REAL Youth Culture Magazine Issue 2

YOUTH CULTURE

MISHA

C O L L I N S OF SUPERNATURAL:

MEDITATION, PERSISTENCE

& LOVE

20+

I N N OV ATO R S TO KN OW ABOUT

CELEBS TALK

EQUALITY & STARTUP CULTURE

MILLENNIAL

Movers Shakers

PLUS * JOSEPH

ANIMAL WELFARE

+ ENVIRONMENT

MORGAN

OF THE ORIGINALS

SHARES HIS PASSION FOR SOCIAL GOOD

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

+

5 NATURAL

FASHION TECHNOLOGY

SELF-CARE TIPS

INTERVIEWS WITH:

RITA VOLK + KEVIN McHALE OK GO + BAILEE MADISON

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TEAM PUBLISHER

YO U T H C U LT U R E

FOUNDING EDITOR

JOSEPH

Ocean Pleasant

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SIDE

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Kevin McHale

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Sarah Rafferty

Maranda Pleasant

Jennifer Dufek

COPY EDITOR Ian Prichard

CONTRIBUTORS

Khnum “STIC” Ibomu of Dead Prez

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OK Go

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Joseph Morgan

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Gayle Karen Young

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The Future of Energy

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Tom Chi

Dina Khayal Maddy Maxey Open A Door Foundation Darryl Roberts Veronica Cooklin Zachary Caceres & Markus Bergström

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Chirag Kulkarni Tayo Rockson Watson University TEDxYouth@Austin

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CONTACT EDITORIAL INQUIRIES editor@realteenmag.com

ADVERTISING ads@realteenmag.com

MISHA SIDE 12

Bailee Madison

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Misha Collins

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Luke Nosek

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Francesco Yates

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Khnum “STIC” Ibomu of Dead Prez

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Startup Cities Institute

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Recycling Is Sexy

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MISHA COLLINS COVER PHOTO: CW Network, JOSEPH MORGAN COVER PHOTO: CW Network

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ORIGIN MAGAZINE originmagazine.com Twitter: @OriginMagazine @MarandaPleasant Mantra Yoga + Health mantramag.com Twitter: @MantraYogaMag THRIVE Magazine mythrivemag.com Twitter: @ReadThrive

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RitaVolk

DUKE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE TURNED ACTRESS AND STAR OF MTV’S FAKING IT TALKS PERSONAL VALUES, FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION, AND THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Interview: Ocean Pleasant Rita Volk: Hi, Ocean. That’s such a cool name.

OP: What truth do you know for sure?

Ocean Pleasant: Thank you, my full name is actually Ocean Blue Pleasant. [Laughs]

RV: That I have to stay true to myself. To be forthright in who I am. Especially in this industry, there are so many different opinions that you’re constantly facing and that constantly clash together. It’s hard to keep a sense of who you are and what your values are when things are constantly changing and people want you to change or expect you to change. Try hard to be aware of who you are; don’t change that unless you’re changing for the good. You will naturally evolve, so don’t let people tell you you’re doing something wrong when you know in your heart you’re doing something right.

RV: That’s not real! I love it.

OP: Thanks! Our questions aren’t super normal, but I hope we can just jump right in!

RV: OK. I like not-normal. It’s a breath of fresh air.

OP: What does your creative process look like?

RV: I think finding ways that you can naturally relate to your character; just sitting down and trying to find out who that person is and seeing what similarities you can draw from, whether it’s similarities to that person or something you see in them that you have met in other people.

I think drawing from those connections so that when you are in that headspace, you have something to use and work with. That’s the biggest thing.

OP: What makes you feel vulnerable?

OP: What makes you come most alive?

RV: I always knew I wanted to act, and the people around me weren’t very supportive and thought it wasn’t realistic. I went to school for a while and was very academic. It was a great learning experience, but it wasn’t my passion and I wasn’t doing what I loved. So I would just say: If you know what you want to do and you know what your passion is, do it; there are so few people in the world that can say they’re living their passion. Pursue what you love and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re incapable, because you’ll regret it.

RV: Seeing the different layers in people. I like interesting people. I think if we’re constantly good and happy and okay, then there aren’t tribulations that make us stronger. Exploring that is very inspiring to me. I think it makes people stronger to overcome issues and the complex things in life. We learn more about ourselves when we go through hardships. As a performer, I think you have to draw from those things to make you a better artist.

OP: What inspires you?

RV: Gratitude. It just makes you want to go out there and do a good job and treat people well, and treat yourself well. Seeing the beauty of the world, and people being good to themselves and to other people, that inspires me.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

PHOTO: Elisabeth Caren

RV: Let’s just all get along, or try to as hard as we can. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I think sometimes people don’t try hard enough to see other perspectives. Try and see other people’s sides as best you can.

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RV: I think my insecurities and feeling not good enough. I have days where I feel like I can do better as a performer or person or girlfriend or friend. That’s a vulnerability for me, wanting to do better.

OP: Can you name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome?

OP: Do you support any causes or organizations?

RV: Being on the show, I feel like I’ve been invited into this new LGBT community of kids who are inspired by this character I play.

The show has been so wonderful. It’s been a resource for a lot of people and I’ve gotten so much great feedback. We all have in the cast. I’m feeling like I’m more a part of that, knowing that the gay and lesbian community out there hopefully have something to look up to. I’ve learned so much about that group and about the coming-out process and how difficult it is; I’ve really gotten to know this special group of people and that’s something I’ll continue to explore as the show goes on. @therealritavolk

Pursue what you love and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re incapable, because you’ll regret it.

BLAKE M I C H A E L REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Blake Michael: The most important thing to me is to stay open-minded and motivated and to have originality in everything I do. My process may be a little different based on the type of project I’m working on—filming for TV or a movie, making music, or directing. With movie scripts I like to spend a lot of time developing the character alone in my room.

My room is kind of my creative den. It’s decked out with wifi-enabled multicolor lights, it’s comfy. I created a really cool atmosphere to get my creative juices flowing. I also like to make music in my room or my home studio. Directing is a little different because I do a lot of visualization first and after that I will write down a lot of the shots I need.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

BM: Music makes me come most alive. There’s nothing like blasting your favorite song and singing all the words! There’s a certain emotion music can evoke that I feel cannot be attained any other way. Music is relatable. There’s a song for just about every situation and mood.

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

BM: The biggest obstacle I’ve dealt with actually is time management.

I have so much going on and I’m still in high school. I know I can be a straight-A student—I’d say I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I believe in giving 100 percent to everything I do. However, I’m not perfect and there’s always room for improvements. So I’ve had to learn how to manage my time to get things done well. It all comes down to having the discipline to prioritize things and, more importantly, say no to things I’d like to do.

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

BM: The feeling I get when watching films or listening to music inspires me. I want people to feel something when they watch my movies. Reallife stories and situations inspire me. With real authentic stories comes real authentic emotion. I’m inspired by emotion.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

BM: “We need more cowbell.”

PHOTO: Christopher Parsons

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

BM: Yes. I’m working closely with No Kid Hungry, an amazing organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America. As I learn more about the issue of childhood hunger in America, and the fact that one in five kids in the U.S. struggles with hunger, I can’t help but feel moved to help. It’s difficult to understand that in a country full of opportunity, some kids don’t have the food they need to learn and grow.

Go to nokidhungry.org, there’s a ton of great information on the issue.

The most amazing thing, though, is that this is a solvable problem. And I want to be part of the solution.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

BM: I am working on a few projects in both acting and music. You can follow my journey @BlakeMichael14.

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Advocate of No Kid Hungry and star of the Disney Channel’s Dog with a Blog and Lemonade Mouth discusses time management, visualization, and musical relatability

Emma KENNEY THE STAR OF SHOWTIME’S SHAMELESS AND BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY AMBASSADOR TALKS PEOPLE-WATCHING, JOHNNY DEPP, AND WORLD HAPPINESS

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Emma Kenney: For me, different characters require different research. I like to research my characters in the sense of using people I know or celebrities who are similar to my character, and put my own personal twist on it. I also am big on just imaging and connecting. Music also has a big impact and helps me get connected to my characters.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

EK: I think just being happy, which is really simple, but true.

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

EK: People I meet or celebrities. I once read that Johnny Depp rides the subway and “people watches” to get inspiration and ideas for characters, and I’ve started doing that and it really helps and gives me so many ideas.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

EK: “Be nice to each other,” which is also a really simple answer, but the world would be such a better place if everyone treated each other well. People would be so much happier.

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

PHOTO: Hennadiy Kvasov

EK: Yes, I’m one of the ambassadors of Best Friends Animal Society, which is a nonprofit animal shelter and a really great cause.

I also really like volunteering at their shelters in L.A. when I can.

REALTEENMAG.COM

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C

K

H

A

About a Boy

S

T

O

M

BENJAMIN

PHOTOS: Kalie Johnston, STYLIST: Ali Levine, GROOMING: Joseph Adivari, HAIR: Erika Barquinero

Star of NBC’s

Q: What inspires you?

A: I’m inspired by things that seem challenging. I like to figure

things out, and completing a task or a scene always gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Inspiration comes from everywhere for me: music, TV, drawing, and just people walking by. I’m a people watcher.

Q:

If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: Slow down and enjoy life. Be kind and let others live their lives as they want to. No judgments necessary.

Q: What makes you feel most alive?

A: Something that shocks my system, like a roller coaster. Also really happy days where everything is going right make me feel super alive.

Q:

Do you support any causes or organizations? If so, how can your fans get involved?

A: I support Free2Luv, it’s an anti-bullying cause. What they do is

really great! You can check out their website at free2luv.org. I also love Alex’s Lemonade Stand . . . they raise cancer awareness and support finding cures for childhood cancer. Their website is alexslemonade.org.

Fans can even do a lemonade stand of their own to raise funds!

If you help just one person who spreads their gratitude to another person, you’ve started a positive wave.

Q: Share some wisdom on an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

A: I’m still pretty young, so I haven’t had a ton of obstacles but when I was younger I was bullied by a classmate. Telling my mom what was going on was the best thing I could have done. It’s hard to suffer alone. Tell someone who can help. Tell your parents, a friend, a school counselor . . . whatever it takes to fix the problem.

