TED Community » kelli patterson

About Me

I seek every opportunity that I can to learn, and grow so that I am able to pass my knowledge on to our younger generations. I hope and pray each day that the world will unite, and world peace will be achieved. I am actively involved in the community. I volunteer, mentor, and involve myself in any and every opportunity that arises that will benefit all of humanity, and our communities. I believe that as one person reaches out to another, it is possible to set off a chain of events, where people will help one another. I hope that as a person sees a person helping another, it will encourage them to do the same, while embracing diversity, rather than judging one another. As people are subject to different types of people, hopefully they will take the time to better understand the person and their situation. I am a passionate person, and I always stand up for people who are mistreated, or going through difficulties in their lives. I know that for us to create world peace, every individual must first find an inner peace within themselves, to accept who they are, where they came from, and traumas they may have experienced, to be able to grow and live with a positive outlook toward the future. I believe that with the help and concern of others, just by showing them that someone cares and believes in them, it will give people the hope and motivation they need for them to overcome their self defeating thoughts and behaviors. With love and acceptance in our hearts, one by one, we can lift each other up, and embrace uniqueness and individuality. No matter our race, religion, beliefs, thoughts, morals, or values, if we all act with kindness and love in our hearts for others, while trying to understand one another rather than judge, the universe will conquer any obstacles in its path, including diversity, poverty, hunger, and hate. People, organizations, governments, states, and countries can link together to form a bond where they realize that each group needs to work together and support one another in order for our country to strive.
For a person to be successful, they must be educated, but I also believe that real world experience is an even greater teacher. For one to truly understand others, they must live in the other persons shoes. With every job, and every experience, there is valuable knowledge to be gained. This is the reason why I have never felt that any job was too big or small, too much of a waste of time, too dirty or degrading, too belittling or above me, or too insignificant because I am able to grow and better understand all the types of people and situations around me. I enjoy having the opportunity to see things through others eyes, or walk in their shoes because it no only gives me the opportunity to better understand them, but also help me value the things and people in my life. With each class that I attend at WVUP, I am able to better understand myself, people in general, the youth that I counsel on a daily basis, and the environments in which we live in. Through various Psychological courses, and Sociological courses, I am able to learn what it takes to help both people, and our communities. I hope to attend The Washington Center, in Washington D.C., next year, which specializes in the types of programs that I wish to get involved in such as Non-profit sectors, Civic engagement, Civil Service, Advocacy, and Leadership to help me further my knowledge on the subjects so that I am able to make a real difference in this world.
I hope to someday become an United Nations Ambassador, and own my own non-profit organization that has one mission, and that is to fundraise and find funding for other non profits that strive to benefit all of humanity. I hope to see an end to poverty, hunger, homelessness, prisoner recidivism, substance abuse, and self defeating habits of today’s youth and victims of crime. I will dedicate any and all spare time to helping others, through mentoring, speeches, educating, relating, volunteering, reaching out, and mediating any problems between people or groups. I will make it so that people are not just a number, statistic, victim, patient, delinquent, or criminal. I will give their names a face, and a voice, and link them to services to help them to achieve an inner peace and the encouragement they need for them to become successful individuals. Linked through love, compassion, and understanding, the world will rise above, and all will reach their full potential, not by themselves but with the support of the world behind them.

Location:
United States, Cairo, WV
Current organization:
Mentors Moving Mountains
Past organizations:
Childrens's Home Society of WV
Current role:
Vice President of Service for Phi theta kappa
Gender:
Female
Member Picture


More About Me

I'm passionate about

Making a difference in this world, by bringing people and communities together to spread love and good deeds across the globe! I aspire to start my own company "people pay it forward fundraising"

An idea worth spreading

I believe the media is ridden with negative things on tv, and in our papers. Shows like Secret Millionaire, and Extreme Makeover Home edition not only fill be with a great wrath of warmth and joy, but also inspire me to really want to make a positive impact on the world. The inspiration, that came for me..as well as i am sure many of you, is unreal, and has had such an impact on me that it proves the positiveness that good deeds in the media could have on people. I want people to come together, work together, and lend a hand to let the love of kindness spread. I have many creative ideas on a reality show, that would accomplish this goal. I am not concerned with money or power, but rather...helping those in need. This show would accomplish many things, all in one, such as bringing people together, showing the love that can come from helping others, donating time to charities, using all proceeds for benefit of the charities, show the power in working together, and embrace diversity!

