TED may be an acronym for Technology, Entertainment and Design, but it stands for much, much more. For many, it serves as a reminder to be idealistic in a seemingly pessimistic society.
About a week ago, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the TEDxMidwest conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Of course, this was not my first encounter with TED - in fact, me and TED go way back. I first came across the website about two years ago and watched several inspirational videos from Steve Jobs' "How to Live Before You Die," to Graham Hill's "I'm a Weekday Vegetarian." Guaranteeing-ly, every video on the TED.com serves a purpose, from tickling a funny bone to turning a smile upside down with more serious videos on topics such as 'sex slavery, corruption, gay-bashing and etc.'
The 'x' next to TED signifies that it is an independently organized TED event. Although this was the first annual TEDxMidwest event, the organizers and supporting staff made sure that it was an extraordinary event. But that is not it. I was given the greatest opportunity to work behind stage and converse with all the great speakers and performers. Over the course of a day and a half, I talked to individuals with interesting careers: National Geographic Photographer, Ocean Defender, Expert of Deception, Behavioral Economist, Painter, World Expert on Negotiation and Peace, National Geographic Explorer, Visual Designer, Dinosaur Hunter, Urban Revitalization Strategist, Sustainable Architecture Builder, Rainforest Conservationist, Chocoloatier, Storyteller,Imaginist, Top Hacker Guru, Ocean Ambassador and Space Program Head.
Without a doubt, there was something for everyone at this conference. It served as the exact thing I needed at the perfect time. With my upcoming move and start to my career, I feel like I am unstoppable. A few weeks ago, a good buddy of mine told me to start looking at life's path as a track with hurdles that I will definitely be able to get over if I prepare myself properly. There are no road blocks in life, only hurdles. Life is all based on how you view it.
I now have another goal to put on my bucketlist, another goal to strive for. One day, I would like to be a speaker at a TED event, and if I prepare myself properly, I will.
One Life, You Decide™
