Making a Difference, One School at a time:
Greg Mortenson Visits Fremont.
by Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
As a career counselor who helps people find happiness in their work, I have been deeply inspired by Greg Mortenson’s work and his passion for what he does. Reading his book Three Cups of Tea has been life-changing for me because it is proof that one individual’s work and determination can make a tremendous difference, both locally and globally. I highly recommend you read Three Cups of Tea and/or make it to one of the events during Mortenson’s visit to Fremont on Tues, March 3. I’ll bet you will leave inspired and energized to make a difference too!
Greg Mortenson has made it his life mission to promote peace through education — by building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. To date, Mortenson has helped build over 78 schools in the most remote regions of Central Asia. The schools provide education to over 28,000 students, with an emphasis on girls’ education.
Mortenson’s quest to build schools began after a failed attempt to climb K2, the second highest mountain in the world. Disoriented from fatigue and the high altitude, he took a wrong turn while descending the mountain and stepped foot in a remote Pakistani village. The village chief warmly offered hospitality, refreshments, and a safe place to sleep while he recuperated. During his stay, he was moved by the sight of the village children patiently learning their multiplication tables – without teachers or a school building. When he left the village, he vowed to build them a school.
Mortenson made good on the promise he made to the village chief in 1993. Since then, he has built 78 schools all over Pakistan and Afghanistan. His schools bring the promise of education to the young people living in these inaccessible areas. Mortenson’s dedication to the education of these children is particularly admirable given the harsh and dangerous conditions that at times confront him. On his quest to build schools, he has been kidnapped by Pashtun tribesmen, dodged gun battles and landmines, and even survived two fatwahs from Islamic Mullahs. Even some fellow Americans turned against him, especially after 9/11 when he received death threats for helping Muslim children.
Despite these obstacles, Mortenson continues his tireless mission to promote peace through education. He is loved and respected as a humanitarian and a hero in the communities where he has built schools for the children. You can read more about his extraordinary work in his New York Times Bestseller Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mision to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time.
You will have a rare opportunity to hear from this remarkable person when Mortenson makes a personal visit to Fremont on March 3. He is eager to connect with students and adults of all ages during his visit. At 1 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, he will be speaking at the Guy Emanuele Jr. Pavilion, in Logan High School, 1800 “H” Street, Union City. For more information about the visit, and tickets, go back to the Welome Page and access the “Whats New” article “Tickets for Greg Mortenson’s Visit to Fremont”.
A late note: The second session at the Diamond Palace in Fremont is sold out.
In addition, you will also have the opportunity to meet with Mortenson in a smaller group setting. This is a rare chance to talk with Mortenson, have your books signed, and have your picture taken with him. This gathering is limited to 25 people and tickets are $150 each. Proceeds from the special session will be used to cover the costs of the entire event. This gathering will be held at the Diamond Palace from 5 pm to 6:15 pm. For more information, call the AAUW Website phone at (510) 728-9708 and ask for Genevieve.
Tickets to both events are selling quickly, so don’t delay if you want to attend either event.
Mortenson’s visit has been possible by the Fremont Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Said Genevieve Angelides, Three Cups of Tea Program Manager: “Greg Mortenson is also a member of AAUW. AAUW and Mortenson both believe in breaking down educational barriers for all girls and women in the world, and in providing educational opportunities for all women, indeed all people, to help banish ignorance and bring about peace.” To learn more about the Fremont AAUW, click on the AAUW Website link at the top of the Welcome Page.
Can people make a difference in the world through their work? The answer is an absolute YES. If you would like to meet someone who is transforming the lives of people across the globe, then come and meet Greg Mortenson when he pays a visit to Fremont on March 3rd, 2009. I’ll see you there!
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Union City. She specializes in helping people find maximum satisfaction in their careers and relationships. She can be reached at 510-744-1781. Her website is www.annechanconsulting.com
© Anne Chan, 2009.