Q: What advice would you give to the next generation?

A: I would probably say to never give up on yourself or others. If you help just one person who spreads their gratitude to another person, you’ve started a positive wave. Share a smile even if you don’t get one back, you may help someone without even realizing you have.

Q: What projects do you have coming up?

A: I have About a Boy season two on NBC. Also, an animated film

called B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations, where I voice the role of the main kid, Henry. I’m also in a movie called Lost and Found, where I play a kid named Mark Walton. Both will be released in 2015.

S, ACTRES ITARIAN, HUMAN ERALL AND OV G INSPIRINADY YOUNG L

e e l i a B

PHOTOS: Marc Cartwright

N O S I D A M

’s Children ations, t h g i l r a ir St els, insp dation, e n h u f o o F e d an lov res her nade St a o h m s e e L h s rview. x’ ,s e e d t l l r n A i o r e o W v f i us cate s The his excl t n An advo n, and Give Kid i s r a her ye tio Founda m well beyond do and wis

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Bailee Madison: This is a very, very hard question! I believe my creative process has always been the same, but as I get older it becomes more meaningful. I try to approach every character that I do by trying to find truthful moments. It’s important for me to do roles that are relatable to girls my age, where they can say, “Oh she’s like my best friend” or “She’s like the girl that sits next to me at school.”

I find that the simpler the process is, the more honest the character is.

However, certain projects call for more intense creative processes. For Once Upon a Time, I have the honor of playing young Snow White, the flashback of Ginnifer Goodwin’s character. Ginny has created an effortless, strong, lovable adult Snow White, and for me it’s trying to do that justice. I study clips of Ginny as Snow and I watch the way she speaks, the way she moves, even how she scrunches her eyebrows when she is thinking. I dive much deeper in my creative process for a role like that, and it is the best thing ever.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

BM: What makes me come most alive is listening to my worship music . . . and wearing heels. They instantly pick me up and give me energy!

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

BM: Every day is an obstacle and learning experience, but a certain obstacle that comes to mind is a hard time in my life four years ago. It was hard for me to accept how you can be so close to someone, and all of a sudden have to learn how to live without them. I did not understand why someone who was like family to me could disappear from my life and move on, as if my family and I never existed. I was beyond crushed and didn’t know if I had the strength to continue in the industry, since this person was no longer there to support me.

REMEMBER THAT NOBODY IS PERFECT AND THAT WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. It’s taken me four years, but I have finally come to peace with it all. I used to ask, “Why is this happening?” and I’ve come to realize that in the darkest and hardest of times you will never have an answer to that question. I still don’t, but in a way I’m so grateful for that experience because it made me who I am today. Thanks to my family, close friends, and nonstop prayers, I was able to overcome it. I now see this person randomly here and there, and rather than trying to turn around and walk away like that person did, I choose to run up and say hello. It’s like that song, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

BM: I am inspired by so many things and so many people, but every time I have the pleasure to visit children’s hospitals and spend time with the children and their families, I’m always deeply humbled and inspired.

I’m so blessed to be given a platform through acting to be able to speak out about things I’m passionate about. One of those main things is childhood cancer. I always leave the hospitals inspired to keep going, so that I can hopefully keep spreading the word about childhood cancer. My goal is that one day there is a cure and my voice isn’t needed anymore.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

BM: Appreciate every moment. Live not for yourself, but for others.

Remember that nobody is perfect and that we are all in this together.

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

BM: Yes! I am so thankful to be a part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which helps raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer.

I also am grateful to be a part of Starlight Children’s Foundation, which focuses on not just the child who is affected by cancer, but the entire family. And lastly, Give Kids the World, where their main focus is to bring love, joy, and amazing memories to the child and their family for an entire week. All of these foundations are doing extraordinary things and I am so blessed to be a small part of their huge mission. If you would like to learn more about them, visit alexslemonade.org, starlight.org, and gktw.com.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

BM: First of all, thank you so much for supporting! I am so thrilled to be doing a new series [Good Witch] with my friends at The Hallmark Channel, and Catherine Bell, who is my new TV momma. It has a Gilmore Girls / Bewitched vibe. You can support by please watching. I am so excited for all of you to see it!

REALTEENMAG.COM

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PHOTO: Alexander Brown

LIVE A LIFE OF

v o l

Q: What does your creative process look like?

A: My creative process is pretty minimal and just involves pen, paper, guitar or piano and an idea! I’ll generally start off riffing around a few chords, and melodies flow from there. When I’m singing random melodies, random words come out and this all forms the beginning of the song. It’s pretty rare I’ll leave a song unfinished, so I’ll chip away for a day or two until it’s done and then tweak any lyrics after that.

Q: What inspires you on a daily basis?

. e v

A: Life and art of any form. Just taking a bus trip from one side of London you’ll see so many different things, and that in itself gives so much inspiration for writing. I’m also obsessed with pattern and bright colours, and this also feeds my creativity.

Q: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: “Live a life of love.”

Q: Do you support any causes? If so, how can your fans get involved?

A: I’ve been donating money every month to two charities for a few years now—they are Kids Company and NSPCC [the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children]. I support any organisation that works to end cruelty against children.

Q: What does “love” mean to you?

A: Being true to myself, acting out of kindness, and being grateful on a daily basis.

Q: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome; how did you do it?

A: Becoming a professional musician was probably one of the hardest obstacles I’ve ever faced. In the early days there was a lot of uncertainty and I struggled to pay my rent, to take care of basic things for years! During that time I stayed very focused on my goals and just kept going. I really do believe you can achieve anything if you really want it—it happened to me!

Q: How can our readers support you?

A: I think any musician would say by buying music instead of downloading it for free! If you love it, support it!

Between the Freeflo Sessions and Lost Where I Belong,

ANDREYA TRIANA is on her way to taking the world by storm. REAL caught up with the British soul/jazz/fusion experimentalist to talk process, growth, and love.

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PHOTO: CW Network

I want to live in a world where ‘normal’ is an insult.

MISHA COLLINS Interview: Maranda Pleasant

The star of the CW’s Supernatural talks about Meditation, Persistence, Love, Scavenger Hunts, Coyotes, and Other Fascinating Things that May or May Not Be Entirely True

Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Misha Collins: I suppose the knee-jerk reaction for a question like this would be “doing what I love” or “giving” or “my kids,” and while those are all true, they’re also a bit generic. I suppose I come most alive when I’m part of something that might wake people up into seeing the world or themselves differently or maybe helps expand our collective perception of what might be possible. Also, I think it would be dishonest to leave this out . . . I think I come most alive with heavy doses of caffeine.

MP: If you could say something to your 16-year-old self, what would it be?

MC: Because I know my 16-year-old self pretty well, I’d probably not waste my time telling him anything. He’s remarkably stubborn and a terrible listener. I’d probably just throw him a can of deodorant or something. That would

solve a lot of his issues.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

MC: This is an easy one. I’d ask them for infinity wishes.

meditating is that it allows you to fully feel and experience pain without identifying with it.

Meditating teaches you to notice pain and then to notice that the pain is not you, it is just an experience that you are having. That’s a critical distinction and can really help separate us from spiraling into negative thoughts.

Oh, I think I misunderstood the question.

I thought you said something about a genie.

No genie? Hmm . . . how about, “Be kind to yourself so you can be happy enough to be kind to the world.”

Also, punching inanimate objects can provide momentary satisfaction.

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

MC: I live with two capricious dictators. One is two, and one is four. Both of them consider my routine to be their enemy and they show no mercy. I also have a shooting and travel schedule that was designed by top scientists at Warner Brothers to create maximum sleep disruption and total temporal disorientation. If I don’t meditate and exercise daily, I become an even more horrible person than I already am.

MC: Well, I’ve tried lots of techniques: intoxication, denial, overworking, sleeping during the daytime . . . none of which seems to work more than temporarily. Talking to my wife helps me. My kids help. My friends are great too. The most effective tool I have when I’m alone is meditation. The great thing about

MP: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in life?

MC: Never accept it when someone tells you something is impossible. You’ll get far more accomplished in life. Ignorance also helps with this. Sometimes when we don’t know something is perceived as impossible, it suddenly becomes possible. Also, if at first you don’t succeed, make sure there’s not a more fun way of trying to do it.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

MC: A lot of people mistakenly assume that I’m an astronomer or a scientist. Although technically I’m not, there are a few things that I think we can say with certainty. First, we know the sun revolves around the earth once a day. We also know that the earth is flat, that uranium is harmless and that the most sustainable way to illuminate your home is by burning whale oil. Also, and this goes without saying, global warming is an urban myth.

MP: What is love for you?

MC: My family. Bittersweet awareness of our brief time playing human on this planet. . . .

The other day I was jogging in Griffith Park, the sun was coming up, everything was turning pinkish orange and I suddenly ran into this coyote several yards off the trail. I froze. He stood there, just staring at me. We had a long moment before he sniffed the air and then trotted off into the bush without looking back.

This has absolutely nothing to do with love, but I know he would want me to fit this into the interview somewhere.

MP: What’s something we may not know about you?

MC: I was a very chubby and somewhat depressed kid. I weighed the same when I was eleven as I did when I graduated college.

MP: How have you managed to galvanize hundreds of thousands of fans into taking action to support your causes?

MC: Mass hypnosis. Also, to a much lesser extent I attempt to create platforms or campaigns that can connect them to some fun potentialities of “the good” or “the weird.” After that, it’s all them. My continued involvement typically bungles things up.

PHOTOS: CW Network

MP: You’re the host of GISHWHES (the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen). Why did you create this and what’s the “good” component of it?

MC: As far as the “good,” in GISHWHES, that has come somewhat as a surprise to me. I started it on a lark as a whimsical little scavenger hunt I ran online. But I quickly realized that it was galvanizing a sort of energy I could never have anticipated. As an event

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itself, GISHWHES has gotten thousands of people worldwide to—among other good things—become bone marrow donors, receive CPR training, and give blood. We also broke the Guinness World Record for the largest number of charitable pledges and another for the largest number of hugs worldwide (over 100,000). GISHWHES has also donated many tens of thousands of dollars to charity every year and the event has precipitated thousands of individual acts of kindness.

