Who inspires you? Why heroes, role models, and mentors matter | Dyan deNapoli | TEDxDrewMiddleSchool

Who inspires you? Is there someone in your life within your circle of family and friends who know just what to say to motivate you to do great things? Or maybe it is the story of someone whom you never met, but their experience inspires you to pursue something greater in your life? In this TED talk, Dyan deNapoli, the Penguin Lady, shares her experiences, her heroes and role models, and describes why finding the right motivation matters.

While she was the Senior Penguin Aquarist at the New England Aquarium, Dyan deNapoli hand-raised dozens of penguin chicks, presented daily programs about penguins to aquarium visitors, and traveled the globe to work with penguin researchers in the field.

Now, as head of her own educational company, she frequently writes on penguin topics and has served as the onboard penguin expert and guest lecturer on cruise ships visiting the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica. She estimates she has taught about 250,000 people in the US and abroad about penguins.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx