When my daughters were very young, we didn't have much money but went to Disney World for vacation. It began a heavy rain and people ran into the shops and under umbrellas. I turned to my daughter and said, "Do you want to get out from the rain?" She looked at me and smiled and said, "No, dad...were at Disney World!"
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Kevin Kessler
Title:
Head of SchoolPhotos
Kevin holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership and has 17 years of experience in education. Although his permanent residence is in America, he is most often found all around the world chasing down the school at various ports.
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I've learned that I cannot please everyone and that every decision I make in an effort to help one person often makes some other person unhappy. Ultimately, I need to focus on making the right decisions for my students (not the parents). This has not been easy for me since I try to be fair and equitable in all that I do.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
When I first met Ivan Chan and asked her what university she was going to attend, and she confidently said with a smile: "I don't know anymore. I thought I knew until this program changed my life and now I don't know what I want yet. I'm not lost or confused, I just know that there is more out there."
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would like to sail across the Equator and visit Fernando de nonha. Taking a long sail such as that one would be very peaceful and I would like to be disconnected from cell phones, laptops, and TVs (of course, 17 days is a bit long to be without my cell phone). Plus, it is an experience very few people in this world can say they've done.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Everything about our program is unique and that is truly amazing! I am so grateful to have found this school even with all of the challenges we've faced from previous leaders. I am so proud of how everyone came together for our MSA accreditation site visit to ensure that we passed 'with flying colors'.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Listening. I believe that everyone has the right to express themselves, to be heard, to be valued, and to voice their opinion. I've also found that, when leaders listen more, they get more done. Some people have very unique perspectives on life and its many difficulties, and sometimes a different perspective is exactly what is needed.