I just came back from a visit to Athens, Greece. It was a combination of business and pleasure, as my wife Sue, and our 17-year-old daughter, Lucy came too. For those of you who have never been to Athens, it is nothing short of awe inspiring to visit the Acropolis and wander around the columns of the Parthenon, imagining what it must have been like all those years ago, as Western civilization was being born.
I was also there to speak to the Near East and Southeast Asia association of independent schools, or NESA. What an impressive group of people. It is so intructive to learn that children are facing the same issues regarding excessive pressure and excessive fear everywhere around the world.
I also had the chance to visit the Hallowell Center for Learning Difficulties, which is located at the American College of Greece. John Bailey, the president of the college, and his wife Irene have set up the center. It is now starting to grow. I met with the staff as well as some teachers and parents from Athens and discussed their concerns. It is clear that the strength-based approach, which I so deeply believe in, is needed and wanted in Athens—and everywhere.
I feel that I am on a mission now to bring this strength-based approach to as many places as I can. I want to help everyone unwrap the gifts they carry in their minds.