Participants recently chipped in to surprise a veteran who had lost his legs and had family members with illnesses with a fully furnished new home; the participants crowd-purchased all of the appliances, bedding, kitchenware . . . everything.

It’s thrilling to be able to do that sort of thing with something that, on the surface, looks like a silly game. It’s also done “good” on another level that makes me even more happy; many of the participants have written to us saying how much GISHWHES has impacted their life—“after participating in GISHWHES I decided to switch my major to fine art,” or “I was suffering severe social anxiety and after

participating in GISHWHES I go out all the time,” or “I had just lost my mom when I signed up for the first time and it helped me celebrate her life.” Those stories have been multitudinous and I would put them in the category of “super good.”

But—and I’m clearly passionate on this particular topic—there is a different type of inherent good in some of the other items we put on the scavenger hunt list every year, like seeing a nun go down a waterslide or a fireman dressed in kale. That kind of good is hard to quantify but impossible to overlook.

MP: You have almost two million Twitter followers that are passionate about you and your TV show and can get behind the change you promote. What advice can you give someone that does not have these resources that wants to make a big difference?

MC: Since you mention Twitter, I think it’s vital to point out that while having a gazillion followers is helpful in the digital age, it’s entirely possible for anyone to cause a massive

If at first you don’t succeed, make sure there’s not a more fun way of trying to do it.

ripple effect. In the online sphere, one inspiring act can so quickly be virally propagated that one person’s voice can make a huge impact. Try, I would say, to lead by example.

MP: Being a well-liked actor comes with its baggage. How do you keep it real?

MC: I spend many hours gazing into the mirror at myself. Then, I gently caress my own cheek. When I feel the touch of my palm on my stubble, it serves as a clear reminder that I am, in fact, real and not a mirage. I used to just stare in the mirror adoringly all afternoon, but eventually I would start to wonder whether I was just a hallucination, so I added the touching-my-face part to ground the experience. So far, it’s clearly working.

Misha Collins, this year’s People’s Choice Award for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV actor, is also a director, producer and activist. He currently stars as Castiel on the CW’s Supernatural, is the founder of nonprofit Random Acts, and hosts the global Guinness World Record-breaking scavenger hunt, GISHWHES.

randomacts.org / gishwishes.com

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The Thiel Fellowship & Thiel Summits

2 Years | $100,000 Build Something Awesome

CHANGE THE WORLD The Thiel Foundation believes in the power of young entrepreneurs to create meaningful change in the world.

With more than $100,000 in fellowship funds, Thiel Fellows get the time and space to pursue their passions and explore new interests. They make new friends, find cofounders, acquire new skills, and build an unrivaled professional network in Silicon Valley and beyond.

But we can only take 20 fellows each year, so the Thiel Summits have become a way to extend the excitement of the Thiel Fellowship to a much larger community. Twice each year hundreds of visionary young entrepreneurs, hackers, scientists, designers and futurists congregate at our Summits to connect, collaborate and inspire. They build new relationships, new companies, new technologies and new projects with the potential to change the world.

Called a “model UN for tech geeks” and a “cross between a scientific conference and homecoming party,” Summits draw some of the most creative, self-directed and motivated

young people in their teens and early twenties from around the world.

Summits feature inspiring keynotes, attendee-led breakout sessions, office hours with Thiel mentors, and lots of opportunities for one-on-one collaboration. Throughout the year summiters stay in touch through a private (800+ member) Facebook group and organize local meet-ups to bring the spirit of our community back to their hometowns.

Our next Summit will be in San Francisco in June. Attendance is by invitation only. Learn more at summit.thielfellowship.org.

COMMUNITY

Building community is the most empowering piece of what we do. We often hear from attendees that the Thiel Summit was the first time they’d ever met their “tribe”—peers who are interested in the same things and think about the world in a similar, unconventional way.

Visit www.thielfellowship.org/apply to learn more and contact us to request a one-on-one session with a fellow, program leader, or mentor.

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APPLY NOW!

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

10 9 8 7

6 The Thiel Summit Community is a carefully curated network of more than 800 young people working on projects to make our world a better place. They collaborate online and face-toface, organize projects and events together, and serve as a massive support system for all aspects of their lives.

Interested in joining us? You must first attend a summit.

Learn more at summit.thielfellowship.org.

5 4 3 2 1

It’s free! The only cost is your time to apply.

It’s empowering! Not only do we want to learn more about you, we want you to learn more about yourself. You will come away from the application with a better sense of what steps you can take to bring your ideas and projects to life.

Internship and job opportunities! We’re helping to match applicants with Thiel mentors looking for talent, even if you don’t get a fellowship.

Useful feedback! Qualifying applications are reviewed by five mentors who must provide written feedback on your ideas. You get an expert’s input into different areas to explore and potential pitfalls, and may even be offered connections to other innovators who can help you succeed.

Travel! If you make it to the finalist round we fly you out to San Francisco to meet your peers for an incredible weekend.

Awesome cred! Only awesome people apply for the Thiel Fellowship. We’re pretty sure you qualify.

The inside track! Our Summit program is building a community of innovators beyond just the 20 awarded fellowships. Invitations come directly from the application pool.

Multiple shots! We love repeat applicants— many fellows have applied more than once.

Apply every year that you’re eligible.

Free money! The money is a gift for as long as you stay in the program. We don’t take any equity in your projects or royalties on your work.

Your “adult papers”! Fellows set their own goals and milestones. We’re here to provide support and guidance, but we don’t set any rules or limits on your potential.

thielfellowship.org summit.thielfellowship.org

Inventing a

D L R O W R BEToTfoEunder, PayPal

E K LUN O S E K C

Interview: Ocean

Pleasant

You might recognize Luke Nosek as the enterprising cofounder of PayPal (alongside Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Max Levchin, and Ken Howery). Nosek went on to create Founders Fund (an awesome SanFran-based venture capital firm) with a few comrades from PayPal. He currently sits on the boards of SpaceX, Pathway Genomics, and ResearchGate. On top of all that, he sustains a daily practice of meditation and movement, which he claims boosted his health, concentration and livelihood.

Luke Skyped with our editor and shared his definitions of success, entrepreneurship, and how a mindful practice is essential in maintaining a healthy life and business.

Ocean Pleasant: I was so inspired by your talk at the Thiel Summit; everyone was expecting you to speak directly on the work you’re doing, yet the entire time you encouraged meditation, yoga, and dancing; you explained how movement is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and business. I think there’s a tendency for people to label practices like meditation as “woo-woo,” when it’s quite beneficial, personally and in business. What is your opinion of meditation?

Luke Nosek: Another way I would put it is, it’s just part of keeping a healthy brain. For example, you need to have strong muscles and a strong cardiovascular system to stay healthy. Even if you’re not necessarily an athlete, the whole human body is a system; if your cardiovascular system is not working, you’re going to die once everything starts functioning less and less. So we know, okay, you’re going to want to start doing some cardio a few times a week. It used to be just for athletes, but now we know it’s for everybody.

Likewise, we’re learning that meditation strengthens brain function. For instance, certain types of meditation can increase your concentration ability; that’s useful for everything. People have been confused because there are a lot of different types of meditation, different teachers, some of them are bad, perhaps some of them are not appropriate for you at certain times. But, there’s a lot of different types of exercise. These are basic things that are good for everybody to do.

OP: How would you define success?

LN: I would define success as something you know from the inside. It’s your success; get to know yourself really, really well, and what you want.

That is something which could be very different from what the overall culture is saying—“These are the things that are valuable,” like a fast car or a big house, or having many emails in your inbox. In Silicon Valley people will be like, “Oh, I have so many emails,” like this is a good thing.

Success is finding out what your own deepest desires are, and shaping your own life to satisfy those. If you do that, you are successful.

OP: What inspires your work in the world?

LN: I feel like I have the opportunity to make a better world; that’s something I’ve dreamt about ever since I was young. I imagined making a better world through my inventions, and I’ve seen many different ways to make things better. It’s exciting. I get to be good at a few of them.

I’m good at helping entrepreneurs build companies. For me, that one is particularly special because these are the very few people that are out there making a big, leveraged difference. They’re creating something that magnifies their impact with their company, so I’m really privileged to be able to help them in that.

OP: Speaking of entrepreneurs, what does that word mean to you?

LN: An entrepreneur is someone who is willing to do something that no one has done before. Something that hasn’t been thought of before or is maybe thought of as bad or stupid or weird. They’re willing to go through that difficulty of doing something that appears to a lot of the prevalent culture as just, “Why are you doing this? It’s not going to work, you’re not going to get anything out of this.”

When Elon Musk started SpaceX, his friends were telling him it was crazy, begging him not to do it. He was going through all this money and his wife said, “You know what, in the end it’s fine. You can throw all your money away into this thing but we have to have a house and a car after this is done.”

That’s the kind of person who’s an entrepreneur. Someone that believes something needs to be done, for the world, for themselves, for their own conception of themselves or their own conception of the world; they’re willing even though people have been telling them for quite a while that it’s not a good idea. I want to contrast that. It’s important to know that the entrepreneurs famous today, that everyone says are great—everyone is saying now that Mark Zuckerberg is great or that Elon Musk is great; they weren’t saying that when they were starting out, when you didn’t know about them. Generally, people were telling them, “This is really bad. This is really dumb.”

So that’s the special thing for me, that they’re willing to persevere through that and build something that they know is important, that they know is going to work, that they know is going to benefit people.

OP: Wow. If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

LN: “Build your own life. Don’t build a life for other people.”

I don’t mean don’t help people, if you enjoy doing that—but don’t do things because it’s the acceptable or standard thing. Find out what life you really want and go make that life. Go live it.

OP: Can you name an obstacle that you’ve faced and overcome?

What did you learn from that experience?

