We did it. The first ever ADDO Gathering reached over 700 students from more than 50 schools! Over the next few weeks, I will be relaying some of the lessons learned from that day.

For now, check out the welcome letter to the individuals who attended the event

“If entrepreneurship was easy, everyone would do it”

However, if you dare to do something different, if you are bold enough, brave enough, and brash enough to start something from scratch…keep these things in mind…

Why is it so easy for me, halfway across the world in Africa, to enter the home of a stranger and listen to their story, while I am often unwilling and uninterested to stop, even briefly, in my hometown of Atlanta to hear what people have to say?

One of the things I always remind myself is, “You can’t help but love someone once you know their story.”

As we ended each program this summer, I told this story and challenged our students. However, I think it is a message we should all take to heart. Take a step back and think about the experiences you have had in your life, think about the opportunities you have been blessed with, think about the potential you hold in your hands… Don’t play marbles with diamonds!

“You will be the same person in 5 years that you are today except
for 2 things: the people you meet and the book you read” –Charlie Jones

The value and importance of reading can’t be stated too often or too strongly. Simply put, books change people’s lives. The right book at the right time has the power to drastically impact an individual.