Returning to school at age 62, Jay Milbourne lives the adage It's never too late!

For Jay Milbourne, going back to school at age 62 is a great opportunity to develop a healthy new habit. Jay explained recently that he enrolled in the Homeland Security professional certificate program at Coastline Community College for intellectual stimulation and to stay sober. Working the graveyard shift in Security at Jackson Rancheria the past several years, Jay says he slipped into some bad habits. Now, ten months into sobriety, Jay explains, “You have to keep stretching your mind or you’ll be dull. I don’t want to go back to drinking and being dull.” Jay’s resume reveals a multi-talented multi-tasker. Trained out of high school in injection molding, Jay worked full-time for almost ten years in LA with one of the pioneers in laser disc manufacturing while also working part-time with his father’s interior shutter installation business. In the late 80s, Jay followed his Dad to Amador County to install shutters full-time. He started working at Jackson Rancheria when it was still located in a small metal building and went full-time within a few years, celebrating his 26th anniversary with the casino. Jay fondly recalls getting to know Margaret Dalton and attributes his longevity there to the values that she instilled as an employer. Jay explains, “she built the foundation - the value system of appreciating employees - upon which the whole enterprise is based.” The Rancheria’s on-site Health Clinic is where Jay turned when his drinking got out of control. These days, Jay keeps busy with his full-time schedule as a Security officer at Jackson Rancheria and completing his assignments for his Emergency Management class at Coastline. As a recipient of one of Jackson Rancheria’s scholarships for eligible employees, Jay is a regular visitor at Amador College Connect’s center on Highway 49 in Jackson. Jay’s enthusiasm for emergency management and online learning is contagious. Going back to school has helped Jay build healthy new routines for the future.