Ted*USC--Living a Remarkable Life

A wise person once told me, surround yourself with those you aspire to become. On March 23, 2009, I did just that by attending the first annual Ted*USC event. With over 1200 students, faculty, and community members, Ted kept us all willingly trapped all in an auditorium for an entire afternoon of 18 minute lectures on everything from how to aid our crippling economy, to how to sustain life in Biosphere 2, to collaborative scientists working on things that matter and even rapping about it (yes, I said rapping, you too can get a glimpse of that on Youtube). A performance by an Indian rock star, the U2 of India was that much more special when his guest Melissa Ethridge came and performed a duet reminding us that we may be different but we really are the same.

A good friend introduced me to Ted a few years ago where innovative thinkers come together from every discipline to have discourse on the world and more importantly how to make it better. Each one of us has a role in this world, each one of us can make significant impact and create changes in the way we see the world.

Of all the inspirational speakers that took the stage in person or in video, a couple of presentations really resonated with me. In her talk, Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love reminds us that we should not live life in fear, that our best days have already passed. Aimee Mullens was born without fibulae in both legs. She was never supposed to be able to walk but Aimee became an athlete and a model. Aimee reminded us that beauty like life is a matter of perspective. Aimee is able to stand tall and proud on her prosthetic legs and tell us that circumstances do not dictate what you can do with your life.

I loved the energy that Ted*USC provided. Although a lifetime Bruin, I can applaud USC for its innovative efforts in putting on this conference. I am positive made each person who left the conference a little more inspired and awakened by humanity and our capabilities.

What did I personally take away? What we choose to do with our lives is so important. So many of us are on this journey called life, and once in a while I come across someone who just loves what they do and where they are in life. There is a sincere radiance in their energy. This is not to say that life is perfect for them, each of us have our own set of issues and dilemmas whether long term or short but the desire to live a remarkable life is a gift that we are all provided. Attending Ted reminded me that we should be careful stewards of this gift.