Erin Ireland, a business owner and a food reporter connecting with attendees after presenting at TEDxSFU.
When it comes to attending a conference, it is easy to get swept away by the excitement and forget the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make the event come together and run smoothly. There are times when the organizers are smiling to everyone around them, but in their minds screaming and running around like chickens with their heads cut off, attempting to put out the fires that appear everywhere.
During my time with TEDxSFU, I met some amazing people that I will call my friends for the rest of my life. They are dedicated, hardworking, and just simply lovely to be around. As a Marketing Ambassador, I got to work alongside three wonderful marketers and countless others who have taught me so much in the short time that we have worked together. Throughout the months of planning and during the event I have learned 3 main lessons:
- Feast together & Laugh together. Sarah Lubik, a Beedie lecturer, had enforced this rule for group projects. She told us that it will change our teams dynamic, and she was so right. A simple act of breaking bread together is often overlooked. When you go out for a meal together, you get to forget about the work and you get to enjoy yourself. You get the opportunity to get to know the people you are working with. Many of our marketing “meetings” turned into hours of laughter and feasting where we wouldn’t get much work done… and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. On the day of the event, because we had gotten to know each other, working together was never a chore. We shared many laughs and stories during the countless hours of organizing and executing TEDxSFU. We became a family, even if only for a short while.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. These words from Terry Beech, another phenomenal Beedie lecturer, kept resonating through my head. They reminded me that I will always have much to learn, no matter how accomplished I feel in life. As an organizer, I had the privilege to have conversations with the speakers before their talks. One of the presenters I got to talk with was Linsay Dixon, a singer-songwriter from Chilliwack. She shared her life story with me, and explained how her passion for music had allowed her to speak-out in a way she never knew she could. Erin Ireland, a business owner and food reporter, reminded me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore the world around me. She encouraged me to take a break from daily routine and enjoy the beauty around us.
- Enjoy the journey. Too many times we get stuck in the ruts of life, the endless circle of “to do” lists, panic and stress. However, throughout my journey as a student, employee and a TEDxSFU marketer it has become ever so clear that it is about enjoying the experience along the way more so than the final destination. When I look back at the conference, some of my most memorable moments weren’t from the speeches but the conversations with the people I got to meet.
“Connect the Dots” what an apt theme. As I reflect on every aspect of this amazing experience, I can see where the dots in my life have connected. From passions to friendships, from learned skills to new knowledge, all of these moments form who I am. Though my time with TEDxSFU has come to a close, I know that the 3 lessons learned have helped shape who I am and how I view life. Even though the journey can be difficult, without these trials and hardships, I would never truly know my potential. Remember, break bread with new friends, don’t take yourself too seriously, and learn to enjoy your life’s journey.
Braeden Peterson is currently a 3rd year Entrepreneurship and Innovation student. He enjoys pursuing a range of experiences, and through these, enjoys meeting new people. Above all, Braeden enjoys adventures and any type of physical activity. These range from rugby and hiking to his favourite, cliff jumping. Along with his academic pursuits at SFU, Braeden works and volunteers. He is involved in Enactus’ program, Jumpstart, as an External Coordinator, volunteers as a youth leader at his church, and works as a swimming/diving instructor. Braeden wishes to continue pursuing his entrepreneurial passions with the many wonderful E&I students and faculty.