Horst Schulze
Today was quite an eventful in my Conrad Academy journey. It all began with a trip to Malibu, which brought a mix of contemplation and engaging conversations.
Our day started with a visit to the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey. As I perused the menu, something about the Acai Bowl was very attractive. When I received the bowl, however, the ratio of fruit to Acai was imbalanced, and it felt very overpriced for what was offered. My father also mentioned the unpleasant restroom conditions, which was surprising given the high standards set by the Ritz-Carlton's founder, Horst Schulze.
During our drive to Malibu, my father had me listen to a speech given by Horst Schulze. During his talk, Horst shared insights into his leadership journey and how he established the Ritz-Carlton brand. His famous motto, "We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen," left a deep impression on me. What struck me even more was Horst's miraculous survival from cancer. After being given a definitive death sentence by his doctor, he prayed to God, asking for 15 more years of life, and ended up living for over 25. And with all these extra years, he has traveled the globe to speak to thousands of people about leadership. It was a powerful lesson on the impact of living life with a higher purpose.
Later in the day, our friend Sharnetta joined us, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on how to rid one's life of the inner demons that can often torment us. We explored the topic of living with lies versus living a life of truth. I knew that the curriculum for the Conrad Academy would have no limits, but, I did not anticipate ever having such a discussion. I learned about the various gifts and abilities that some individuals may possess across a wide spectrum of religions to confront darkness. It was a captivating conversation that shed light on the mysteries of the unexplainable.
Today's experiences, from culinary observations at the Ritz-Carlton to the profound wisdom of Horst Schulze and the engaging discussion with Sharnetta, added rich layers to my journey at Conrad Academy. Each moment was a stroke on the canvas of my education, reminding me of life's intricacies and the boundless opportunities for growth and learning.
