I re-read a page I highlighted while enjoying a latte this morning...
Page 19:
“All summer, I’d looked at these mountains as goals, totally focused on the biggest one, K2. I’d thought about their elevation and the technical challenges they presented to me as a climber. But that morning, for the first time, I simply saw them. It was overwhelming.” Greg Mortenson, from Three Cups of Tea
About three weeks ago, a mentor of mine (thank you Harry Wong!) recommended I read this book by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.
I must admit, that over the past decade or so, I have learned to pick up the books that other people I respect recommend to me; it makes the “next” conversation with the person that much more interesting Generally, weeks or even months later, they will say something like, “So, did you ever get a chance to read that book?”
I bought a copy of Three Cups of Tea while I was in Manhattan on February 8th. Within three days, I was hooked (it must have been the long flight from JFK to LAX where I got to get about 100 pages in to the book before landing at home). I’ll let you read any of the information you can find out there...
Wikipedia, click here.
Website, click here.
Amazon, click here.
The quote that got me started was on the back cover: “Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but fifty-five schools...”
Those of you who know a little of my history know that I taught in a high school for a few years "way back" in the 1990's. To this day, I'm committed to sharing what I can with the teen/student population (as I'm still "on contract" with Los Angeles as a mentor for students learning how to manage their time, actions and projects).
At some point, I'm sure my paths will cross with Greg Mortenson, and we'll meet at some conference or other event. Until then, I'm going to keep him and his efforts on the radar. If you get a chance, check out his efforts. Whether or not you're in the education game, I think it's worth it to see what can happen if someone takes an interest and moves toward implementation.
I'm inspired, that's for sure!
Comments