A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: An Appreciation
Few things frustrate me more than wasted potential. Seeing smart, capable, hardworking people who, through no fault of their own, are denied opportunities to live their lives to the fullest, motivate me to come to work as a counselor each day. When I met Sam Farmer about 2 months ago, it occurred to me that he could easily have become one of those people but he didn't. As Sam would put it, he's a man who wears many hats. He's a successful computer consultant, a husband, father, musician, and author. Sam was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was in his 40's and it changed his life.
Sam Farmer
Signed copies of A Long Walk Down a Winding Road will be on sale at Sam Farmer's appearance at Academy MetroWest on 12/4.
I had the opportunity to read Sam's new book, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road, shortly before it was published. In it, Sam writes about many of the challenges he's faced and lessons he's learned as he's walked the winding road of his life. He discusses the people who have both helped and hindered him along the way. Most importantly, he writes compellingly about his own road to self-discovery and self-acceptance in a way that would be invaluable to people, both young and old, who are facing similar challenges.
"If you can figure out - no matter what your challenges are - that we're all human beings and you try to embrace who you are. That strong sense of self can get you through anything. It can make your or break you. "
Sam Farmer, 11/16/19
Academy MetroWest is opening up this book launch event to parents, professionals and teenagers. Click on the image for more information or to register.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to see Sam's presentation at The Asperger/Autism Network's Annual Daniel W. Rosenn Fall Connections Conference in Marlborough, MA. His talk focused on his experiences as a teenager growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's. He described the gut-wrenching experiences of being bullied, ostracized, and misunderstood, along with an acknowledgement of the supportive people who had his back along the way.
Academy MetroWest has scheduled Sam to run a free workshop for parents and professionals on Wednesday, December 4th. Unlike other presentations we've organized, we're opening this one up to teens, as well as parents and professionals. Sam's description of the winding road he's walked on will resonate powerfully with adolescents who are walking on a similar path. If you're interested in learning more about this presentation or if you'd like to register, click on the link above and join us on 12/4. You'll be glad you did.