LN: There are a lot of different things. I mentioned the physical practice of getting up every morning and exercising and doing yoga. It wasn’t always like that; it was a few years ago that I was quite unhealthy and it was because of that, of getting so unhealthy that my body could not . . . I was just sick, really, really sick for that year. And I had to go, “Well, I got to figure this out. I can’t be sick. I can’t even do my work.”

Success is finding out what your own deepest desires are, and shaping your own life to satisfy those.

If you do that, you are successful.

By focusing on my body, I started to discover all these other things again that I had forgotten about, like my meditation practice, about what is meaningful in my life. What did I really want to do with my life? It was an important doorway. But the challenge itself in the beginning was, “Hey, I just want to get well, I want to eat well and I want to exercise well.” So it was a challenge that brought for me these other things that I would not have expected.

OP: What wisdom can you offer for those looking to follow in your footsteps?

LN: Don’t follow in my footsteps. Trace your own. If you want to take inspiration from any great entrepreneurs, that is good, but remember that you are different than they are, so becoming them is going to be impossible. Become yourself.

OP: Is there any way that our readers can become involved in what you’re doing?

LN: We met during the Thiel Fellow Summit. So for one thing, if your readers think that they qualify to be one of the Thiel Fellows—if you have a project that you think is going to make the world better, that you’re passionate about, and you want to do it outside the traditional education system, apply for the Thiel Fellowship. We need you. We want the best.

That is really the first one, although, if you don’t do that, as you become more successful I would just ask you to keep doing the things that you think are important for building your own life, and maybe one day our paths will cross, either in entrepreneurship or in something else.

You run faster g when somethin.. is chasing you What does your creative process look like?

Astro: It differs. Sometimes I get a beat that inspires a concept, so I write to it. And sometimes I have a concept and start looking for a beat.

What makes you come most alive?

A: Good creative work. It could be music, a movie, a piece of art or a book. As long as it’s good.

Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

A: People who thought I didn’t write my own lyrics. For the first few years of my music career, people always said, “There’s no way that kid wrote that!” I had to continually prove myself. So I did every showcase and cypher I could to prove my lyrical skills. And I made sure to write in the studio, in front of producers, so they knew that I created my lyrics on the spot.

What inspires your work in the world?

A: Struggle. You run faster when something is chasing you.

If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: “Can’t we all just get along?”

Do you support any causes or organizations?

A: I really would like to get more involved in JDRF [formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation], and any organization that is helping to eliminate homelessness among teens.

What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

PHOTO: Garth Von Glehn

A: My first commercial music project, Computer Era. I also launched the Grade A Tribe website and clothing line. Would love to have all REAL readers check it out.

From The X Factor to star of Fox’s new hit seri Red Band Society, 18-year-old Astro talks abo es, ut his creative process, writing, and music

ASTRO

URL: gradeatribe.com / Twitter: @AstronomicalKid

REAL Magazine: What advice would you give to your younger self?

I made the right choice. I’ve learned that you have follow your dreams and make them a reality.

Abhi Sinha: Pick one thing and be great at it. Also, never stop believing in yourself.

RM: What is the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

RM: What makes you feel most alive?

AS: Being on set gives me an indescribable, energized and alive feeling. There is really nothing like working when you love the work.

RM: What truth do you live by?

AS: Karma. It’s real. So do what you love and be a good person about it.

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome. What wisdom can you share from that experience?

AS: I had to make a choice between acting and continuing my college education at USC. I came to the realization that when I’m in an audition room, no one will care whether I graduated or not. I have no regrets and am quite certain

AS: I showered four times in one day.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

AS: Live life to the fullest and pick a career that you enjoy. You will spend a lot of time at your job, so you should love it. I would also add, work hard and play even harder.

RM: What causes are you passionate about and how can our readers become involved?

AS: I love animals, especially dogs. So I would say get involved with animal rights organizations like PETA. Adopting a pet in need is also a great option.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

AS: As of right now, I have more episodes of Chasing Life, and would love to have as many fans tune in each week as possible.

KARMA. IT’S REAL. SO DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND BE A GOOD PERSON ABOUT IT.

Abhi Sinha

No Regrets

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PHOTO: Lesley Bryce

The star of ABC Family’s Chasing Life on Karma, Careers, and Making the Most of Life

Doing Something Great

ERIK FINMAN

16-year-old Entrepreneur

Erik Finman is a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Idaho. Not long ago, he invested $1,000 he received from his grandmother into Bitcoins.

Soon after, he sold them for $100,000.

PHOTOS: Keely Brennan

With his earnings, Erik has decided to address some of the negative experiences he has had with the education system and provide student-focused learning. Instead of learning passively in a classroom, he wants students to learn by experiencing the world the way they want to. From his home in Idaho, using just a computer and the Internet, he started Botangle.com. He now manages a 20-person team comprising programmers and other professionals from all over the world. Recently, he has been working on a Botangle event called “Intern For A Day,” which allows interns to work for top companies for an entire day. Erik hopes to help other teenage entrepreneurs, “Because you’re never too young to do something great.”

26

DEXTER DARDEN and up-and-coming The star of The Maze Runner s creative process, organization musician chats with us on his giving back. he supports, and the power of REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Dexter Darden: For music? Normally I tend to zone out and get in my creative place. Sometimes I listen to other artists to get inspired by the creative genius, then I focus, order some Chinese food, lock in, and start writing. For acting it’s a tad bit different. I try to get lost in the character, find where they are in the situation, and apply my natural instinct to the scene.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

DD: Any of the arts, music, film, dance or paintings. Just creatives in general, really. I get so rejuvenated by seeing art at its finest.

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

DD: The thought and hope that I am inspiring others. I hope that I can continue to create material that reaches people’s hearts and souls. I know how I feel when I see a child who has persevered through trials and tribulations, or when I listen to an MJ album. It is a feeling that just can’t be duplicated. It’s special.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

DD: “Stay in your lane!” So much of the world is more obsessed with what’s going on in other people’s lives than what they can do to better themselves. It’s sad that gossip and tearing other people down is what makes some people happy.

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

DD: Yes! I have several charities that I’m involved with. Right now I’m really passionate about finding a cure for sickle-cell disease. Sickle-cell is a blood disease that affects many but doesn’t get the publicity it deserves and we are not far from finding a cure!

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

DD: I’m currently on set filming the sequel to [The Maze Runner], called Scorch Trials, which will be in theaters September 18, 2015, so be on the lookout for that! I’m also working on my music, trying to get a solid EP out by the beginning of next year! Follow me on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram for more updates @DexterDarden.

27

PHOTO: Ben Miller

I get so rejuvenated by seeing art at its finest.

I’m also affiliated with The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which was founded by Paul Newman and how I got my start. It’s a camp for kids with special needs and blood diseases that gives them an opportunity to be carefree and enjoy themselves. It’s a special place.

YATES

F R A N C E S C O

PHOTOS: Jimmy Fontaine

e s n e S A of s s e n e l Who

Insanely talented up-and-comer Francesco Yates stole our hearts last summer with his critically acclaimed single, “Call.” He’s received praise from Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake alike, not to mention that Yates has the best hair we’ve seen in a long time (his fans started the hashtag #TeamAfro). REAL stole a moment of his time to discover his creative process and inspirations.

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

NO ONE THING INSPIRES ME— I OPEN MYSELF TO ALL EXPERIENCES TO BE INSPIRED.

Francesco Yates: I wish it looked like something, but as far as I know I can’t really explain the anatomy of how it all happens, because it happens very differently every time. I just know that when a song is coming to me, I make sure I’m ready.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

FY: The feeling I get when I know a song is beginning to come together, and being with people who are on the same page and want to help me bring it to life. The feeling is like a sense of wholeness, it’s the same thing with the adrenaline I feel from a live performance. It’s a rush.

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

FY: Anything can inspire me, really, from reading a book to a car ride or a quote from a conversation I’ve had. Coincidence has a funny way of doing things like that. No one thing inspires me—I open myself to all experiences to be inspired.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

FY: Be yourself but first know yourself, because you cannot be yourself if you don’t know yourself. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve realized recording my debut album. I began to know myself during that process and it allows me to now be myself.

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

FY: I support music education in general because it can be therapy when used in the right way.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

FY: My debut single, “Call,” is available now on iTunes and the music video is live on YouTube. I’m excited to share that with new ears and eyes. Find me in a city near you—visit francescoyates.com or follow me @FrancescoYates on Twitter and Instagram. I follow back!

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PHOTOS: Vince Truspin

T WE A H T L L A IN E THE MIDDL

DO

STAR

s u c i att r e f f sha asant

cean Ple Interview: O

be, as a way for us to grow. A positive, not a negative. It helps us to persevere and to become better people. I think one of the most important things we all need to know is that we are all meant to be different, for it makes us unique.

The world would be so boring if we were all exactly the same. We have all been created to be who we are in our physical bodies, our personalities and interests, and we need to thrive in them.

OP: What is the craziest thing you’ve done for love or an obsession?

AS: I’m currently desperately trying to find blossoming Japanese cherry blossoms for Valentine’s Day and apparently they are incredibly hard to find. I’m currently at two nurseries, five websites, and I’m going to start florist shops now.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

AS: “Please get off your cell phones!”

Ocean Pleasant: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Atticus Shaffer: My mom has always been there for me and she is like my hero. She has always told me, “Always be yourself.” I would continue to tell my younger self the same thing. You need to stay true to yourself and stand firm in what you believe in.

OP: What makes you feel most alive?

AS: Life itself. I love and appreciate the little things in life. I love nature and animals. I love books, reading, storytelling, my garden—kind of like Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. However, what is most important to me and makes me feel most alive is being able to spend time with my family and friends.

OP: What truth do you live by?

AS: That’s hard to pick only one, because I have many truths I live by.

My mom taught me to love words of inspiration, whether they be poems, scripture, etc. I wake up to see this quote in front of me every day of my life and has it become my truth: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a redeemed social condition or a job well done; To know even one other life has breathed easier because you lived: This is to have succeeded.”

OP: What causes are you passionate about and how can our readers become involved?

