Chasing your potential

There is this story told by Orson Welles, who got to know Winston Churchill during the Second World War. Years later, after Churchill had lost the election, he was on vacation in Venice, Italy with his wife Clementine. It just so happened that Orson Welles found himself in the same hotel.

As he walked into the restaurant one day, hustling a potential investor for money for one of his films, he spotted Churchill who also recognized Welles. Churchill gave him a discrete nod of recognition. This did not go unnoticed by the investor and deeply impressed as he was, Orson Welles knew he had secured the finances for his film.

The next morning, he went swimming in the sea, and again found himself next to Churchill. He proceeded to tell Churchill that he thought he ought to know what he had done for him, and thanked him for the gesture.

Later that evening, Orson Welles entered the dining hall with his newfound financier to have dinner. Churchill was having dinner with his wife, and as they passed their table, Churchill rose to his feet and took a deep bow for Orson Welles.

I think there are some lessons to be learnt from this. Apart from the humble, unpretentious and down-to-earth nature of Churchill, I also hope this will inspire all employees of ABQ to do everything possible to ensure our students achieve their potential. This means putting in all our efforts to ensure they succeed and have a solid base for what awaits them later in life.

On the other hand, I hope this also serves as an incentive for our students, supported by their parents, to take this opportunity to improve and become the best version of themselves.