JUST ASK!!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard your parents tell you this probably one thousand times. “McKenna, just ask.” “If you want to know, all you have to do is ask.”

Now, believe it or not I didn’t take this advice from my parents. It took a 15 minute Ted Talk to crack this piece of information through my thick skull.

Linked below is a Ted Talk that came across my Facebook feed some odd years ago. This Ted Talk intrigued me only by the key speaker, whom just happened to be an alumni of my high school.

Her name is Thea Dennis, and she doesn’t know this but, she changed my life.

Now, if you skipped past the video, I highly encourage you to take the time to listen.

When I was asked to speak at graduation a couple of months ago I struggled with what to speak about for a long time. Until one day, it just came to me. Here is a snippet from my speech:

Thea Dennis, a former KHS graduate gave a Ted Talk that I will never forget. Entitled, “Just Ask!” This ted talk digs into Thea’s experience with learning to ask questions. “I am not here today because I am a renowned scientist or a leader in my field, or well known in any way. (Thea explains) I am here today because I had the opportunity to ask to be here.”

Now, believe it or not this 15 minute ted talk changed my life. If there is one lesson I would like you all to learn, especially my peers, it is that asking can have some very powerful outcomes. I encourage you all to chase your dreams and ask for opportunity. You never know, it could land you an experience somewhere, with someone you never imagined.

Asking for what you want is empowering, effective, and enables you not only to achieve your goals, but to create totally new ones. So go out and chase your dreams with conviction. Never be afraid to ask questions, and always stand up for what is right.

This message I passed on to my high school classmates, I now pass on to my college peers and friends.

Asking questions can land you that internship you’ve always wanted, a job on campus that you may actually enjoy, and most importantly, a relationship with your professor that can give you the guidance needed to succeed in that really tough Chemistry class.

XOXO, McKenna.