Defining Passion | Kyle Sugita

Growing up, Kyle Sugita often found himself confronted with the word "passion", from his parents and teachers asking "what is your passion, the thing that drives you?" to being assigned his middle school Passion Project and high school Passion Civics class. Yet nobody had ever established what a passion looks like or what purpose it should serve, thus leaving students confused and unsure regarding who they aspired to be - should one's profession be defined by this love? In this TED-Ed talk, we look at the parameters that define the word "passion", a term so nonchalantly thrown around without conclusive meaning on the elementary, middle, and high school scene, as well as in the college and workplace environment. Analyzing the experiences of those around him, from neurosurgeons to fellow students to his dad, Kyle strives to answer the question "Is passion a hobby, an intended career path, both, or neither?" As society continues its transition away from seeking well-rounded individuals and now looks for those who "spike" in one area, Kyle asks why there are discrepancies in how we understand the word, as well as what passion should mean to students as they move forward in their endeavors. The answer? Watch to find out.

Kyle is a junior at Portola High School. He enjoys writing (the closest thing he has to a passion as of now) and debate, although he doesn't plan on entering a career in either (because passion has been defined). Wherever life takes him, Kyle plans on applying the words of a wise man, and "giving back to the world around me that has given me so much".

The TED-Ed Clubs program supports students in discovering, exploring and presenting their big ideas in the form of short, TED-style talks. In TED-Ed Clubs, students work together to discuss and celebrate creative ideas. Club Leaders receive TED-Ed's flexible curriculum to guide their Members in developing presentation literacy skills to help inspire tomorrow's TED speakers and future leaders.

This presentation was completed by participating in a TED-Ed Club and produced independently of the TED Conferences. Only approved Club Leaders (ed.ted.com/clubs) are able to upload TED-Ed Club presentations on behalf of their students.

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