#tedxuci

[tedxucirvine]

Accomplishment and You

by Andrew Vong, TEDxUCIrvine's Marketing & Media Videographer

We all have had to think creatively at least once in our lifetime, and no matter what the results were, there was still an initial sense of accomplishment.

This accomplishment is due to the reward center of the brain, an area that spans from the nucleus accumbens to the prefrontal cortex, giving us a rush of dopamine that elicits a pleasurable sensation in response to a stimulus. Contrary to popular belief, this stimulus isn’t triggered solely by a job well done.

According to a recent study by Georgia Health Sciences University, our brain has shown to fire off dopamine as a reward for negative and frightening experiences.

I have found myself to be a living testament to this theory. My work as the TEDxUCIrvine Videographer has ingrained the creative mindset into my core as a result of my accomplishments AND failures. Our brains are wired to reward us not just for achieving and succeeding, but for having the gumption to pull one’s thoughts together and act.

I have run into plenty of problems when putting together content for our Marketing and Media Team, but I have learned to think on my feet instead of shutting down at the first sign of trouble. Creativity plays a huge part in this process as I usually have to think of new ways to tackle an assignment.

Whether it be shortening each scene in our GO Introductory Video to create a sense of urgency, using your iPhone as an external microphone because everyone is noisy on Ring Road, or jumping into the ocean with all your clothes on for a dramatic ending, I am positive that you will feel good about acting upon your creative instincts regardless of the ending verdict.

You should feel good because your brain is rewarding you for something you have already accomplished.

The most important lesson to draw from each creative experience that required critical thinking is that you have learned new tactics/methods/skills to make your next project even better!

Good luck out there, TEDsters.

[tedxucirvine]

What's in a Name?

by Maria Khan, Director of Outreach: Internal

What purpose does a name serve? Is a name simply arbitrary symbols constructed together to mean something? A name is not merely a title but rather a representation and an identity. In 2011, co-founders, José Luis Ramos and Kamrin Klauschie applied for a TEDx license through TED and legally registered the first ever TEDxUCIrvine. Since then, TEDxUCIrvine proudly holds this identity and has curated numerous events in an effort to spark curiosity and innovation in our community.

Each CORE member sincerely values the mission thus “TEDxUCIrvine” is not simply a logo imprinted on our shirts. TEDxUCIrvine is our belief. It is our small way of contributing to the incredible community we take part in. A name is never just a name. Pages and pages of historical thoughts and stories lie behind every name. While a bystander might not know every passionate CORE member behind TEDxUCIrvine’s logo, we only hope that one day these letters will hold as much power to you as they do for us.

[josephcphotography]

1-27-13 Ted x UCI

This weekend, I had the opportunity to head down to the University of California, Irvine to shoot the TEDxUCI team. I would've never have had the opportunity to do this if it wasn't for my good friend, Raymond.