AS: While I am not with a specific cause at the moment, I am passionate about several issues and am narrowing my field to find a home with one or more of them. I am very passionate about rescue animals. Most of my furry family are rescues and they are some of my best friends I could ever have. Most of them came from a Mojave rescue called Halfway to Home [Animal Shelter]. My other passions lean toward my patriotism for our nation’s military, and, most recently, my activity with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation has given me greater insight and compassion for those who are faced with this complicated and rare condition.

When we face a challenge or an obstacle, we should look at it, as difficult as it might be, as a way for us to grow. A positive, not a negative.

It helps us to persevere and to become better people.

Also, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

OP: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

OP: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome. What wisdom can you share from that experience?

AS: I am continuing work for my character Brick on ABC’s The Middle.

However, I am also doing character voices in some upcoming cartoon projects for Disney and Dreamworks, and I am still doing work for my character Peedee on the Cartoon Network show Steven Universe. I stress that my goal is that I try to “leave the world a bit better” and I try, in all that I do and all who I meet, [to] not forget to be a person who can “know even one other life has breathed easier” in whatever I do. Maybe we can all support each other in this same goal.

AS: Everyone goes through many different challenges in their lives. Big, small, physical, or emotional, we all have struggles. I do have a physical challenge with osteogenesis imperfecta, but one that I do not [allow] to define me. It is part of who I am, not who I am as a whole. When we face a challenge or an obstacle, we should look at it, as difficult as it might

THE POWER OF

CONNECTION at the Global Youth Peace Summit

By Veronica Cooklin

I met people from all over the world who came from different backgrounds and cultures. Not only did I listen to their fascinating stories and witness displays of unique artistic talent but, as everyone opened up further and felt more comfortable in their vulnerability, we connected on a deeper level that surpassed any social interaction that I had ever had.

There are certain barriers that we as human beings unwittingly set for ourselves and for others: judgment, self-consciousness, and a lack of acknowledgment of the true beauty and capacity for love that we all possess. These are barriers that one cannot fully understand the impact of until they are dissolved.

The result of the dissolution of these barriers is something truly beautiful in its enticing simplicity. For me, this magic can be easily summed up in four words: Global Youth Peace Summit.

My experience with the summit is one that I could never have anticipated. I went into my first summit two years ago with no concept of what to expect, as well as some characteristic cynicism.

However, upon arrival, my expectations, as well as my heart, mind, and spirit, were shortly shattered, rearranged, and finally uplifted. I was given the privilege to access a whole incandescent aspect of humanity I had never before seen, as a result of the unlimited space for authentic emotion and unconditional acceptance offered to Peace Summit participants.

I was given the gift of hearing something that I’m not sure many others have had the privilege of experiencing: the raw and powerful insight into the human condition that can only be had from a place of truly unconditional love, which stems from acceptance of the flaws that we all have, and the knowledge that these flaws do not define who we are but only serve to make us more intricate and wonderful creatures and give us space to grow in the future.

The summit village is a space that represents the way the world could be with more consciousness: every interaction is kind, conversation is thoughtful, and there is a general potency in the air that inspires creativity.

The person that I am at the summit is the person that I strive to be in the rest of my life, because she is the young woman who uses her full potential and really thinks about how to better herself and the world around her. This is why I say that every single person could use a little GYPS in their lives.

To learn more and apply, visit amalafoundation.org

PHOTOS: Afya Ibomu

WE CAN ONLY MANAGE WHAT WE ARE AWARE OF.

+ A

The great news is that there are simple practices that can be helpful. The following is an AllAs Approach for staying on your emotional A game.

Awareness We can only manage what we are aware of. When in a funk, practice taking ten to thirty slow, deep breaths, and just allow yourself to become aware of what you are feeling. Identify the emotions by a specific name. Note whether it is sadness, anxiety, anger, or a combination, or some other specific emotion. This is a reminder that we are not our emotions and thoughts; we are that which witnesses them. Emotions are great soldiers but you are the general. Adding a daily meditation practice takes your awareness and cool to the next level.

Acceptance

Straight As:

Leaders of the New Cool

By Khnum “STIC” Ibomu of

Dead Prez

Back when I was in high school I had a friend who was an A, honor-roll student and the starting quarterback, and who drove his own Benz to school daily. His wealthy father imposed extremely demanding expectations on him that were taking a toll. One day he got a B on his report card and was so frustrated and ashamed that he would disappoint his father that he went home and took his own life with a shotgun.

Teen life can be fun and some of the best years of life, but dealing with grades, family expectations, busy schedules, college prep, puberty, peer pressure, bullying, sexual anxieties and so on can become very stressful. Without practical tools many teens can become deeply angry, depressed or even suicidal.

Acceptance means not avoiding, ignoring or denying reality.

Acceptance frees the mind from suffering resentment and allows the space for new solutions to emerge. The one who finds value in all things is indeed wealthy. Challenging emotions are valuable. They inform us that something needs to change either in our situation or perspective, and oftentimes both. When we take breathing breaks to settle and clear the mind, and accept the moment for whatever it is, negativity separates on its own, like oil does in water, setting up the alleyoop for taking constructive action.

Action How we manage our perspectives and respond to circumstances makes all the difference in the world. We can’t choose the direction of the wind but we can learn to adjust our sails. Activate new habits and hobbies, and ask for help when needed. Taking action is about choosing to focus your energy in ways that help you feel good, inspired, and in the driver seat of your life.

Awesome examples Volunteering. Exercising. Journaling. Redecorating your room.

Making new friends. Collecting positive affirmations. Playing your favorite songs. Praying. Talking with a friend, parent, mentor or therapist, and so on.

Awareness, acceptance and action help us ace the life tests that matter most. Keep your A game tight, kick ass and stay awesome!

Khnum “STIC” Ibomu is a hip-hop artist, athlete and author of The Art of Emcee-ing: A Guide for the Aspiring Hip Hop Artist.

rbgfitclub.com

STARTUP CITIES I N S T I T U T E

By Zachary Caceres & Markus Bergstrรถm

SCI is bringing startup culture to politics.

Suddenly a trashpicker pulled up in a truck overflowing with garbage. Her name was Miriam. She makes her livelihood with her teenage daughter selling plastic scraps for a dollar or two a day. She told Zach her story: grinding poverty, the constant threat of extortion and murder by organized crime, the shooting of her husband, the sexual assaults on her daughter.

In the middle of this heartbreaking story, her phone rang and she pulled out a smartphone and texted someone. It was something Zach could never forget. Miriam faces ancient human problems of violence and poverty, yet she owns a futuristic technology like a smartphone.

Our chance encounter with Miriam seeded a powerful question: What if politics could progress at the pace of technology?

Startup Cities Institute believes that the biggest paradox of today is that we have rapid, constant progress in technologies like phones

and computers, but billions of people have no access at all to good law and governance.

Even someone as poor as Miriam can get a smartphone. But she can only dream of access to the rule of law, to good infrastructure, to security, to the ability to start a legal business, or to decent education and healthcare. What if governance is just another technology waiting for entrepreneurs to innovate in it? Startup entrepreneurship has brought a smartphone to Miriam—could it also bring her a better community?

Startup Cities Institute is building a platform called Lean Reform to help municipalities improve their governance. Lean Reform uses neighborhoods and municipalities to pilot political reforms before they’re scaled to the national level. Cities and neighborhoods become like competing community startups.

Reforms can be broad with innovations like a different legal system, radical transparency, new social services, or a new police force.

Or reforms can be focused on a specific area like education. New policies are treated as prototypes, not finished products. Mistakes stay local, costs are lower, and municipalities or neighborhoods can adjust a reform until they find something that works well for citizens.

With members and partners around the world, SCI is bringing startup culture to politics.

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PHOTOS: Javier Parellada, IN PHOTOS: Zachary Caceres & Markus Bergström PHOTOS TAKEN: Universidad Francisco Marroquín & El Basurero (Guatemala City)

Zach was covered in garbage flies as he stood on the edge of a cliff over Guatemala City’s central landfill. Hundreds of people, including many children, wander this steamy wasteland scavenging for anything valuable. Gangs murder people every week as they prowl the dump.

Never Give Up

MAX

PHOTOS: Marc Cartwright

Interview: Ocean Pleasant

Never give up lieve e b s y a lw a d an ms. a e r d ] r u o y [ in OP: What truth do you live by?

MC: I think you should always be nice to everyone and always try to do nice things for people.

OP: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome. What wisdom can you share from that experience?

MC: This is a tough business and you cannot book every role, but you have to keep on auditioning and never give up if it’s what you really want to do. When I don’t book something I just move on and try to figure out what I can do better next time. Or maybe they were just looking for someone with a different look. You can’t worry about it too much.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

MC: I would tell them to never give up and always believe in their dreams.

OP: What causes are you passionate about and how can our readers become involved?

Ocean Pleasant: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Max Charles: I would tell my five-year-old self to say bye to my kindergarten class when I left Nashville for California. I told them I would be back in three weeks when my brother Logan finished his auditions. I ended up booking something and we never came back.

MC: I try to volunteer when I can at events to help animals and kids.

We watched my movie The Three Stooges at Children’s Hospital with the kids there and hung out with all of them and had a little party. It was really fun to hang out with the kids and their families and make them laugh and forget about stuff for a while.

OP: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

OP: What makes you feel most alive?

MC: I’m really excited to be working on The Strain right now in Canada.

My character gets to do some challenging things this season and I really like doing this role! Corey Stoll is my dad in it and he is amazing to work with, and Guillermo del Toro is the writer so it’s pretty scary. You can watch season two of The Strain this summer on FX.

MC: I like to try new adventures and go explore new places with my family. I also really like to go free running and play basketball and Xbox.

I was also just in American Sniper as Bradley Cooper’s son. It was great to be part of this hero movie and to be directed by Clint Eastwood.

CHARLES The Three Stooges, The Strain, American Sniper—Max is a busy guy.

REAL’s editor grabbed a few minutes of his time to talk perseverance, personal challenge, and giving back.

39

PAUL D. MILLER A.K.A.

