Most individuals in this world have experienced a moment when they  stopped and asked themselves the question, “What if?” TEDxYouthDay@ACSAthens aimed to celebrate the innovative thinkers of our generation by giving them just six minutes to impress the world. Having never been on stage before, those six minutes proved to be the happiest and most exciting moments of my junior year. By asking “What If?” and putting my emotions and fears aside, the time on stage impacted my personal and professional development in exciting and unforeseen ways.

Months of preparation and anxiety had ultimately filtered into this moment on stage: my innovative speech on the use of social media and tablet technology in revolutionizing classroom learning. Taking a deep breath, I channeled all my thoughts into my opening lines, feeling the motivation that allowed me to battle my stage fright. My passion for technology motivated me through two rounds of auditions against well-established public speakers to express my ideas to the world. Learning should be easy and enjoyable, helping students adapt to the futuredemands of a technologically advanced environment. Being on stage at TED was a unique experience; an event of surprising comfort.

Reluctant to leave the spotlight, I was unsure of the future but glad for the chance to show my potential to the world. My speech ended on a very successful note, yet without my knowledge, my professional opportunities were just beginning. It turned out that the spotlight indeed kept on shining.

Drew Banks, the Head of Marketing at one of the fastest growing startups in the world, Prezi, noticed my presentation on their website during a routine search for noteworthy prezis. He was impressed by the ideas and use of their product in my presentation that he decidedto offer me a job. Naturally, as the youngest employee of Prezi, I am very proud of this achievement, mainly since my struggle to present my ideas ended up being productive and highly beneficial for my career.

The balance of managing my responsibilities at school, my commitment to tennis, and a job at Prezi, has allowed me to mature and accept the responsibilities and commitment of an adult. The TED staff was very helpful with the invaluable support they offered in shaping my ideas. Without the implementation of their suggestions, TED and Prezi wouldn’t have impacted my development, neither professionally nor personally, as a student and future entrepreneur. An internship and a new outlook on life was a pretty good achievement forsix minutes.

Those minutes on stage were tense and nerve racking; a blur in the perspective of things. Celebrating my “What if” moment provided a backdrop for an opportunity that will hopefully be the gateway to similar experiences. Commitment and tenacity are quintessential qualities that emerged from of my TED experience, yet personal ambition prevailed as the main catalyst. Being ambitious and openminded to other opinions will continue to open new experiences and horizons in my quest to revolutionize the learning environment.