What makes you special? | Mariana Atencio | TEDxUniversityofNevada
TEDx Talks・13 minutes read
Mariana's journey from Venezuela to the US was marked by struggles with cultural differences, but she embraced diversity to become a journalist challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. Despite facing challenges covering the 2016 election and personal tragedies, Mariana advocates for dialogue and respect to bridge societal divides and celebrate human diversity.
Insights
- Mariana's journey from Venezuela to the United States showcases the significance of embracing cultural diversity and recognizing the value of differences in fostering understanding and acceptance.
- Through her experiences in journalism, Mariana underscores the necessity of promoting dialogue, respect, and challenging stereotypes to bridge societal divides and advocate for inclusivity and unity.
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Recent questions
How did Mariana's experiences shape her career choice?
Mariana's journey from Venezuela to the United States, where she faced challenges of cultural differences and acceptance, influenced her decision to pursue journalism. Through her experiences at summer camps and interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Mariana realized the importance of challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. Her encounters with political divisions during the 2016 election and personal tragedies further solidified her commitment to bridging societal divides through dialogue and respect.
What challenges did Mariana face in high school?
In high school, Mariana was paired with a Muslim roommate from Bahrain, Fatima, with whom she initially struggled to connect due to cultural differences. Despite their initial challenges, Mariana learned to appreciate and respect their differences, highlighting the importance of recognizing and embracing diversity in oneself and others. This experience shaped Mariana's perspective on cultural acceptance and understanding, influencing her future endeavors in journalism.
How did Mariana's personal tragedy impact her outlook on life?
Mariana's personal tragedy involving her sister's car accident highlighted the difficulties of overcoming negative perceptions and finding positivity in challenging situations. This experience reinforced Mariana's belief in reimagining oneself beyond societal norms and celebrating differences as part of being human. Despite facing adversity, Mariana's resilience and determination to promote understanding and acceptance remained unwavering, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms.
What motivated Mariana to pursue journalism?
Mariana's experiences of cultural diversity and acceptance, coupled with witnessing the impact of political divisions on immigrant families during the 2016 election, motivated her to pursue journalism. Through her work, Mariana aimed to challenge stereotypes, bridge societal divides, and promote dialogue and respect among individuals from different backgrounds. Her commitment to advocating for understanding and acceptance stemmed from her personal encounters with diversity and the importance of celebrating differences in society.
How did Mariana's childhood experiences shape her identity?
Mariana's childhood experiences, from feeling different at a summer camp in Minnesota to struggling to connect with a Muslim roommate in high school, played a significant role in shaping her identity. These encounters with cultural diversity and acceptance influenced Mariana's perspective on embracing differences in oneself and others. Her journey from Venezuela to the United States underscored the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding, and celebrating the diversity of individuals, including immigrants, athletes protesting, and those with physical or neurological challenges.
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Summary
00:00
Mariana's Journey: From Venezuela to America
- Mariana, a journalist, shares her journey from Caracas, Venezuela, to becoming a reporter in the United States.
- At a young age, Mariana was sent to a summer camp in Brainerd, Minnesota, where she felt different due to her Venezuelan background.
- Mariana struggled to fit in at the camp, feeling isolated and misunderstood by the other kids.
- Despite the challenges, Mariana embraced the American way of life and participated in various summer camps across different cities.
- In high school, Mariana was paired with a Muslim roommate from Bahrain, Fatima, whom she initially struggled to connect with due to cultural differences.
- Mariana reflects on the importance of recognizing and appreciating differences in oneself and others.
- Mariana's experiences of cultural diversity and acceptance led her to pursue journalism to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
- Mariana faced challenges covering the 2016 election, witnessing the impact of political divisions on immigrant families.
- Mariana emphasizes the need for dialogue and respect to bridge societal divides and promote understanding.
- Mariana shares a personal tragedy involving her sister's car accident, highlighting the difficulties of overcoming negative perceptions and finding positivity in challenging situations.
15:22
Celebrating Diversity: Embracing Unconventional Identities
- Emphasizes the importance of reimagining oneself beyond societal norms, highlighting the diversity of individuals including those with physical or neurological challenges, immigrants, athletes protesting, and encourages celebrating differences as part of being human.
