TEDx The Ohio State University: Reconstructing Reality

On March 5th, 2016 I attended the TEDx event at Ohio State. The event easily became one of my favorite things I have done at Ohio State, as in one day I learned more about life than I had ever known before.

The atmosphere of the event was incredible. As I walked into Mershon Auditorium’s balcony seating, I saw hundreds of people gathered under the same roof for the enriching experience. There were people of all different cultures, ages, and interests, but our differences in this place did not divide us, rather pulled us closer together. When the event commenced, the thunderous applause echoed up into the rafters; I knew it was going to be a special memory.

In a 3 hour span, I learned about how the Amish culture promotes teamwork in our independent society, how the Black Panther group’s purpose has been misunderstood, the events of Syria from a Syrian’s perspective, the application of superheroes to real life, and the benefit of pets for people. I heard an amazing poem about what it’s like to be a black woman, and watched beautiful ballet and contemporary dance pieces. During the intermissions, I was in awe by the music produced by the 5 of 5 string quintet.

When I walked out of Mershon, I felt like a cultured individual. Exposed to different perspectives and different forms of expression, this event opened my eyes to the different struggles and celebrations the people around me face. I hope to continue to attend these events in the future, as well as enjoy what the people around me can teach me on an everyday basis.