More than 250 students and faculty members attended the fifth-annual TEDxNCSU Saturday to hear nine speakers present their ideas about the theme of “The Journey.” Speakers discussed various topics such as gender roles, entrepreneurship and conservation of the environment.

Chelsea Durant, the Union Activities Board issues and ideas chair, said that all the speakers applied and were selected by a committee to speak at the event.

“The process of organizing the event is very intensive, however, we had really unique speakers who presented and the event was largely a success” Durant said.

The following sections outline their presentations.

Getting Over Getting Started:

Marshall Brain, founder of HowStuffWorks.com, gave his presentation about the importance of being able to attempt something without the fear of failure.

“We live at the greatest time ever in human history to start a project or business,” Brain said.

Brain outlined, among others, a variety of options available to begin a new project, like starting a website, creating a YouTube channel or writing a Kindle book.

Brain said that, because of the distractions and excuses available to people, very few people take advantage of their opportunities.

Brain said to achieve a goal, people need the courage to “show up” and just try, even if the concept is new to them.

“We also live in the greatest time ever in human history to learn things,” Brain said.

Changing the World by Changing the Words:

Lauren Frey, a freshman studying environmental science, highlighted gender stereotypes present within society, mentioning the tendency for people to use male pronouns when referring to an unknown person.

Frey cautioned the audience about using language referring to males and advised them to use gender neutral terms.

“It’s a lot easier to change your language than to change the world,” Frey said.

The Architecture of College:

Morgan Parrish, a sophomore in architecture, outlined the importance of architecture across the University campus.

Parrish said architecture on campus plays an important role in the students’ daily lives, affecting social and professional interactions.

According to Parrish, University architecture like the residence halls, dining halls and gyms reflect a sense of community among the students.

The Great Escape: The Importance of Spreading Happiness:

Alanna Propst, a junior in political science, emphasized the idea of happiness and how, by spreading happiness, people  can change others’ lives.

Propst also said people with the ability to change a person’s life should do their best to spread happiness and become encouraging reinforcements.

The Power of Positivity, and the Necessity of Negativity:

Tyler Allen, a senior in biology, centered his presentation about the importance of bad experiences and how they shape a person.

“Brains have negativity bias in order to protect ourselves,” Allen said.

According to Allen, without pessimism, a person would be unable to find their true calling, and with optimism the person will be able to succeed.

Breaking Barriers: A Journey to Understanding:

Nancy Thai, a senior studying biology and nutrition, concentrated on the barriers between different socioeconomic groups.

Thai said people should try and meet with others from a different background, without fear of stereotypes hindering them.

According to Thai, people should break out of their stereotypes and be able to connect with others regardless of their socioeconomic class

Marrying Nanotechnology and the Rubber Band to Obtain Synthetic Muscle:

Richard Spontak, a professor in chemical engineering, presented his research on a rubber compound that can act as prosthetic for muscles.

Spontak said the compound uses a nonpermanent covalent bond, moldable with the use of heat, which gives the compound its malleability.

In his presentation, Spontak also bought a sample of the rubber compound, which he passed around the audience.

Design: The Essential Salt of our Earth:

Christopher Lawing, a junior studying industrial design, began his presentation by describing the process of design as a “purposeful experience.”

Lawing also said design is based on a fluid framework, where there can be “happy accidents,” that result in impressive breakthroughs.

In addition, Lawing said design is an intentional process with a designated end product.

 “We are all designed” Lawing said.

Plastic Paradise: Where Can We Go From Here:

Heather Troutman, a senior in environmental sciences, reprimanded the audience for their addiction to single-use plastics.

Troutman said single-use plastics are rapidly filling up landfills across the nation, and the revenue spent on plastics is immeasurable.

Troutman asked the audience to reduce the number of plastics they consume and to support establishments that use reuse plastics.

“Do your part, rise above plastics,” Troutman said.