I see something !!- Dananjaya Hettiarachchi at TEDxYouth@Colombo

Summary

In this deeply personal story, Danja Hiari reflects on his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a man who discovers his true potential through the people he meets. From an early brush with the law to navigating the pressures of education, he faces setbacks, including failures in exams and the struggle of depression. However, his life takes a positive turn when he is introduced to dance and later, through mentorship, finds purpose in speaking. His story emphasizes the power of association, self-discovery, and resilience, inspiring others to seek the right guidance and embrace their hidden talents.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal story about his first arrest at 18, illustrating how a youthful act of aggression led to a life-changing lesson from his mother.
• 😀 Growing up in Sri Lanka, the speaker faced challenges in education, which led him to experience depression and uncertainty about his future.
• 😀 Despite his struggles in academics, the speaker found a new direction in life through dancing, which sparked his passion and gave him a sense of purpose.
• 😀 A key turning point occurred when a mentor, Shiromi Pereira, recognized potential in him and encouraged him to explore dancing, which ultimately changed his life.
• 😀 The speaker's life journey involved various mentors, including Anton Samur Singer, who taught him valuable life lessons through storytelling and hands-on work.
• 😀 The advice from Anton Samur Singer to 'dream about it, think about it, and live it every day' was crucial in empowering the speaker to pursue his dreams.
• 😀 Despite pursuing dancing professionally, the speaker also took part in Toastmasters, where he discovered a new talent for speaking, adding another dimension to his aspirations.
• 😀 The speaker's first experience in an international speaking contest resulted in disappointment, but it helped him realize the power of resilience and the importance of learning from failure.
• 😀 An inspiring email from a war hero deeply impacted the speaker, reinforcing his belief in the importance of perseverance and the ability to bounce back after setbacks.
• 😀 Winning the World Tape Speech Contest marked a major milestone in the speaker's journey, leading to a trip to the USA where he had transformative experiences, both personally and professionally.
• 😀 Through the people he associated with and the lessons they shared, the speaker discovered his inner power and realized that everyone has untapped potential, which can be nurtured by those around them.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first encounter with the law, and what led to it?

The speaker's first encounter with the law occurred at 18 years old when he was arrested for aggravated assault and battery. This incident happened after he and his friends retaliated against bullies at another school, resulting in a confrontation that led to their arrest by the police.

How did the speaker describe his family dynamics growing up?

The speaker described growing up in a family where he had older brothers, one of whom faced bullying at a new school. His mother was described as emotional and influential, especially in moments of crisis. The speaker also felt a strong connection to his family, particularly after seeing his mother in distress during his arrest.

What was the impact of the speaker’s mother’s emotional reaction on him?

The emotional reaction of the speaker's mother, especially when she cried in shame outside the police station, had a profound impact. It was described as a life-changing moment that made the speaker reflect deeply on his actions and realize he was headed in the wrong direction.

How did the speaker cope with his academic and personal struggles after failing his A-levels?

After failing his A-levels, the speaker fell into depression and struggled with feelings of inadequacy. He was unable to get into a university like his friends and became disconnected from his studies, spending his days watching TV and sleeping. His father eventually encouraged him to try a professional exam (CIMA), but it did not lead to success either.

What role did dancing play in the speaker’s life during a difficult period?

Dancing, introduced by his mother as a family activity, became a turning point for the speaker. Initially hesitant, he soon found a passion for ballroom dancing, which gave him a sense of purpose and direction. It also led to meeting Shiromi Pereira, who believed in his potential and became an influential figure in his life.

Who was Anton Samur Singer, and what role did he play in the speaker's development?

Anton Samur Singer was a man the speaker's father introduced him to after his unsuccessful attempts at academics. Despite the initial discomfort, the speaker spent a year working for Anton, doing menial tasks, but in return, he gained valuable life lessons through storytelling and personal mentorship, which helped shape his understanding of success and personal growth.

How did the speaker’s involvement with Toastmasters influence his future?

The speaker’s involvement with Toastmasters marked another significant shift in his life. Initially going there with little expectation, he discovered a new talent for public speaking. His mentor, Arunas Salam Balj, also played a pivotal role in encouraging him, and this led the speaker to participate in international speaking contests.

What was the outcome of the speaker’s participation in the Toastmasters' International Contest?

In 2006, the speaker competed in the South Asia's Best Speakers contest but did not win. However, his experience led to the realization that he could inspire others. Later, he participated in the World Tape Speech Contest, eventually winning and becoming the only Sri Lankan to win the contest. This victory propelled him to international recognition and changed his outlook on life.

What was the significance of the speaker's experience at the Toastmasters' event in the USA?

The Toastmasters event in the USA was a pivotal moment for the speaker, both personally and professionally. He was exposed to a new culture, gained confidence, and found success in public speaking. Additionally, he had an eye-opening experience where he danced with women from different continents, reinforcing his belief in the power of discovering one's potential.

What is the central message the speaker conveys about the importance of associations in life?

The central message the speaker conveys is that the people we associate with can help us discover and channel our potential. By being around the right mentors and individuals who see something in us, we can unlock our true abilities and work towards something great. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having purpose and direction in life, which is often shaped by our associations.