Passion, grit, and resilience get you from ordinary to extraordinary | Dr. Shelley Ball | TEDxOttawa

Shelley is a biologist, educator, photographer and storyteller. Her love of nature began at the tender age of 2 and turned into a life-long passion and career. But it was a career that seemed unattainable as a child who struggled with undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities. A passion for learning about nature and a Grade 5 teacher who tapped into that passion were the key elements that turned Shelley’s life around. That passion for nature, along with a large dose of grit and resilience, led Shelley to not only pursue her dream of a career in biology, but also to go on to accomplish extraordinary things. As a research scientists and university professor, Shelley was one of the pioneers of DNA barcoding - a global research initiative that uses DNA sequences to identify species. Shelley is a biologist, educator, photographer and storyteller. Her love of nature began at the tender age of 2 and turned into a life-long passion and career. But it was a career that seemed unattainable as a child who struggled with undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities. A passion for learning about nature and a Grade 5 teacher who tapped into that passion were the key elements that turned Shelley’s life around. That passion for nature, along with a large dose of grit and resilience, led Shelley to not only pursue her dream of a career in biology, but also to go on to accomplish extraordinary things. As a research scientists and university professor, Shelley was one of the pioneers of DNA barcoding - a global research initiative that uses DNA sequences to identify species. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@daverogers2240]

Brilliant. You are such an inspiration.

[@artianna85]

This is so moving and beautiful! This reminds me of my childhood and my ever-growing passion for science!

[@0321MrsJones]

Wonderful message and delivery. Seeing the teacher was really special. He must be beaming with pride. Its rare that teachers get to know what an impact they had. Touching talk.

[@bethbolt2964]

Thanks, Shelley, for sharing such an inspiring story that all young people should see. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You must do the things you think you cannot do."

[@sacred406]

Awesome. Your grade 5 teacher must be very proud of you and feeling a great sense of gratitude because, if you change the life of just one person you change the life of many. Now you are paying forward. Wonderful! Kudos to you Shelley. Heather F.