DJ SPOOKY THAT SUBLIMINAL KID

Interview: Ocean Pleasant

Multimedia artist, composer, writer, and 2014 National Geographic Emerging Explorer

We need to get some context and pull back a little bit.

The problem is, society is moving so quickly, technology is changing so rapidly, it’s hard to get perspective.

Paul D. Miller first rose to worldwide fame as hip-hop turntablist DJ Spooky, and is now a sought-after lecturer and performer at prestigious venues, arts institutions and universities on every continent. If that’s not cool enough, he was also the first artist-in-residence at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. His multimedia piece “The Book of Ice” creates an experiential visual and musical portrait of Antarctica’s disappearing environment.

He founded Vanuatu Pacifica Foundation, a sustainable arts center on the island of Vanuatu. Paul blends technology and art to further enhance his message of global culture and cutting-edge innovation. Our editor caught up with him to discuss the effect of technology on Millennials and their social development.

Ocean Pleasant: Can you name a way that you think technology is advancing our society, and a way that it’s creating a barrier of disconnect?

Paul D. Miller: There’s no question about it that Millennials, the people that have been growing up as “digital natives,” have all experienced a different approach to how they look at the way society functions.

Information and social networks are the basis of their whole social flow.

I’m 44, so I tend to think that I have good perspective on both. The technology now is quite intuitive and all about becoming faster, more robust, which is going to be more immersive, complex, and more of how Millennials think. That’s a beautiful thing because I think a lot of younger people are thinking of technology as a very flexible extension of their social process. All of which is cool. I’m not against or for technology. It’s just a tool.

OP: What wisdom could you share with Millennials who are exploring new methods of creative expression, while technology plays such an integral part in their social development?

PDM: I cannot affirm enough that technology is a tool; we shouldn’t over-prioritize it. You shouldn’t say it’s the end-all, be-all. Every generation loves to think that the metaphors they use and the styles of material around them are the most complex, the end of everything, the most intense. The ’60s felt that Vietnam was the metaphor for everything, the ’50s felt the Cold War was the metaphor for everything, the ’30s that the Depression was everything. In hindsight, each one is just a chapter in a book that’s still being written. We need to get some context and pull back a little bit. The problem is, society is moving so quickly, technology is changing so rapidly, it’s hard to get perspective.

I like to think of my music and my art as giving people a sense of a bubble where they can kind of pull out of the hecticness and dive into this space that essentially gives them a little more of a dynamic engagement. Like, they can see that the stuff is happening, they can experience it, but the way the art functions is to give people the tools to take apart the situation and think more clearly and more robustly and hopefully with more of a sense of irreverence. djspooky.com / @djspooky REALTEENMAG.COM

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PHOTO: Minh Bui, STYLIST: Ali Levine, GROOMING: Melody Konstanti

Take time to really talk to people face tor face, explore eynojouy world, and iful the beaut nature that surrounds you!

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RECYCLING IS SEXY Elevating the Consciousness of Consumers

The planet is in trouble. Waste has become an acceptable part of life, and our trash is pouring into our rivers and oceans. We need to get smarter about how we manage our materials. Right now, recycling is broken. Why? • Recycling bins are not available everywhere.

• Recycling systems are outdated.

• Products are not designed to be recycled.

For recycling to work, these three things must work together: • Recapture • Sorting • Manufacturing It is easier to fix the system than you might think. We can shift industry supply chains and redesign outdated systems. Vote with your dollar to pull

industry in the right direction. If we all vote with our dollars for products that are actually good for the planet, manufacturers have to shift their products to be more sustainable or they will go out of business.

Recycling Is Sexy is building an information platform to empower everyone with clarity about what is sustainable, so that people can align their purchasing decisions with their values.

Here is what you can do now to help the planet: • Boycott products with excessive packaging.

• Call your favorite brands and tell them you are not interested in products or packaging that are not recyclable.

• Support the Recycling is Sexy movement.

• Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter & Instagram.

• Use Twitter and Instagram to call out businesses that don’t have recycling bins. Send them a message like this: “@[company] why don’t you recycle? Get it together! #recyclingissexy #RIScallout” We need your help to build this platform and get this information out to people everywhere! Visit recyclingis.sexy today!

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Inform and Empower Interview with Fresco News Founder and CEO

JOHN MEYER on Citizen Journalism and the Future of News Interview: Ocean Pleasant

Ocean Pleasant: What is your inspiration behind Fresco?

John Meyer: My inspiration behind Fresco was observing that Millennials are not at all interested in reading full-length text articles or watching television news channels as a means of being informed about global news events.

Instead, we’re getting our news from a quick snippet or two from Twitter or Facebook.

While this is great for being aware of quick, breaking news events, you really wind up missing out on 99 percent of the context of what’s going on. My solution to this was to create a more media-centric news platform— an “Instagram for news” where you can browse your news through feeds of images coming from people at the scene of events all around the world.

OP: What’s next?

JM: We are about to launch our Fresco Licensing platform with ten news organizations, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CBS. These companies will be using our platform to, in real time, source, verify, and license breaking news imagery from people at the scene of major events all around the world. Going forward, we plan on launching a major update to our Fresco News app that will allow users to

upload breaking news content through us, as opposed to having us source from social media, which we do today. Along with this major endeavor also comes our intense efforts to create a public perception of citizen journalism being something that can in fact be done.

We are giving everyone the ability to be their own reporter. I cannot wait for the day that something in society changes for the better because something was seen by the world as a result of Fresco News.

OP: What do you hope to achieve? What sort of impact do you hope Fresco will have?

JM: I want Fresco News to be a crowdsourced news platform that empowers anybody to get what should be seen out to the world to make things more transparent. There are far too many cases of terrible events never being reported because an actual reporter isn’t present. We are no longer reliant on a reporter.

We all have phones with incredible cameras in our pockets. It’s all about bridging the gap between one person on the scene of an event and the entire world. While the world is an amazing place, there are still many problems that are left consistently unsolved. The first step to fixing those problems is informing the world that they exist. This is only possible if the power is given to anyone to make such informing happen.

fresconews.com

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REAL Magazine: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Lindsey Morgan: “Know that you are enough just as you are.”

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

LM: “Don’t be afraid to love a little more.”

RM: What inspires you on a daily basis?

LM: Strangers, music, the view outside my current window, wherever that may be.

RM: What truth do you know for certain?

LM: A life without passion isn’t a life at all.

RM: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?

LM: Flown across the world for a date.

RM: Name three things people probably don’t know about you.

LM: 1. I have four baby teeth still.

2. I am 50% introvert and 50% extrovert.

3. I went to career day in the second grade as a Spice Girl.

RM: Share some wisdom you acquired from an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

LM: The idea of failure truly doesn’t exist, it is just another opportunity to learn.

PHOTO: Marc Cartwright

RM: What do you have coming up? How can our readers support you?

LM: You can catch me on the CW’s The 100 as Raven Reyes.

A LIFE WITHOUT PASSION ISN’T A LIFE AT ALL.

Interview with

LINDSEY MORGAN ’s The 100 Star of the CW iest Thing She’s e Craz on Passion & th one for Love Ever D

REAL Magazine: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Lindsey Morgan: “Know that you are enough just as you are.”

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

LM: “Don’t be afraid to love a little more.”

RM: What inspires you on a daily basis?

LM: Strangers, music, the view outside my current window, wherever that may be.

RM: What truth do you know for certain?

LM: A life without passion isn’t a life at all.

RM: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?

LM: Flown across the world for a date.

RM: Name three things people probably don’t know about you.

LM: 1. I have four baby teeth still.

2. I am 50% introvert and 50% extrovert.

3. I went to career day in the second grade as a Spice Girl.

RM: Share some wisdom you acquired from an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

LM: The idea of failure truly doesn’t exist, it is just another opportunity to learn.

RM: What do you have coming up? How can our readers support you?

LM: You can catch me on the CW’s The 100 as Raven Reyes.

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PHOTOS: Danny Hernandez, MAKEUP & HAIR STYLIST: Allison Noelle, STYLISTS: Mercedes Natalia & Kelly Smith

I’m happier understanding that things will always just work out.

They just do!

Star of MTV’s Awkward

JILLIAN ROSE REED dishes on producing a new screenplay, letting go, and engaging the next generation What makes you feel most alive?

Jillian Rose Reed: Other than acting, which is my biggest passion in life, being around the people I love makes me feel alive. There is nothing better than sitting with my group of friends and laughing so hard I spit my drink out!

Do you support any causes or organizations? If so, how can your fans get involved?

JRR: I do! I work very closely with DoSomething.org, as well as the American Diabetes Association, and I am the celebrity spokesperson of Breaking the Chains! My fans can get involved by going online, figuring out what they’re passionate about, and taking a step! Whether it’s donations, creating an event, or just educating yourself . . . there’s always a way to get involved!

Share some wisdom on an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

JRR: One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced so far is letting go of control. I’m in a business where I have almost zero control over what happens next. I can work my butt off to try to get a job, and still not get it for a million different reasons. That rejection was hard to face at first.

I’ve learned to understand that some things are just out of my hands.

I’m happier understanding that things will always just work out. They just do!

What advice would you give to the next generation?

JRR: As big of a social media fan as I am, because I do think it’s wonderful, I would tell the next generation to engage. People need other people and relationships . . . face-to-face is so important! Put down the phone once in a while and have a real conversation!

What projects do you have coming up?

JRR: I am starring in and producing a new screenplay called Chained and Bound alongside some really talented actors. We are in the very beginning stages, but it’s awesome to experience what goes on behind the scenes. Other than that, you can watch Awkward on MTV!

Ocean Pleasant: What does your creative process look like?

Kevin McHale: It really depends on what it is—music, acting, creating, writing. It usually comes in the form of a burst of ideas all at once and I just ride that wave until it fizzles out. I try not to put pressure on creativity. When it happens it happens, and when it doesn’t that’s OK too, and accepting that is just as important.

OP: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

KM: Flying somewhere super far away just for a surprise.

OP: What makes you come most alive?

KM: Performing on stage. It’s the absolute best feeling in the entire world.

