What is your dream job? | Cecilie Johnsrud | TEDxYouth@FortWorth

Summary

In this heartfelt speech, a high school junior reflects on the journey of discovering her passion and the importance of pursuing what you love. From childhood dreams of becoming a supermodel to finding her true passion in Model United Nations, she emphasizes the role of family and mentors in nurturing ambition. The speaker shares how their encouragement led to personal growth and achievements, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers driven by passion rather than just security. The message is clear: fostering ambition and love for one’s work can lead to a brighter, more fulfilled future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pursue your passion: Don't settle for a career just for financial security. Choose something you love to do.
• 😀 Family support is crucial: Encouragement from family and mentors can help you achieve your dreams, even if your ambitions change.
• 😀 Career paths evolve: It's normal for your career ambitions to shift as you grow, and that's okay.
• 😀 Early exposure matters: Experiences like career days or extracurricular activities can help shape your future interests and passions.
• 😀 Passion leads to success: When you love what you're doing, you will be more driven to succeed and go above and beyond.
• 😀 Ambition is key: Believing in yourself and having the confidence to pursue new opportunities is essential for growth.
• 😀 Celebrate small victories: Every achievement, big or small, builds momentum and confidence for future endeavors.
• 😀 Stepping out of your comfort zone is important: Taking risks and trying new things can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
• 😀 It's okay to change your mind: Don’t be afraid to pivot your career goals or interests as you gain more experience.
• 😀 Encouraging others to love their jobs: As we guide the next generation, it’s important to teach them to pursue work that they are passionate about.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message in the speech?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing a job you love, supported by family encouragement and ambition. They highlight the significance of doing what you are passionate about, rather than just seeking financial security.

How did the speaker's parents influence their ambitions?

The speaker's parents consistently encouraged them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams, whether those dreams were realistic or changing. This support helped foster confidence and the belief that they could achieve anything they set their mind to.

What role did the speaker’s family play in their success?

The speaker credits their family, especially their parents, for encouraging them to take risks, step out of their comfort zone, and follow their interests, which played a crucial role in their personal and academic achievements.

How did the speaker's career interests evolve over time?

The speaker's interests shifted from wanting to be a supermodel, to a lawyer, CEO, and even an Olympian. Eventually, they found a passion for Model United Nations, demonstrating that ambitions can change but the encouragement to pursue them remains constant.

What is the significance of the speaker’s involvement in Model United Nations?

Model United Nations (MUN) became a major passion for the speaker, where they found fulfillment in real-world problem-solving and teamwork. Their dedication to MUN led them to achieve an Outstanding Delegate award and seek out additional opportunities like international conferences.

What was the impact of the speaker's first grade career day experience?

The first grade career day inspired the speaker’s early ambitions, including wanting to be a supermodel. Though their dream changed over time, this moment set the foundation for the speaker's belief in their ability to aim high and pursue various career paths.

How does the speaker feel about the traditional view of a job as just a 9-to-5 for a steady income?

The speaker rejects the notion that a job should merely be a means to an income. Instead, they believe jobs should be pursued with passion and fulfillment, challenging the idea that work is only about financial stability.

What does the speaker suggest about how society should approach career guidance for the younger generation?

The speaker advocates for encouraging the next generation to love what they do, to be ambitious, and to follow their passions. They suggest that society should support young people in cultivating a sense of purpose and excitement about their careers.

What does the speaker's reference to 'Barbie' symbolize?

The reference to 'Barbie' symbolizes the speaker’s evolving career aspirations. The different versions of 'Barbie' represent the many roles the speaker envisioned for themselves over time, highlighting how career dreams can change while core values and self-belief remain.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of family support in achieving success?

The speaker emphasizes that family support, especially from parents, is crucial because it helps build self-confidence and encourages the pursuit of ambitious goals, even when those goals might seem unrealistic or unconventional.