What makes you special? | Mariana Atencio | TEDxUniversityofNevada

The Journey of Understanding Differences 00:00

"You never know what the future holds."

• Mariana Atencio recounts her childhood in Caracas, Venezuela, where her parents encouraged her to experience diverse cultures. This desire to explore was evident from a young age when her father sent her and her sister to a summer camp in the U.S., far from their expectations of Miami or Orlando.

• Upon arrival in Brainerd, Minnesota, Mariana was struck by the differences she encountered, such as the appearance of the other children and their ignorance about her background. Their innocent questions highlighted their unfamiliarity with her culture, making her feel out of place.

• Despite feeling hurt by the differences, she took on a protective role for her younger sister, who struggled with homesickness. Mariana learned to adapt and embrace the new American lifestyle, marking the beginning of her journey of understanding diversity and belonging.

The Importance of Connection 03:45

"Everybody wants to feel valued and accepted."

• Mariana details her experiences in different summer camps and schools where she learned that creating connections required effort, especially when one feels different from the crowd.

• In high school, she faced a new challenge when her father sent her to live with a Muslim girl, Fatima, who she initially viewed as an obstacle to fitting in. This realization highlighted the struggles of understanding and accepting differences.

• The bond between Mariana and Fatima failed to develop, leading Mariana to reflect on her selfish desires rather than understanding Fatima’s situation, teaching her the painful reality of labeling others as “the different ones.”

Embracing Differences Leads to Personal Growth 07:48

"You have to begin to embrace it."

• Mariana emphasizes the significance of recognizing and embracing one's differences as the first step toward appreciating what makes others unique.

• After returning to Venezuela, she granted herself the opportunity to understand how her various experiences were shaping her into a more empathetic individual.

• This awareness fueled her passion for journalism, motivated by a desire to change how marginalized communities are perceived, especially in light of her own experiences as an immigrant.

Understanding Societal Divisions 09:40

"The only way to get out of it is to realize that being different also means thinking differently."

• Mariana reflects on the societal divisions that persist even after significant milestones, such as the election of Barack Obama. She grapples with the reality that differences still breed tension and misunderstanding among various groups, which challenges her initial optimism about progress.

• The election of Donald Trump highlighted the emerging perceptions of “the other” among parts of the electorate, presenting a stark contrast to her hopes for a united America.

• Mariana concludes that without dialogue and understanding, societal issues will remain unresolved, emphasizing the courage required to show respect to those with differing views and perspectives.

Covering the 2016 Election Through a Unique Lens 11:09

"I watched election results with undocumented families."

• Mariana Atencio reflects on her experience covering the 2016 election for NBC News, a significant transition from her previous role in Spanish television.

• She chose to focus on the experiences of undocumented families during this critical moment, highlighting their unique stakes in the election.

• Atencio shares a poignant encounter with an eight-year-old girl named Angelina, who expressed fear about her mother's potential deportation.

• This moment underscores the emotional impact of political outcomes on individual lives, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Understanding and Humanizing Immigrant Experiences 12:14

"How do we make her understand she is special and not simply unworthy of having her family together?"

• Atencio emphasizes the importance of recognizing undocumented individuals as human beings rather than just labels like "illegal aliens."

• She advocates for giving voice and visibility to families like Angelina's, aiming to shift public perception and foster empathy.

• While acknowledging that laws were broken, she stresses the sacrifices and contributions immigrants have made to society, warranting compassion and understanding.

Personal Growth Through Trauma 14:45

"They say your life can change in a split second."

• Atencio shares a personal narrative of receiving devastating news about her sister's car accident, which dramatically altered her perception of life and family.

• The emotional toll of seeing her sister, once successful and active, faced with significant physical challenges served as a catalyst for introspection about societal attitudes toward disabilities and differences.

• During the sister's recovery, Atencio recognized the harsh and often unkind ways people can perceive others based on their physical appearance or circumstances.

The Shared Human Experience 16:02

"The single thing every one of us has in common is being human."

• Atencio reflects on the universal desire to dream and achieve, regardless of background, identity, or challenges faced.

• She encourages a reexamination of societal norms and expectations, celebrating individuality as an essential component of humanity.

• Her travels and interactions with diverse individuals have reinforced her belief that embracing our differences can lead to greater understanding and connection.

Celebrating What Makes Us Unique 16:58

"Let's celebrate those imperfections that make us special."

• Atencio calls on the audience to recognize and celebrate their uniqueness, encouraging self-reflection on what makes each person different.

• She promotes curiosity and open conversations about others' experiences, emphasizing that everyone has a story that deserves recognition.

• The message of embracing individuality uplifts the notion that there is no fixed definition of "normal," and that our quirks and differences are what make us wonderfully human.