Writing & Research

There’s a unique kind of person in this world – the one who’s always there for others. The dependable one. The problem-solver. The emotional anchor in every storm. These people are often called “strong,” and rightly so. But what’s often less acknowledged is the quiet, chronic cost of carrying that strength alone.

When I first stepped into international education, my focus was on leading a single school—creating an environment where students could thrive, teachers could grow, and a community could flourish. Over the years, that mission expanded. I realized that no school is an island.

Let’s talk about something we don’t discuss enough: Leadership can be incredibly lonely. As a school leader, you’re responsible for making difficult decisions, managing crises, and supporting everyone else. But who supports you?