Benefits of Higher Education in Today's Society | Hanna Jaff | TEDxNishtiman

Summary

This inspiring story follows an individual who overcame cultural, racial, and personal obstacles to pursue higher education and make a difference in the world. With a diverse heritage—Mexican and Kurdish—and a passion for education, the speaker reflects on their journey from an immigrant child struggling with identity and racism to a leader in public service and education. Through perseverance and self-education, they created a foundation to help other immigrants and inspire change, emphasizing that true success comes from education, unity, and the power to uplift others.

Takeaways

• 😀 Education is a powerful tool that transcends judgments based on ethnicity, faith, and heritage.
• 😀 Personal perseverance and education helped the speaker overcome challenges like racism and isolation.
• 😀 Growing up with two ethnic backgrounds (Mexican and Kurdish), the speaker struggled with identity but found strength through education.
• 😀 The speaker's mission is to use education to bring peace and improve lives, especially for immigrants and refugees.
• 😀 The speaker established a foundation to provide English education to immigrants, aiming to enhance their opportunities for a better life.
• 😀 Despite numerous setbacks and rejections, persistence, education, and self-empowerment led the speaker to success in public service.
• 😀 Cultural awareness and empathy are crucial to breaking down barriers and changing perceptions, as demonstrated by the speaker’s Kurdish cultural awareness events in Mexico.
• 😀 The speaker's work shows that success comes not from external validation, but from internal conviction, hard work, and the impact you make on others.
• 😀 The speaker faced personal sacrifices, including being away from family, missing important life events, but continued to push forward for the sake of their mission.
• 😀 Education, knowledge, and the willingness to learn from different fields and cultures are key to creating positive change in society.
• 😀 Ultimately, the speaker believes that the true measure of success is the difference you make in the lives of others, using education as the foundation for a better, more peaceful world.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to pursue education and public service?

The speaker was motivated by the desire to make a difference for both sides of their heritage and for the global community. The struggles of being judged for their ethnic background and experiencing racism pushed them to focus on education as a means of overcoming judgment and making a positive impact on society.

How did the speaker's upbringing influence their perspective on identity?

The speaker grew up in a household with two ethnicities—Mexican and Kurdish—and experienced confusion about their identity. They faced bullying and discrimination but eventually embraced their heritage through education, which helped them gain confidence and understand their dual cultural identity.

What challenges did the speaker face when they moved to Mexico City?

Upon moving to Mexico City, the speaker faced the challenge of being alone in a new country without family or connections. They had to rely on their academic credentials and perseverance to find a job, ultimately being hired by the ruling party in Mexico.

What role did education play in the speaker's work and activism?

Education played a central role in the speaker's activism, both as a tool for personal empowerment and as a way to help others. They wrote English language books for immigrants and refugees, created cultural awareness events, and focused on using education to combat poverty and inequality.

What was the purpose of the foundation the speaker created?

The speaker founded a foundation focused on education to provide immigrants with the tools to improve their lives, particularly through learning English. They recognized the importance of education in helping people gain better opportunities and integration into new societies.

How did the speaker address the challenges of public service and social impact?

Despite facing many obstacles, including personal sacrifices and criticism, the speaker remained committed to their mission of social impact. They continued to pursue their goals by focusing on education, perseverance, and the belief that one person can make a difference.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of education for social change?

The speaker views education as the key to breaking down societal barriers such as racism, poverty, and ignorance. They believe that educated individuals can make informed decisions, contribute to the well-being of their communities, and create lasting change.

What challenges did the speaker face in their career and personal life?

The speaker faced emotional struggles, such as missing family events, being alone in a foreign country, and experiencing criticism and hate from others. However, they remained focused on their mission, understanding that personal sacrifices were part of the larger goal of making a difference.

How did the speaker's work impact others?

The speaker's efforts inspired others to pursue education, especially through the distribution of English books. They received messages from immigrants who were able to use their newfound knowledge to navigate difficult situations, like crossing borders and defending their rights.

What is the speaker's definition of true success?

True success, according to the speaker, is making a positive impact on others' lives through education and personal example. Success is not about material wealth or status but about contributing to the greater good and helping others rise above their circumstances.