Talk to me about

Love, life, peace, making the world better, social/civic issues, the beauty of nature, today's youth, spirituality, philosophy, philanthropy, justice, ideas, and psychology (esp humanism)

People don't know that I'm good at

Getting along with pretty much anyone and everyone. I am a social butterfly, and i love meeting people who are positive and kind to create the ulitmate union!

My TED Story

LINK: I love the word “link”. I think that everything in this world is linked. The mind is linked to the body, and its behaviors. The body is linked to nature and its surroundings, and to complete the circle, our surroundings are linked to our thoughts. As one becomes linked to the spirit within them, they are able to connect with the thoughts, and beliefs within them, and through self actualization, they are able to recognize and acknowledge their strengths, talents, or even their weaknesses. As their minds expand, they not only accept but also begin to understand reasoning behind their own thinking patterns, and others actions. Through this process, they are opening up to diversity, thoughts/values/and morals different from their own, it now inspires them to want to know more, rather than judging. Once a person is linked with their inner selves, they then link themselves to others and the world around them which will result in a productive/supportive community arising!

Comments

  • TEDCred score: +1.70 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

  • +1

    A comment on Conversation: Is the "demise of guys" a harbinger for the demise of human development?

    Aug 9 2011: We can attempt to blame these negative behaviors of men on video games, or pornography, but let's address the real issue. It starts at birth, with family dinamics. Broken homes, parents who work too much, not close enough relationships with parents, lack of spirituality, lack of belonging, too much media and tv, not enough extracurricular activities, not finding thier talents, not raised with good morals and ideals, family where women are treated badly or looked down upon, lack of exposure to sex and the human body, peer pressure, culture where negative behaviors are glorified by thier groups, lack of empathy, trauma's as a child, etc.

    We need to tackle these problems. Single parents need to find thier children a mentor (big brother, sister)
    Get kids involved in teamwork: art, photography, sports, debating, conflict resolution, group projects
    Parents need to pay close attention: give more advice, and be a listener rather than quick to judge/punish
    Media: needs to clean up thier act, and put more emphasis on postive rather than negative
    Communities need to create a sense of belonging and working together.
    People of influence(cops politicians) need to get out there and be more proactive, show themselves on a personal level, give more talks at school.
    More church, or spiritual services.
    More family dinners.
    More people willing to accept people for who they are, the beauty and how to accept diversity.
    More mediating in schools, and couselors who are on the youths levels so they feel okay opening up to them.
    More interaction (adopt a grandparent) with our elders to bring back old school values.
    Less divorce, or waiting for marriage to be sure of compatibility, and more communicating and conflict resolution between adults and parents.
    More role models.
    More clubs and groups
    More open about gender and the human bodies.
    Making things less taboo, but rather focusing on deemphasizing the matter, and educating them on things because everyone knows kids can b rebellious
  • A comment on Conversation: How can we inspire kindness and understanding on the internet in forums such as this one?

    Aug 9 2011: When a person is kind and understanding, thier posts will reflect it. Understanding in itself is educating yourself on different views. If a person chooses to degrade then they shouldnt be in the forum that has kindness and understanding in it, at all! There are ways to express your voice, and opinion, and also questioning others, without being insulting, degrating, or rude. When people express kindness, concern for others, and a loving attitude for serving others, then we must meet..introduce ourselves, and network with each other......to form the ultimate team!
  • +1

    A comment on Conversation: is it important to have good grades for good job or it it important to have good talent for good job despite of low grades?

    Aug 9 2011: I think that if a person is working in a field that they are passionate about, thier grades will reflect that because no matter how successful a person is, there is always more to learn. If thier schooling coinsides with thier passion, then they will have a passion for learning the materials. If a person is passionate about something it usually involves some type of talent that they have, therefore, they are all linked. I go to school ft, work full time (with overtime most weeks), and still have time to volunteer in the community. This is why it is so important to find a job that you love, because when you spend your days, doing what you love, it isnt like work at all!
  • +2

    A comment on Conversation: What kind of basic knowledge shall we offer to the young students from now on?

