camp Cho-Yeh in Texas, Miller believes each stage of his journey prepared him for the next.
“I learned key lessons, solved unique challenges and grew a toolbox that I can pull from today,” Miller said.
His willingness to change direction began during his time at Milligan.
Miller arrived at Milligan to play soccer and become an occupational therapist working with patients with special needs. He played soccer until a broken ankle during his sophomore year interrupted those plans.
After speaking with coach Zach Nave, Miller was introduced to cycling. He spent the rest of his time at Milligan competing on scholarship in mountain biking, road cycling and cyclocross.
His academic interests changed, too. Miller decided to pursue information systems and considered becoming a Navy flight navigator, an FBI analyst or a field agent.
By graduation, he had secured a position at Baylor University and was preparing to marry just days after graduation. His future wife’s graduate school plans helped guide his job search, and he credited his Milligan education with preparing him for the opportunity.
At Baylor, Miller worked as a website developer, collaborating with departments, building forms for large events and resolving website errors. His favorite part was meeting people across the university and learning the different approaches to presenting information.
He also saw the position as a chance to practice the servant leadership he developed at Milligan.
“I had an opportunity to impact a bunch of students for the kingdom and work for a Christian university!” Miller said.
Over time, however, he began questioning his impact.
One Sunday at church, Miller noticed a police officer working security and began considering a career in law enforcement. Having worked as a lifeguard and volunteer firefighter growing up, he knew he had a passion for helping people.
In the weeks that followed, sermons about listening to God’s calling encouraged Miller to explore the possibility. He went on a ride-along, enjoyed the experience and applied.
Miller spent six years working for the city of Woodway, Texas, serving in a department that combined three roles: police officer, firefighter and emergency medical technician.
His responsibilities expanded, and he became a K-9 officer, operated drones and taught at a police academy. He also served as a field training officer and a certified mental health peace officer and held an advanced peace officer certification.
The work allowed him to help people, including praying over those going to jail or facing difficult situations. However, it also required him to adjust to night shifts and remain constantly aware of his safety.
Miller said regularly encountering people during difficult times began affecting his view of the world. Eventually, the strain carried into his life off duty.
“I came home after a long shift and my wife told me I was different,” Miller said. “I didn’t want to listen to her, but hearing that really hurt my heart.”
He had reached the rank of corporal, and his career was advancing. Still, he began reconsidering whether continuing in law enforcement was right for his family.
“My family needed to come first,” Miller said. “It was a hard decision.”
His next opportunity came through a camp job listing. Camp Cho-Yeh’s mission of helping people grow in their faith through relationships and outdoor adventures caught his attention. He prayed about the position for about a month. The job remained available, so he applied.
Today, his job shifts between two seasons. During the offseason, Miller travels across the United States to recruit more than 600 summer staff members. He also develops programs, writes curriculum for high school students and finds worship teams for the summer.
During camp season, he leads approximately 60 to 70 college students and mentors four leadership staff members who support counselors.
The role includes handling discipline issues and meeting campers’ practical needs. Miller may find himself plunging a toilet, cleaning up after an illness or joining students for swimming and lake activities.
One of his favorite parts of the job is seeing high school students stop worrying about being judged and allow themselves to have fun at camp.
“I think my favorite part is when they rip up their cool card and finally let go and have fun,” Miller said. “No judgment at camp; we are here to help cultivate faith and build the next generation of Christian leaders.”
Miller credits the people who invested in him at Milligan with helping build his foundation.
“I could give a positive experience from every professor I had while there,” Miller said.
Looking back, Miller’s understanding of success centers on following God’s direction, even when that means changing plans.
“Success does not have a dollar sign attached to it,” Miller said.
For students considering their futures, Miller’s advice reflects his own experience.
“As long as you are prayerfully seeking God’s guidance, he will put you where you need to be,” Miller said.
Comments