TED: Life's an obstacle course — here's how to navigate it | Maryam Banikarim

The speaker recounts their childhood in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution, their family's immigration to the US, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. They describe their professional journey, highlighting the importance of viewing life's challenges as an obstacle course. Through community-building efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, they find belonging and joy. The narrative emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of community and belonging.

What prompted the narrator's family to leave Iran?

• Economic opportunities abroad

• Political unrest and threats

• A natural disaster

• Family reunification

What was the narrator's initial reaction to the armed guards at her home?

• She hid and listened to the conversation

• She called the police

• She ignored the situation

• She confronted them directly

How does the narrator view life's challenges?

• As insurmountable obstacles

• As opportunities for relaxation

• As an obstacle course to navigate

• As a series of unfortunate events

What major life event did the narrator experience while in college?

• She started a business

• She traveled the world

• She won a scholarship

• Her father drowned while windsurfing

What strategy did the narrator use to adapt to her new life in California?

• Focusing solely on academics

• Staying isolated from peers

• Avoiding social interactions

• Joining various activities and clubs

How did the narrator's family Americanize their names?

• By using names of famous celebrities

• By choosing names from a book

• By adopting common American names

• By keeping their original names

What was the outcome of the narrator's first attempt at cheerleading?

• She was not selected

• She made the team

• She became the captain

• She decided not to try out

What realization did the narrator have about success in her professional life?

• Success always leads to happiness

• Success guarantees belonging

• Success doesn't always equate to belonging

• Success is irrelevant to personal growth

What initiative did the narrator start during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• A personal blog about isolation

• A global travel agency

• A community organization in New York City

• A new tech startup

What did the narrator's community initiative in New York City achieve?

• It was a financial failure

• It won an Emmy

• It was ignored by the public

• It led to a new business venture