Hi, I'm Scott | Scott Mescudi | TEDxSHHS

Summary

In this heartfelt and humorous speech, the speaker reflects on their journey from school to pursuing a music career. They share personal anecdotes about their struggles with academics, their move to New York, and the determination that fueled their success in music. They emphasize the importance of hard work, persistence, and self-confidence in achieving one's dreams, while acknowledging the support of family and friends. Through stories about their youth, challenges, and eventual triumphs, the speaker encourages the audience to believe in themselves and pursue their goals fearlessly.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is an alum of the school and finds it surreal to be back after decades, noting that their class used to sit in a specific section.
• 🎤 The speaker, although not typically fond of public speaking, agreed to the TED Talk to reflect on their life journey, focusing on personal experiences.
• 🎶 The speaker admits they weren’t the best student in school, but found their passion and dedication in music, which ultimately shaped their path to success.
• ❤️ The speaker’s mother played a pivotal role in their journey, providing emotional and financial support, even when it was difficult for her to let them go.
• 🏙️ The move to New York at age 20 was challenging, but the speaker embraced the fear and uncertainty, viewing it as part of their growth and quest for success.
• 💪 Despite academic struggles, the speaker found their drive and confidence in pursuing music, proving doubters wrong by focusing on their goals and work ethic.
• 🧑‍🎤 The speaker explains how music served as an outlet for expressing emotions and dealing with personal struggles like depression, which resonated with others.
• 💼 Hard work and persistence, described as a lifelong grind, were central to the speaker's success in the music industry and later ventures into acting and producing.
• 🤝 They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with driven, like-minded individuals who can inspire and support personal goals.
• 🎯 The speaker encourages the audience to believe in their potential, work hard, and pursue their goals with focus and determination, despite the challenges life may throw at them.

Q & A

What is the speaker's connection to the school where the TED Talk is taking place?

The speaker attended the same school in the past and mentioned sitting in the same area as the audience when he was a student.

Who is Kendra, and why is she mentioned in the talk?

Kendra is a former classmate of the speaker. He recognizes her from the audience and reminisces about their school days.

How does the speaker describe his feelings about returning to the school after many years?

The speaker finds it surreal to be back at the school for the first time since around 1999 or 2000, emphasizing how much time has passed and how strange it feels to be in the same room again.

What was the speaker's initial reaction to being asked to give a TED Talk?

The speaker was surprised and initially questioned why he was approached to give a TED Talk. He mentioned not being accustomed to public speaking, even though performing is his job.

What role did the speaker’s mother play in his journey?

The speaker's mother was his first and biggest supporter. She financially supported him when he moved to New York, even though she was initially hesitant about him leaving home.

What struggles did the speaker face during his school years?

The speaker admitted he wasn’t a good student and often didn’t apply himself academically. He also struggled with confidence and felt disconnected from his academic environment.

How does the speaker describe his transition to pursuing a career in music?

The speaker moved to New York with a strong determination to pursue music. He embraced the uncertainty and challenges, working various jobs to support himself while staying focused on his goal.

What advice does the speaker offer regarding achieving personal goals?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, persistence, and surrounding oneself with motivated people. He believes that hard work and focus are key to success and that anyone can achieve their goals if they truly want it.

How did the speaker feel about returning to Cleveland for a concert?

The speaker described his homecoming concert as the most important show of his life. It was the first time he saw his peers from school proud of him, which was a meaningful and emotional experience.

What is the speaker's perspective on failure and success?

The speaker believes that no one is a failure, and everyone has the potential to succeed if they work hard and stay focused. He stresses that life may present challenges, but with determination and belief in oneself, anything is possible.