Martin Luther King Jr. said: “The true measure of a man or of an institution cannot be taken in times of comfort and agreement, but rather in times of conflict and challenge”. The true measure of both, individuals and institutions, can be seen in the way they react during such times. Considering this, I think it is reasonable to examine the intersection of my life with the life of the Colegio Americano in these times of challenges. At this time, the life of our great institution and my own are connected through events.
Both the Colegio Americano and I have emerged from the controversy like steel hardened by fire. During the last four years, I have clearly seen how the Colegio Americano has become stronger, not weaker, as a result of outside influences. As Abraham Lincoln said, “The destiny of nations depends on the education of their youth.” Therefore, the Colegio Americano has created a better future for Ecuador. In spite of these outside influences, the Colegio Americano has continued its mission of preparing our students for a better future. It would seem that the conflict has fortified the Colegio Americano in the same way a muscle is trained for an Olympic event or a soccer team is prepared for the World Cup. Teamwork, as well as physical and psychological preparation have improved. It is not possible to think about failure, only about success. I remember the Olympic Games in Melbourne, when Billy Mills, the gold medalist in the 10,000 meter event was asked before the event “Who will win?” and without hesitation Billy answered, “I will.”

Just as in life, those who can, win. My personal life has been surrounded by challenges. My parents died before my fifth birthday. I attended a different school for every year of my primary and high school education. I was the first student to represent my High School in the cross country championship event. When I finished high school at 17, I left home. (I went to work in a copper mine to earn money in order to attend the university.) In spite of being an only child, I didn’t receive any help from my family to pay for the university. I was the first person in my family to attend a university. I had various jobs while I was a university student. I was also the first person in my family to travel outside of North America. (My first three trips abroad were part of mission program for university students.) After I graduated from the university, I joined the Army in order to pay for graduate school. While I was an intelligence official in the United States Army, I obtained honors as a beginning player on the team that won third place in the All Europe Rugby tournament in 1986. At the same time, I was the first person in my family to receive not one, but three graduate degrees and to publish a book and articles in the academic field. My entire life has been surrounded by challenges followed by success. True spirit never accepts defeat.

I have prospered with these challenges. One of the reasons that I chose the Colegio Americano was the way in which it manages its own challenges. In effect, while traveling throughout the world working in schools, I have chosen challenges. In the Colegio Americano, there is a group of dedicated alumni who have great leadership qualities and have prospered with these challenges. It is easy for me to see the best side of my colleagues since I have witnessed their conduct in times of great conflict and controversy. The dedication and love that the members of this great family of the Colegio Americano have for this institution are the reasons that I have chosen to stay and I feel proud to say, “I am another member of the Colegio Americano family.”