NW Valley Times

"Contentment, communication, and confidence were at the forefront of TEDxGCU event held at Global Credit Union Arena on Saturday night. The event featured a lineup of inspiring speakers who shared their personal experiences and insights."

Grace Valentine, an author and speaker, emphasized the importance of choosing contentment over comparison, stating, “If you choose comparison, you’re only going to be cruel to yourself.” She highlighted the significance of cheering others on and making contentment a daily choice for achieving success.

Tracy Mergler, CEO of Safe Space Organization, stressed the need for addressing mental health in the workplace, stating, “When we don’t address and manage mental health, it becomes mental illness.” She encouraged fostering vulnerability to bring about positive changes in companies and communities.

Kenneth Mims, founder of the Neurodiversity Education Research Center, advocated for embracing neurodiversity in the financial sector, citing successful examples of neurodivergent individuals. Mims urged for collective acceptance of neurodiversity to unlock its potential.

Jennifer Edwards and Katie McCleary engaged the audience with their theme on emotional intelligence, highlighting the struggle many face in controlling their emotions. They introduced a framework involving concrete, inflated, and assumption to elevate emotional intelligence.

Nate St. John, a financial planning student, challenged the notion of easy success, emphasizing the value of earning accomplishments. St. John encouraged pursuing a life of meaning and fulfillment through perseverance and effort.

K.L. Wells shared a touching story of resilience amid addiction, emphasizing the prevalence of addiction issues in families. Wells highlighted the importance of support and understanding for those affected by addiction, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.

Michael Twining, with extensive agricultural experience, addressed the urgency of addressing climate change and emphasized the role of sustainable practices in mitigating its effects. Twining urged choosing facts over fear to drive positive change.

Harrison Boe, a singer/songwriter, shared his journey of finding satisfaction in music and chess, moving away from the pressures of comparison and external validation. Boe emphasized that accomplishments do not define one's identity, underlining the value of personal fulfillment.

The TEDxGCU event, organized by GCU students, brought together a diverse range of perspectives and insights, promoting a message of contentment, communication, and confidence. Speakers and attendees alike were inspired to embrace these principles in their lives and communities.