I worked in an American school in Europe for two years.  One of my students, Rodrigo, was the kind who could never sit still for more than a minute. His body was in constant motion, his legs twisting and untwisting beneath his desk.  In the ten minutes before recess each day, Rodrigo’s internal motion regulator ramped up in anticipation.  His lower lip had a rash from regular teeth gnashing.  He was far and away, the most ADHD child I have ever worked with.

Rodrigo’s  teachers often found him daydreaming, fidgeting, or blurting out thoughts in the middle of lessons. It was clear that Rodrigo’s mind was racing faster than anyone could keep up with, and while this often led to frustration in the classroom, there was something undeniably special about him. Rodrigo spoke five languages fluently, switching between them effortlessly, and wasn’t afraid to experiment with words he hadn’t yet mastered. Despite his struggles with focus, his linguistic talents were nothing short of remarkable.

Academically, however, Rodrigo faced constant challenges. His ADHD made it difficult for him to complete assignments, follow instructions, or stay organized. Tests and quizzes were particularly tough, and his grades reflected the difficulties he had in traditional learning environments. Many of his teachers worried about his future, fearing that his brilliance might go unnoticed or unrecognized. Yet, even in the midst of his academic struggles, Rodrigo maintained an infectious curiosity and an unshakeable belief that he was capable of great things.

By the time Rodrigo turned 22, his path had taken a surprising turn. Despite his academic setbacks, he had discovered a passion for technology. Rodrigo’s ability to think outside the box, combined with his knack for languages and communication, led him to start his own computer support company. The business grew rapidly, with Rodrigo at the helm, solving complex problems and building a loyal customer base. His relentless energy, once a challenge in the classroom, became his greatest asset in the fast-paced world of technology.

At age 26, Rodrigo made headlines when he sold his company for an impressive sum. The once struggling student had become a successful entrepreneur, and his achievements were the talk of his hometown. However, Rodrigo hadn’t forgotten the challenges he faced in school or the teachers who had supported him despite his difficulties. With a heart full of gratitude and a desire to give back, Rodrigo returned to his elementary school with an extraordinary financial gift.

The day Rodrigo handed over the check was a momentous one. He stood in the very classroom where he had once struggled, surrounded by teachers who had seen him at his lowest points. With tears in his eyes, he spoke of how their patience and belief in him had made all the difference, even when the results weren’t immediately visible.

The donation was used to fund programs for students with ADHD and other learning differences, ensuring that future generations would have the support they needed to thrive. Rodrigo’s story became a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of nurturing individual character, and the impact that one person can have on the world.

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Coming Next Wednesday: What It Will Take to Commit to Character Education

From our first posting:

“As parents and teachers, we need to reclaim our traditional role as influencers of our children – not by shouting louder than the influencers our children discover online, but by stressing ideas that are more important than fancy shoes and snappy TikTok tunes. We need to emphasize traits that everyone agrees children will honor.  We need to convince our children that the people who are most important to them have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in life.”

John Zurn began his educational career teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children in K through 8^th grade independent school settings.   He went on to serve as Head of School for three independent schools over a twenty-eight year period.   John has written a book on a comprehensive school-wide character education program which was published in 2022 and updated in 2024.  He is currently working on a book directed towards teaching Traits for Success to students in grades 4 through 8.

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