    Aug 9 2011: There is no power greater than the power over ones self. To know that you tried(whether win or lose), treat people with kindness and compassion, to trust yourself to make decisions that will impat your life in positive ways, and to be resilient. In doing so, you reach the highest self in knowing you can trust your character, morals, and values while never giving up on learning, becoming a better person, growing as individuals, or your dreams! Like ying and yang...even the most horrific events and situations can impact your life in a positive way. It is your choice to see it that way!
  • +2

    A comment on Talk: Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys?

    Aug 9 2011: I also think that the education system should start teaching psychology in high school. Ive always thought that all parents need to take it, so that they are able to understand thier children, and themselves. Even better, if youth of today were educated on psychology, they would better understand what is going on inside them, and the importance of speaking to a therapist. They would also be better able to understand thier peers, and not be so quick to judge. People whom they may not like, or even fear may be from lack of non understading what is going on in this individuals life. Once they are able to understand the reasons behind thier own, or others, self defeating thoughts and behaviors..they wont be so quick to label them. I think most of these types of things are juist lack of understanding.
  • +4

    A comment on Conversation: If you could teach the world 1 valuable thing you learned, what would it be and why?

    Aug 9 2011: Take time to understand, never judge.
  • +4

    A comment on Talk: Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys?

    Aug 9 2011: We can attempt to blame these negative behaviors of men on video games, or pornography, but let's address the real issue. It starts at birth, with family dinamics. Broken homes, parents who work too much, not close enough relationships with parents, lack of spirituality, lack of belonging, too much media and tv, not enough extracurricular activities, not finding thier talents, not raised with good morals and ideals, family where women are treated badly or looked down upon, lack of exposure to sex and the human body, peer pressure, culture where negative behaviors are glorified by thier groups, lack of empathy, trauma's as a child, etc.

    We need to tackle these problems. Single parents need to find thier children a mentor (big brother, sister)
    Get kids involved in teamwork: art, photography, sports, debating, conflict resolution, group projects
    Parents need to pay close attention: give more advice, and be a listener rather than quick to judge/punish
    Media: needs to clean up thier act, and put more emphasis on postive rather than negative
    Communities need to create a sense of belonging and working together.
    People of influence(cops politicians) need to get out there and be more proactive, show themselves on a personal level, give more talks at school.
    More church, or spiritual services.
    More family dinners.
    More people willing to accept people for who they are, the beauty and how to accept diversity.
    More mediating in schools, and couselors who are on the youths levels so they feel okay opening up to them.
    More interaction (adopt a grandparent) with our elders to bring back old school values.
    Less divorce, or waiting for marriage to be sure of compatibility, and more communicating and conflict resolution between adults and parents.
    More role models.
    More clubs and groups
    More open about gender and the human bodies.
    Making things less taboo, but rather focusing on deemphasizing the matter, and educating them on things because everyone knows kids can b rebellious.
  • +3

    A comment on Talk: Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys?

    Aug 9 2011: I think the bottom line is men see too many women putting up with stuff that they shouldnt, so they think it is either: okay, or that they can get away with it. More women need to stand up to it, show that they are not willing to settle, and good communication (on both parts) is needed to understand where the other is coming from..along with lots of compromise. Shows like Jersey shore, and bad girls club are showing these men that women behave in one particular way instead of actually having self respect, good character, and true leadership qualities (not being afraid of doing what is right) or thinking outside of the box. People do not take enough time to get to know people on a personal level, but rather they are quick to judge them thru labels that society has placed upon them. I think that it takes a big person to see past that kind of stuff, and take time to get to know someone....maybe the person has not been shown love, or a different way of doing things. I think it is up to us, to intermingle, with all different types of people,and to befriend them. Once we have the trust of someone, and trust them..it is much easier to communicate to them, thier bad habits or negative behaviors. Like my pasture says, it is never okay to critisize someone unless you are doing it out of love (because you care)! Ie: i work with at risk youth. We got a 12yr old kid who was sexually abusing other children. Most of the chiefs snickered at that, not me. He is still a child himself, rather i listened, didnt judge, and get to know him. After opening up, and time, i was able to see where things went wrong in his life to make him behave in this way. Only then was i able to help him. By helping him, i may be helping others he may have did this to in the future. Isnt this what it is all about? we cant change the past, but we can help change the future. It is up to us, responsbible adults to help break these chains that are causing people hurt. Show people the right way!

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