In the next installment of our Greatness Starts With Attitude series, we connect with a proud WISS parent and international business leader, Michael Oviedo. Michael is from the United States and is the United States, and his two children have been part of the Western International School of Shanghai community for the past couple of years. His journey has been a winding path shaped by experiences, aspirations, and unexpected twists. From his early dreams of becoming a college professor to his current role as an industry leader in the collectibles and authentication industry, he has learned that greatness does indeed start with one’s attitude.

At the age of 16, he was confident about his future— he wanted to be a college professor. The allure of academia pulled him in, promising intellectual pursuits and the chance to inspire young minds. But life has a way of surprising us. Suddenly, his path shifted as he decided not to pursue that traditional career. Instead, Michael found himself teaching students at Xiamen University and immersing himself in Chinese studies while pursuing his MBA in Global Management.

During this time, he started a career with Related a New York real estate firm. To his surprise, he discovered that real estate was not for him. But this revelation was a gift—it forced him to reevaluate his goals and ask; What do I truly want? What alignes with my passions and skills? The answer lay in his childhood memories: a box of old collectible cards waiting to be organized. Michael wondered if this could be a career opportunity.

From there, Michael delved into the world of collectibles. It was exhilarating—combining his love for problem-solving with his hobbies. As he navigated this new terrain, he realized the importance of having a clear vision. Like moving a mountain, it starts with a pebble. He needed a solid plan, planning his future one step at a time. Through this process, persistence became his ally.

Michael, through his experiences, challenges, and successes, shares Advice for Aspiring to Greatness

1. Define Your Vision: Know where you want to be. Clarity is essential whether it’s academia, collectibles, or any other field. Your vision should be specific and unwavering.

2. Execute with Persistence: A plan without action remains a dream. Execute relentlessly. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to greatness.

3. Embrace Change: Life will surprise you. Be open to redirection. Sometimes, the path you didn’t expect leads to your true purpose.

His journey—from academia to the world of collectibles—taught me that greatness isn’t a distant peak; it’s the path we forge. So, fellow dreamers, find your vision, gather your pebbles, and persist. Your greatness awaits.

Michael Oviedo’s story reminds us that our paths are shaped by both intention and serendipity. As we navigate life’s twists, let us embrace change, hold fast to our visions, and persistently move toward greatness.

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

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+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816451034

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拥抱多样性：全球创新学习联盟会议在新西兰奥克兰举行

全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）是一个著名的学校网络，致力于促进教育领域的创新、合作和文化交流。上海西华外籍人员子女学校（WISS）很荣幸成为全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）的成员，并兴奋地宣布将参加即将在新西兰奥克兰举行的全球创新学习联盟会议。此次会议为上海西方国际学校的学生提供了一次难得的机会，他们将在校长 David Edwards 先生、学术与创新部主任 Timothy Pyeon 先生和设计教师 Nwanneka Okwuosa 女士的陪同下，与其他 GAIL 成员学校共同促进多元化发展。

在中断四年之后，GAIL 会议将在新西兰奥克兰汇聚来自全球各地的教育工作者、管理人员和学生。今年的会议将特别关注多样性，承认多样性为教育机构带来的巨大价值。接受多元化观点、文化和思想的重要性无论怎样强调都不为过，GAIL 的目标是增强教育工作者创造包容性学习环境的能力。

WISS 始终站在倡导多元化和培养学生全球思维的最前沿。学校曾在 2019 年主办过 GAIL 会议，因此对这一活动的意义并不陌生。在 David Edwards、Timothy Pyeon 和 Nwanneka Okwuosa 等主要代表的陪同下，WISS 的学生将有宝贵的机会与来自其他 GAIL 成员学校的同学合作、学习和分享自己的独特经历。

本次会议的主要关注点是多样性，与会者可以期待一个深入探讨文化、种族、语言和社会多样性各个层面的丰富活动。研讨会、小组讨论和互动环节将为与会者提供在自己的学校创建包容性环境所需的工具和知识。会议旨在培养跨文化能力，弘扬学生和教育工作者的不同文化背景。

GAIL 会议之所以如此具有影响力，其中一个关键因素是它强调合作。与会者有机会参与合作项目，交流促进多样性和包容性的想法和最佳做法。通过这些互动，与会者将获得宝贵的见解和创新策略，并将其应用于各自的学校社区。

对于 WISS 的学生和更广泛的 GAIL 社区来说，在新西兰奥克兰举行的 GAIL 会议将是一次难忘的活动。当他们沉浸在一个多元、包容的环境中时，与会者将学到关于同理心、尊重和文化交流之美的宝贵经验。这次会议无疑将成为通过教育创造一个更加和谐和宽容的社会的垫脚石。

在即将于新西兰奥克兰举行的会议期间，WISS 与其他 GAIL 成员学校一道，热切希望为有关多样性的讨论做出贡献。通过参与此次全球对话，学校重申了其促进文化理解、拥抱多样性和推动教育创新的承诺。毫无疑问，GAIL 会议将成为积极变革的催化剂，教育工作者和学生将通力合作，共同建设一个重视和赞美我们丰富差异的未来。

WISS 主办 GAIL 会议（视频链接）