Passion is Practical (My talk at TEDxYouth@Toronto)
In November last year I had the privilege to speak to some really cool high school kids from all over Toronto on Youth Day at TEDxYouth@Toronto. I wanted to tell them that it was okay if they liked things that didn't seem sensical or practical--given my teenage years were spent divided between my love of punk rock and computers. Eventually, when I learned to embrace both, I was led down some of the interesting paths in my life, but I resisted that for the longest time. So clearly, this was something that I wish I was told when I was younger (or even better: build a time machine and go tell my teenage self this). I figure that I'd put this here now that it's up on YouTube.
And I also left this as a message at the event:
"You will be told that following your dreams is impractical and impossible and that finding your passion is unimportant. But now, more than ever, you need to find your passion and follow your dreams because it is the most important step to take in your life. Focus on this. It is crucial because we as a society are reliant on your unique passions to solve the great problems of our time through discipline, energy and creative thinking. Our most innovative work arises from the empathy and experience of things we truly care about."
P.S. lots and lots of love to everyone involved... and of course, the youth that made it there -- showing up is half the battle.
P.P.S. talk is now on ted.com
