| Attachment | Size |
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| University President John Ottosson | 679.26 KB |
| Joe Kirkham | 663 KB |
John Ottosson, President of William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa and Joe Kirhkam, successful business owner presented to Salem Hills High School faculty last week regarding teens and success.
Ottosson, a Swedish immigrant, struggled with a language barrier as a youth and was considered at-risk. Through these challenges, Ottosson discovered that the positive reinforcement teachers provided him was invalueable. "My instructors saw me as more than an immigrant," he said. “They held me accountable, but encouraged me as well. It gave me the confidence needed to do my best in life."
Ottoson’s long-time friend Joe Kirkham accompanied him on the visit. “ We have been friends for many years; and come from different backgrounds, but we've learned that understanding the perspectives of others is huge in business and life successes." Kirkham is owner and developer of Moscow Sports, a hugely succesfull start-up company based out of the university's town.
The two freinds know when to keep it professional, but add that hard work and fun creates successful, happy individuals, students, and employees.