Follow Steve Facebook
Email Steve Email
Education
Sep 7, 2018

'I Hate...'

Sponsored Content provided by Steve Adams - Owner & Director, School of Learning Arts

As the new school year begins for us at SOLA, there is one question we always like to ask our team of teachers: “What’s the one thing we wish to teach our children this year?” 

My art director, Maya Murano, likes to answer, “This year, I would like to teach our children to stop saying, 'I can’t.'” 

The word “can’t” is a very powerful four-letter word and it can hinder just as much as it can prohibit. It is a phrase that embodies a child’s worst enemy - unreasonable boundaries. However, there is another four-letter word we like to teach our children at SOLA not to say. And that word is “hate.”

For us at SOLA, we believe hate is the ultimate curse word. We simply don’t believe in it and we feel our children (for the sake of their future and for those around them) will be better without it in their lives.

Sure, we can dislike something. We can dislike anything we choose; that is our right. We can dislike strawberries, dark rain clouds, humidity or certain flavors. We can even choose to dislike how another is treating us.

But don’t choose to hate something or someone. Hate is not an emotion. Hate is a choice. 

When our doors open, I personally have noticed nine out of 10 parents will also use that aforementioned word in a casual conversation with us. It is a safe assumption that at one point in everyone’s life they have said, “I hate this and that!” Attorneys. Scientists. Professors. Even doctors.

So, for us at SOLA the best thing in the world is when we hear our students sweetly reply to that parent, “We don’t use that word here.” 

It’s time to stop hating. Perhaps it’s even time we stop acknowledging the word itself. It’s time to focus on happiness. 

SOLA takes a proactive way towards happiness by partaking in indoor and outdoor activities, from organized outdoor cooperative games, gardening and theater to arts, cooking and music with professional artisans.

SOLA is a TV- and video game-free zone. We work at boosting imaginations and creativity all year round! We offer painting, collage, drawing, model building, murals and more. We are focusing on our future’s architects, leaders and entrepreneurs. But, we’ll dive more into that later.

At SOLA, we respect each other. We are kind. And we are happy. 

Steve Adams is the owner and director of SOLA. Although his journey to SOLA was unexpected, he has always had a talent for mentoring kids and creative design. Since graduating from UNCW in 1992, he has spent 20 years coaching baseball, basketball and Ultimate Frisbee locally. He left a 12-year career in the art of landscaping in 2004 before leaving the field to pursue a career for which he was passionate. He began working at SOLA that year and purchased the school in 2006. Originally from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Steve has a twin brother and a younger brother, and enjoys the outdoors, especially the mountains. Contact Steve at [email protected] or (910) 798-1700.

Solalogofinalhi res
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign2 9202334730

Investing in the Health of Our Communities, for Today and the Future

Novant Health - New Hanover Regional Medical Center Novant Health
Jimheadshot

The Wilmington Construction Market: Trends, Recognition, and Challenges

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group
Screenshot2022 01 06at338 162234623

Food is the Foundation for Prosperous Communities

Girard Newkirk - Genesis Block

Trending News

Vantaca’s Balancing Act

Audrey Elsberry - May 17, 2024

Channel, UNC Law School Aid Wilmington Small Businesses

Audrey Elsberry - May 16, 2024

Developers Mark Opening Of $78M Apartment Project At Riverlights

Staff Reports - May 17, 2024

Two Apartment Projects Pitched For Kerr Avenue

Emma Dill - May 17, 2024

As Hurricane Season Heats Up, How Do Builders, Laws Prep Homes For Storms?

Emma Dill - May 17, 2024

In The Current Issue

Area YMCA Continues To Expand

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina has about 13,000 members; approximately 11,000 live in the greater New Hanover County area....


Submarine Museum Could Surface Here

​A museum would continue to support those military families and honor submarine veterans but also serve as a way to provide science and math...


Topsail Island Museum Offers New Exhibit On Black Heritage

Ocean City Beach was established in 1949 and became the first community in the state where Black people could purchase oceanfront property....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season