Change is an inseparable part of nature: seasons come and go; species adapt over time. Yet, humans remain fundamentally different. We are utterly adverse to change. We structure our lives according to routine; we scarcely venture into the unknown; we prefer straight paths (high school to college to career) over more circuitous journeys (gap year, entrepreneurship, living abroad). In a world adverse to change, I hope to encourage my audience to embrace it.
My father’s passing could have been an obstacle; it could have closed doors of opportunity and pressed my family into mourning. Instead, I embraced the unexpectedness of life, and in doing so, turned tragedy into a chance for a new beginning. I embraced a new country, a new language, new friends, even a new father. The world is full of unknowns, but we shouldn’t approach them with fear; we should explore them with courage and curiosity. I was only three years old when my father passed away. His sudden departure dramatically altered the trajectory of my life.
Three years later, my mother married my stepfather, an affectionate and open-minded man. Together, we left my birth home, Madrid, Spain, for a fresh start in Italy.
The combination of a new father and a new land was exhilarating. I developed a passion for food, Renaissance art, and music. I also mastered two new languages: Italian and English.
Fast-forward five years, and we moved to America. With my sister now in college, and brother attending boarding school, I learned what it meant to be an only child.
Eventually, I grew hungry for my next adventure: I applied to boarding school and arrived on campus as the youngest student in school. Among other things, I captain cross-country, lead the Young Democrats, and play in the advanced jazz band. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx