What is your favorite aspect of Central Illinois or What you miss about Central IL
I think people from Central Illinois are genuinely nicer, friendlier, politer and more helpful than those anywhere else in the world. People from Central Illinois seem more extraverted and agreeable. They nearly always take the time to chat with each other, or smile and wave to every person they pass by, both friends and strangers alike.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I am passionate about exploration and learning about other countries and cultures, so I identify with Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay the first climbers to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, Amelia Earhart the aviation pioneer or T.E. Lawrence and Wilfred Thesiger who both lived extensively in Arabia.
Which famous person, dead or alive, you’d like to meet?
Mahatma Gandi and Dr Martin Luther King Jr., who both applied nonviolent resistance to address oppression. They had great impact on the 20th century's monumental struggles for freedom and justice. They both wielded nonviolent weapons effectively in the face of aggression and violence.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to some musical talent, like singing, playing the electric guitar or drums. Learning music enhances self-confidence, patience, discipline and teamwork.
What’s some of the best advice you’ve been given?
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“80% of the things you worry about actually never happens”, my father, Robert Sulaski
- “Seek to be responsible for more than your job”, unknown author
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“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.", Walt Disney
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“If you can dream it, you can do it.”, Walt Disney
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“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do”, Walt Disney
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve overcome?
Leaving the U.S., and starting over, adapting to a new culture in France. Then again, 26 years later, leaving my home in France and starting over, adapting to a new culture in China.
What social issue fires you up?
Discrimination or the unjust treatment and oppression of people based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age or disability. Discrimination strikes at the very heart of being human. Everyone has the undeniable right to be treated equally on the basis of merit and capacity.
I have found that travel helps people become more open-minded as it encourages empathy, deepens one’s understanding, increases self-awareness and increases trust in others.
What is your favorite sport to watch or play?
Football, because like other team sports, it develops these skills: team work, commitment, leadership, time management, handling stress, management and responsibility.
Finish the sentence “My life won’t be complete until I…”
Have visited every country in the world
What or who inspires you?
Who:
My father: For me, he is an example of someone who works hard, takes care of his family, who has an optimistic outlook on life and never complains, who developed me, who shares and has a sense of responsibility.
What:
A pure challenge: The excitement of working on seemingly unsolvable problems, to win out over tough opponents or to overcome difficult obstacles. The opportunity to win out over the impossible. Competition, newness, variety and difficulty become motivating themselves and if something is easy it becomes immediately boring
Thank you, Steve! You have truly been an inspiration to our Horizons students, and we look forward to having your speak with them again soon!
