Gilbert Young, the world-renowned artist, is a friend of mine. While at lunch one afternoon, he shared an interesting story about his childhood. Gilbert told me that when he was in elementary school, a teacher labeled him as a slow learner; he was then placed in their Special Education Program.

When Gilbert was in the sixth grade, another teacher came along who really believed in him and discovered he had artistic abilities. This teacher encouraged Gilbert’s mother to enroll him in a program that was free to the public at the local art academy. Shortly after being enrolled in this program, he had immediate success.

Gilbert attended a vocational high school and upon his graduation, he had won an astounding forty-seven Key Awards in the arts. He also received a full scholarship to the Cincinnati Art Academy. Gilbert started competing and exhibiting in art shows at the age of nineteen. In the U.S. Army, he served as the battalion’s artist.

Years later, this so-called slow learner impressed his family and friends when he became the curator of the University of Cincinnati Fine Arts Collection – a multi-million dollar collection.

Gilbert Young’s famous painting, “He Ain’t Heavy” has sold nearly one million prints and his art has been featured in more than 5,000 galleries around the world.

I believe we’re all born with a measure of greatness and unless we get the encouragement we need, and be willing to take risks, we may never reach our full potential.

- Spark Plug