Inaugural TEDxBaylor University speakers offer inspiration, motivation
When it comes to speeches with an impact, TED Talks are the big leagues — and through their TEDx series, they allow grassroots voices to share their stories of overcoming obstacles, lessons learned, innovation and more.
Last fall, Baylor faculty, staff, students and alumni took the stage at the inaugural TEDxBaylor University event, where they presented speeches based on the theme of “Innovation in Deeds,” connecting to the University’s strategic plan through their own personal stories. (Those stories are now available online for a global audience.)
Here’s a sampling of what Baylor speakers shared; may their words inspire you through challenges and opportunities in your own life:
“Cancer helped me find my superpower” — Leigh Greathouse was just 24 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Now a researcher into the intersection of diet and disease as an associate professor of nutrition sciences and biology at Baylor, Dr. Greathouse spoke of her journey in her TEDx talk:
“Your superpowers … are buried under the question when life falls apart: ‘Why me?’ or ‘Why not me?.’ ‘Why me’ makes you a victim. ‘Why not me’ makes you an entrepreneur, a scientist, a teacher — someone who looks at suffering and asks, ‘What did you come to teach me?’ I’m not saying that suffering is good. But if you’re going through something hard, you can see yourself as a victim, or someone in the middle of their own superhero story… Everyone has superpowers. The question is, ‘Are you brave enough to claim them?’”
“Belonging together, flourishing together” — Dr. Erik Carter, the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities and Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing, remembers growing up in a world apart from individuals with disabilities. They were nearby, of course, but often separated in classrooms, churches or activities. Now a leading researcher at the intersection of faith and disability, Carter imagines a world in which belonging (beyond mere inclusion) is the goal for individuals with disabilities:
“What if what we long for is belonging? To create communities where we see one another in fundamentally different ways — not through the lens of labels, but of deep worth. Where every person is seen as invaluable, indispensable, as beautiful and beloved — where every member matters just as much. This isn’t about sharing space; this is about sharing lives, knitted together in relationship with one another. Our friends with developmental disabilities are calling us to a better way of being together.”
“A skeptic is your best friend” — Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling head coach Felecia Mulkey is the inventor of her sport, and the national champion head coach for every season of its existence — including the last 10 in a row here at Baylor. Her sport was further elevated this year when it was announced as an NCAA Championship sport. But long before the accolades, Mulkey remembers trying to get her sport off the ground — and finding growth through an unlikely source.
“Gary was my biggest skeptic, and he ended up being my best friend… He wasn’t all right [in his doubts about the sport], but he wasn’t all wrong. Little did I know our conversation would truly shape the future of the sport… Now, I actively seek out a skeptic. Let’s face it, the contrarians and ‘haters’ in our lives can teach us everything we need to know if we’ll listen. Find someone who will give you real feedback or is stubborn enough to argue, like Gary… If you want to do something big, seek out a skeptic and ask them to poke holes in your best-laid plans.”
And that’s just a sneak peak. You’ll also find Baylor students sharing thoughts on thinking outside the box, insights on how a room’s physical space can build community, and more. With 10 different speakers from higher ed and community leadership, there’s something for everyone — and something to learn in a quick, 10-minute format as you’re on the go.
Sic ’em, Baylor TEDx speakers!