Thriving through change with lifelong learning | Nurken Aubakir | TEDxDostyk Ave

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker explores lifelong learning through the lens of curiosity, embracing change, adaptation, resilience, and never settling. Drawing parallels with dolphins, the speaker highlights how learning is an ongoing, evolving process. Using personal stories and examples, including the challenges faced while learning English and adapting to new environments, the speaker emphasizes that learning is not a burden but a journey of growth. The talk encourages individuals to stay curious, resilient, and open to change, making lifelong learning a transformative, empowering experience.

Takeaways

• 🐬 Dolphins demonstrate lifelong learning and communication, showing us the value of curiosity and adaptability in life.
• 🧠 Lifelong learning begins with curiosity, which motivates exploration, growth, and discovery throughout life.
• 🔄 Embracing change is crucial; stepping out of comfort zones can lead to transformative life experiences.
• 🌱 Adapting to new environments and challenges allows personal growth, even in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances.
• 💪 Resilience helps us overcome hardships, transform challenges into opportunities, and achieve long-term success.
• 🚀 Never settling means continually striving for growth, improvement, and expanding one’s knowledge and skills.
• 📚 Knowledge alone is never complete; there is always more to learn, explore, and understand.
• ⚒️ Hard work builds on knowledge, helping us reach further and achieve meaningful goals.
• 😃 Attitude is key; a positive mindset enhances learning, growth, and the ability to navigate life effectively.
• 🌊 Lifelong learning is a journey, not a task, guiding us to adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
• 🎵 Small steps fueled by curiosity, resilience, and engagement—like learning a language through songs—can lead to life-changing opportunities.

Q & A

Why does the speaker start the talk with a dolphin sound?

The speaker uses dolphin sounds as a metaphor for communication. Dolphins' way of communicating is unique and filled with meaning, similar to how humans communicate and learn in a constantly changing world.

What is the significance of the acronym 'LEARN' in the speech?

'LEARN' is used to represent the key concepts in lifelong learning: L stands for Lifelong Curiosity, E for Embracing Change, A for Adapting Yourself, R for Resilience, and N for Never Settling. These elements are framed as essential parts of personal growth and learning.

How did the speaker's daughter react to the idea of lifelong learning?

The speaker's daughter, Aisha, reacted with a typical teenage response, saying that lifelong learning sounded awful, reflecting the feeling that learning never stops and can feel overwhelming.

What role does curiosity play in lifelong learning, according to the speaker?

Curiosity is the starting point for lifelong learning. It pushes individuals to explore, discover new things, and grow. The speaker shares a personal example of how his curiosity about the English language led him to a life-changing experience.

How does the speaker relate his childhood experience with learning English to lifelong learning?

When the speaker was 10 years old, he couldn't understand English but developed a curiosity for it through songs. This curiosity drove his lifelong learning journey, and he eventually became an English language teacher, demonstrating how curiosity sparks long-term growth.

What does 'embracing change' mean in the context of lifelong learning?

Embracing change refers to adapting to new challenges and environments. The speaker recounts his personal experience of leaving a small town to pursue higher education, illustrating how stepping into the unknown can lead to significant growth.

What is the significance of the speaker's story about his first year at pre-university college?

The speaker's difficult first year highlights the challenge of adapting to a new language and culture. It underscores the idea that adapting oneself to new circumstances is a key part of personal development and lifelong learning.

How does the speaker define resilience in the context of learning?

Resilience is the ability to overcome challenges and transform hardships into stepping stones for growth. The speaker compares this to the way dolphins navigate the ocean, diving, twisting, and leaping to overcome obstacles.

What personal experience does the speaker share to highlight the impact of resilience?

The speaker shares a story of visiting a former teacher and encountering a former student who credited the speaker for inspiring him to be resilient. This full-circle moment shows how resilience can not only change one's life but also inspire others.

What does the speaker mean by 'never settling' in lifelong learning?

'Never settling' refers to the idea that lifelong learning is a journey of continuous growth. The speaker emphasizes that settling for 'good enough' limits potential, and lifelong learning keeps individuals evolving and adapting to the changing world.

How does the speaker explain the relationship between attitude, knowledge, and hard work?

The speaker uses a numerical exercise based on the English alphabet to explain that while knowledge and hard work are important, it's one's attitude that ultimately drives success. Attitude is seen as the key to navigating challenges and achieving growth.

What is the final message the speaker conveys about lifelong learning?

The speaker encourages the audience to view lifelong learning not as a burden but as a continuous journey of growth, adaptation, and discovery. Lifelong learning is presented as a superpower that allows individuals to navigate life's challenges and seize new opportunities.