OP: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

You probably recognize him as the singer, dancer & actor from the hit show Glee; we know

PHOTOS: Gilles Toucas, STYLING: Franzy Staedter, GROOMING: Michelle Harvey

KEVIN McHale as the all-around insanely cool guy who shares with us his outrageous acts of love, Operation Smile, and his new film, Boychoir Interview: Ocean Pleasant

12

KM: I was in L.A. trying to make it as an actor and singer and ran out of all my money the month I booked Glee. I spent my time working my ass off, trying to make myself as competent in the things I wanted to so when an opportunity arose, I’d be prepared.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

KM: We are all so much more similar than we are different, no matter age, race, or geographical location. I think if you understand that, then we’d all get along so much more!

OP: Do you support any causes or organizations?

KM: Operation Smile, which gives surgeries to people with cleft palates all around the world in places where medical help is not easily accessible. The Trevor Project, which provides a suicide and crisis hotline for the LGBT community across the country.

OP: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

KM: I have a film, Boychoir, coming out this year and have started a new radio show with some of my friends on Dash Radio every Thursday at 11 a.m. PST.

I try not to put pressure on creativity.

13

PHOTOS: Marc Cartwright

S

Sarah Star of Suits on USA Network

R

A

F

F

E

R

T

Y

dishes on rejoicing success, life’s purpose, and skinny dipping

REAL Magazine: What advice would you give to your younger self?

Sarah Rafferty: Worry less, skinny dip more.

RM: What makes you feel most alive?

SR: Holding my children as they fall asleep.

RM: What truth do you live by?

SR: The purpose of life is to serve others.

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome. What wisdom can you share from that experience?

SR: As an actress you can face a ton of rejection. It can rob you of your joy. The best antidote is to get deeply, truly happy for the success of others. Witness people realizing their dreams and rejoice in their success. If you can help them get there, even better. Your time will come.

RM: What is the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

SR: Believing that a long-distance relationship can work. It did. My husband and I have been together since . . . wait for it . . . 1994.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

SR: I’d quote the Dalai Lama: “If we were to think of other people as our human brothers and sisters, there’d be no room for quarreling or killing each other.”

@sarahgrafferty

RM: What causes are you passionate about and how can our readers become involved?

SR: I am honored to be an ambassador for Plan Canada’s “Because I Am a Girl” initiative. If you want to be inspired, check out the film Girl Rising and join the girl movement at becauseiamagirl.ca.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

SR: Suits returned January 28 on USA. Tune in and let me know what you think.

TIM NORDWIND

OK GO PHOTO: Zen Sekizawa

OF

Remember that epic treadmill music video of the song “Here It Goes Again,” parodied by The Simpsons (major points)? It’s safe to assume every epic music video out there is probably OK Go (ahem, White Knuckles . . . those dogs!).

Bassist and vocalist Tim Nordwind discusses communication, overcoming anxiety, net neutrality, and their new album, Hungry Ghosts, available now.

16

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Tim Nordwind: Whether we’re making music or creating videos, it’s essential that we have time to play with ideas, to let them grow and change. We chase what we think will be exciting and fun, and build emotional arcs out of those ideas. Hopefully we create things with an element of surprise that inspire awe and wonderment.

RM: What makes you come most alive?

TN: Things that make me come alive are comedy, love, art, science, animals, food, music.

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

TN: Anxiety can be a big obstacle. Anxiety is hard because it can make the easiest things—eating, getting out of bed, smiling—seem really hard.

Over the years I’ve learned some good cognitive and coping skills, like meditation, to help curb anxiety and depression.

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

TN: A desire to connect. Making things is highly therapeutic. Nothing is more satisfying than communicating an exact feeling or emotion. And getting to share that work feels great.

LOVE AND RESPECT YOURSELF.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

innovators who have great ideas, but not always the money to get those ideas to the world. So we’re interested in keeping the Internet an equal space for people to create and share ideas freely.

TN: “Love and respect yourself.” Seems easy, but isn’t always.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

TN: We have a new record. People can go to pledgemusic.com/okgo to order the record and also become a part of our rewards campaign, which includes things like hand-designed Converse, visiting our sound checks.

We’ll pick you up in our bus and take you to our show. And my favorite; we’ll make a documentary about your life based only on fake facts.

TN: A big issue for us at the moment is net neutrality. A large part of our early success was in part due to the fact that we had a free and equal space on the Internet to share our work, both music and video. Communication companies now want to charge for access to the Internet, like cable TV, which would highly curb the makers and

okgo.net

17

I JUST WANT TO BE SOMEONE WHOSE MUSIC CUTS TO THE SOUL AND SHAKES PEOPLE UP IN A GOOD WAY.

SPARKING THE MAGIC

From Michael Jackson’s duet partner on the This Is It tour to The Voice season four finalist, Sony Music artist Judith Hill is now taking the music industry by storm. REAL caught up with her to discuss her creative process and inspirations.

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Judith Hill: Anything could spark the creative process: going to a club, a concert, hanging out with super talented, innovative people, sitting at the piano and jamming for hours, etc. Once I’m inspired, I start shaping an idea and chipping away at it until it’s a fully sculpted work of art. This may take a couple hours or a couple of months, depending on the song.

RM:What inspires your work in the world?

JH: I see how easy it is for people to become numb. I just want to be someone whose music cuts to the soul and shakes people up in a good way.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

JH: “God’s love is a real thing.”

RM: What makes you come most alive?

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

JH: There’s a real magic that happens when music becomes the perfect expression of your emotions. This is when I come most alive.

JH: Stand Up To Cancer and all other cancer-related organizations that are helping us learn more and find cures for cancer.

RM: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

JH: I used to hate recording in the studio. I never got vocal takes that I was proud of. I would always beat myself up and I felt like I could never overcome this obstacle. However, just recently I’ve learned how to treat the studio like the stage. I am now experiencing a freedom, and there is much more emotion and personality in my recorded voice.

JH: Please stay tuned for the album release as well as our upcoming tour schedule.

judithhill.com REALTEENMAG.COM

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PHOTOS: CW Network

JOSEPH

If you’ve seen The Originals, the last thing you’d expect is for Joseph Morgan to be the kindest, coolest, most compassionate human being with an unrivaled passion for social good. Along with his wisdom for enjoying the present, his spark for positive impact has us all aspiring to be more mindful.

Interview: Maranda Pleasant

MP: Thank you so much for taking time with us today. I’m just going to jump in.

MP: We used to want these problems. We dreamed of having these problems.

JM: Good!

JM: Oh, my God. I spent the first ten years of my career dreaming of having the problems I have now. “Oh, wow, what I wouldn’t give for that,” tearing my hair out, like, “How can I call my parents and ask for more money?” or “How do I explain to the welfare office that the kind of jobs I want are acting jobs but I should still be collecting welfare when I do them?” But yeah, it’s a new sense of perspective.

encourage through Twitter.” We reached our target really quickly and then we raised it to $10,000 because that meant they could build a well anywhere within Ethiopia. We ended up filling two projects. That’s amazing to me. Twenty thousand donated from people, and the majority of those donations were thirty dollars, forty dollars. There were so many messages that were like, “Hey, sorry I can’t give more.” It’s kind of incredible to me because those are the people that are making the change, that are making this happen.

I’m an ambassador for a small charity called Positive Women, which supports women and children in Swaziland, in southern Africa. They support projects that help alleviate poverty, and try to help protect communities from harm, and empower women, whether that’s helping them get a job or the set of skills that they need to build certain things. They want to bring about social change and they believe that the greatest resource of Swaziland is the women.

MP: Three years ago I met Ian Somerhalder and we hit it off; he became my eco editor, we did a campaign, he did my cover and we shot it in a living room in Atlanta. Then we worked together on the United Nations World Environment Day, and then he kept calling me back and was like, “I have another idea. This is what we’re going to do.” You remind me a lot of him like that, because he’s very charismatic and very passionate.

My wife [Persia White] and I support Charity: Water. They build wells and they improve sanitation in countries that don’t have clean water. We wanted to raise enough money to build a well. We wanted to lead by example, so we started donating ourselves and then thought, “Okay, let’s see what we can

JM: That’s amazing. I feel the same way about him. He’s an inspiring individual as well. When I joined The Vampire Diaries he had just set up ISF [Ian Somerhalder Foundation], which is amazing. He does more and more. Persia, when she met him, they immediately hit it off because he’s so passionate like that. I don’t

MP: What are some things in your life that really make you feel alive, that really make you come alive, that you’re passionate about?

JM: There’s a lot, so you can stop me if I’m talking too much, okay?

MP: Okay.

JM: One of the things that really makes me come alive and excites me is witnessing bold creativity. I’d like to think I’m an appreciator and a dabbler in a lot of forms of creativity.

I paint. My dad was a painter, but I at least dabble. The same goes for acting, witnessing performances—especially performances where I’ll say to myself, “How did they do that?” And I’m an avid reader. I find the stories of the charities I work with tremendously inspiring.

Also, they’re a great source of perspective, especially when you live in something of a bubble like I do. We shoot nine months out of the year here and . . . The things that are complained about are not worth complaining about—high-class problems, you really have to remind yourself sometimes.

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to England.” I sort of gave her a cop-out like, “You don’t have to do that.” And she said, “No, I’m going to come.” And she came. With that network of all of us supporting each other, that really helped.

MP: Thank you for sharing so much.

JM: I haven’t really talked about it very much in any interviews, but because we’ve hit it off so well and it’s been enough time . . . . I always feel funny about sharing things from my personal life, and I am a strong believer that intimate things between me and my wife are for us, but there’s also something where I don’t want to not mention my dad; I don’t want it to be something I skirt around forever, because he had a tremendous impact on my life and that’s something that deserves to be talked about.

know if you know Persia did this PETA ad . . . .

MP: She’s in my magazine right now! She’s in THRIVE right now.

JM: There you go.

MP: She’s been in two issues of THRIVE. JM: Yeah, I know, I read the pieces.

MP: She’s really into animals, the magazine is vegan. We’re all vegetarian.

JM: We’re both vegetarians. She’s vegan, I’m vegetarian.

