Saadia Taj

Artist, Blogger, Brainstormer, Care taker, Concerned citizen, Connector, Explorer, Foodie, Life mentor, Muslim, Performer, Scientist, Student, World traveler, Writer/Editor

My first interaction with anything TED initially began when I was a kid and my dad would gather us all into his bedroom in the morning to show us some new and interesting TED talk. However, my engagement with it really began when I joined the TEDxWayneStateU group in 2016, in my freshman year of college. I knew I belonged there when I went to their group interviews and everyone on the board just had something big to discuss. It was like their was no limit with what their minds could come up with, and being around that much curiosity and imagination was a definite attraction for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed every role I have played in that group from Faculty Curator, to President and Executive director, to advisor. I think I have always enjoyed it because no matter what, I was surrounded by a people of a diverse group of thought and interests whether that be business, art, science, religion, culture, inspiration. We learned so much from each and every person, and other people were equally as interested in learning from us. My favorite part however was meeting with the speakers. Their ideas and minds were filled with so much passion, imagination, and creativity. It excited me, and I realize how much I took it for granted now that I am in the working world, and will less frequently come across someone as eager to start a deep conversation with me about something. But I am even grateful for those experiences because it reminds me of how much I miss and love the TED community, that even after college I plan to get involved whenever and wherever I can. I don't think its really ever possible to leave the TED community once you've entered it. Whether a forever alumni speaker, or an organizer, the people you met, interactions you had, and relationships you built will remain a part of you forever... and in my case it is those things that inspire me to continue to be a life long learner to this day. So that's my story! I still hope to write up and give my own TEDx talk, but until then, I am down to hear all the others! :)