MP: I didn’t know you’re vegetarian! And you were all on The Vampire Diaries.

JM: That’s how I got to do my show, because it’s a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. I was on that with Ian for two years and that’s where Persia and I met.

MP: Oh, my God. It’s hard to trip me out but I’m really tripped out. Let me jump back into the questions. What is one truth that you know for sure?

PHOTOS: CW Network

JM: Any experience you have in life is made so much richer by sharing it with someone else.

All of the memories that you have, the ones that you treasure, are always the ones that are shared.

MP: That is really . . . you’re just wonderful.

What has been one of your biggest lessons in your life so far? Or one of the biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

JM: Well, the biggest sort of struggle was in the second half of 2012, when my dad was

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diagnosed with a brain tumor. It all happened so quickly. One minute I heard from my mom he was having all of these headaches, and then he’s diagnosed with this brain tumor. I went home and the next thing we’re hearing is it’s incredibly serious, and then he died in November. The whole thing happened within about three months. It was the closest person to me who’d ever died, so for me it was huge.

Aside from being incredibly dramatic and kind of terrifying, it was also a huge lesson in our mortality. I became extremely aware of my own mortality after that and that’s why I mentioned that thing about shared memories, because looking through the photos with Mom afterwards, you start to realize what’s really important, what are the things that really matter . . . and it’s those shared memories. My mom and dad had thirty-two years together, which is really an amazing achievement, a lot more than a lot of us will have with someone.

That’s time well spent, the best use of time, to enrich each other’s lives like that, which will create all these shared memories. There’s a lot of bluster and fluff in the industry that I’m in, a lot of stuff that doesn’t really matter that you think matters incredibly at the time, which you’re led to believe matters incredibly. And it was a real lesson in what’s important. That’s probably the biggest life-changer for me.

MP: Was there something that helped you through the emotional pain? Something you reached for?

JM: A few things. Family at the end of the day. It was my mom and my brother and my wife. I flew home as soon as possible. I was with my mom and my brother and we talked every night, really openly, about how we were feeling. As soon as my wife knew it was serious she called and said, “I think I’m going to come

When I won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a New TV Series [in 2014], I got to do a little speech on the red carpet dedicating it to my dad; he was consistently creative throughout his life. Since then I feel like I haven’t mentioned him, so thank you for asking that. I feel like that was a nice thing to be able to talk [about] him.

MP: Wow, thank you so much. You wouldn’t know this but I started these magazines with the money I made from painting. I had no background in publishing when I started five years ago. I was a conflict journalist and I couldn’t do that anymore, so I painted full-time for years. Thank you so much for sharing that.

I’m so conscious of the time, I know what it’s like to have a day off every blue moon and you have to be on the phone.

JM: No, that’s okay, this is actually really an amazing interview, and it’s kind of taken me by surprise, so I’m happy to answer any more questions.

MP: So, this magazine has a younger demographic. If you could go back and say something to your sixteen-year-old self, what advice might you offer? I’d say, “a grocery list.”

JM: I found school quite difficult because I moved from London to Wales when I was seven. I don’t know if you know anything about the UK, but there’s some resentment, certainly, in Wales toward the English, for some ancient history. Being a kid with an English accent in a Welsh school is not an easy thing. The advice I think I would give myself is just to take heart in the fact that the things you think are your biggest weaknesses will turn out to be your biggest strengths. That’s it.

MP: You’re making me cry. So true, though.

So true.

JM: It’s true. All the things I repressed in school—my enthusiasm, wanting to play, wanting to be inspired and read as much as I could and let my imagination run wild and not be afraid to say anything in whatever moment—all the stuff I buried to try and fit in as well as I could began to leak out in college, which was the right place for it, when I suddenly realized, “Wow, I’m actually kind of popular here. This is something I haven’t experienced.” All that stuff I suppressed turned out to be what got me where I am now, and hopefully where I’m going. I’d say, “Hold the line. It’s all right, you’re going to be all right.”

MP: The last one is: how do you keep your center?

JM: You know, at the risk of sounding a little cliché, it’s my wife. I find that I have quite a high energy level and my mind goes all over the place. I’ve got a high-pressure job, there’s long hours and lines [to be] learned, and emotionally you’re going to all these different places, doing five things at the same time.

Inevitably I get to a point where it’s like, “I’ve taken too much.”

She really helps me. Aside from being my inspiration, I just couldn’t do my job without her. Just bare bones, day to day, reading scenes with me, learning lines, watching the show, helping me with opinions about scenes, consistently supporting me. I come home at two a.m., she’s like, “I’ve made some food and put some tea down, I’ll run you a bath,” or whatever. She paints and is incredibly creative.

We did a short film together, we have a production company, and try and do more and more stuff like that together.

MP: I need a wife.

JM: That’s what I tell myself; I wish I’d met her ten years ago. I’m just kind of opening my eyes. The main thing is just reminding me to breathe, and she’s been recently reminding me, “Hey, let’s just appreciate this moment now.”

MP: I forgot to ask about your show! You have this show called The Originals. Is there anything we should know about it?

JM: We’re really gearing up toward the finale now. For anyone who’s familiar with the show, things are spinning more and more out of control and my character Klaus is keeping his cards close to his chest. They’re all gearing up for the arrival of Dahlia, who we already know is the villain of the season, the wicked witch. Season two has had this kind of gothic fairy tale theme to it. We’re building up to her arrival and my intention is to defeat her, to stop her from stealing my child.

MP: Oh, my God.

Any experience you have in life is made so much richer by sharing it with someone else. All of the memories that you have, the ones that you treasure, are always the ones that are shared.

JM: I know, this is my life.

So that’s where we’re going. There’s a tremendous amount of action. We’ve really amped up the action in the show, so there are huge fight sequences.

MP: How can our readers support you and what you’re doing?

JM: I’m on Twitter @JosephMorgan. And Charity: Water. Then the other one is Positive Women.

MP: Thank you so much.

JM: I really appreciate it, Maranda. It’s been really amazing. positivewomen.org / charitywater.org REALTEENMAG.COM

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Using our

DIFFERENCES to make a DIFFERENCE

By Tayo Rockson, Publisher, UYD Magazine

Who are the next set of global leaders? Diplomats? Educators?

The answer is the youth.

In the next fifteen years, half of the global population will be 21 or younger, which means that every decision the youth make will play critical roles in the formation of policies that affect our future.

For as long as I can remember, I have been between cultures. I was born in Nigeria, but shortly after that I moved to Sweden, then back to Nigeria before moving on to Burkina Faso, Vietnam, and then the United States. The one pattern I have noticed is the world’s unwillingness to embrace change and adopt different mindsets; this is dangerous. If you look back through history, every war or genocide has come about because people have refused to embrace what’s different about them, whether it’s religion, gender, or ethnicity. If we don’t learn how to replace discrimination with appreciation, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes as our forefathers.

The Millennial population is said to be the most diverse generation ever, so you can see why it is important for us to really learn about each other and what makes us tick. Tap into your inner greatness and realize what makes you tick; share it with the world. We the youth are the next generation of difference makers, so let’s embrace the beauty of the world and use our differences to make a difference.

Any Time, Any Place,

AnyMeal

By Michael Matias

AnyMeal (anymealapp.com) is a platform that helps people discover restaurants and dishes that meet their dietary needs. Currently, over 40 percent of Americans have some sort of dietary restriction that makes the “eating out” experience frustrating and scary. We help people with food sensitivities or food preferences to enjoy the spontaneity of the eating out experience by providing updated and detailed dietary information about specific dishes on the menu. Our mission is to take this one step further, and help people discover unique dishes that fit their restrictions, dishes that they would have never guessed that are good for them.

Our vision is to eliminate the limitations of diets by providing real­-time and reliable

data about restaurants and their dishes. We accomplish this in several ways. Our mobile application detects your location, considers your personal diet, and provides information on suitable restaurants near you. Other features include viewing the updated menu and receiving personalized and general ratings for each restaurant. The app currently works in Boston and the Bay Area, and we invite you to become one of our beta testers by downloading AnyMeal at the iPhone App Store today!

Never let your education limit your brilliance, purpose, or passion.

WATSON

UNIVERSITY A New Education Model for Student Innovators REAL Magazine: Tell us about Watson University. What was the inspiration behind starting it and how is the work you’re doing impacting Millennials?

Watson University: The inspiration for Watson began with our President & Founder, Eric Glustrom, in his dorm; between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. night after night, Eric learned more than he did in class, and made the greatest impact on the world around him. He began to question our institutions of higher education: “Why doesn’t our system support students solving the world’s toughest problems and creating solutions? How can I create a university experience that does just that?”

Watson believes that to solve the toughest challenges facing humanity, the place to start is within the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Watson is a new university model in Boulder, Colorado, for student innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs aged 18-23 that includes short master courses from the world’s foremost leaders, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. Watson offers intensive mentorship and award-

winning training from the Transformative Action Institute in the entrepreneurial skills of empathy, creativity, resilience, grit, bootstrapping, team-building, and fundraising.

Watson helps students develop and advance solutions to the toughest challenges facing the world. Students can come to Watson for either a semester or a three-year accredited Bachelor’s degree track.

We’re impacting Millennials by providing an education that revolves around incubating world-changing ideas and training students to be pioneers today and leaders tomorrow.

RM: Tell us about the structure of the program, the options available, and the new degree track.

WU: Watson has launched a revolutionary Bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship designed to equip the most promising members of the next generation with the skills, tools, and network they need to solve the toughest social, economic, and environmental challenges facing our time.

Those that chose the degree track will spend four full semesters at Watson’s campus in Boulder, Colorado, completing award-winning training and learning from Watson’s network of master course-teachers and mentors. Three summers will be spent completing a dialoguebased, core curriculum via iTunesU that can be done from anywhere in the world on an iPad, thanks to our partner, Lynn University.

Watson scholars who complete the degree track will leave with a Bachelor’s of Science in Entrepreneurship, a launched venture, and a global network of mentors and resources.

RM: If you could say one thing to every youth on the planet, what would it be?

WU: “Never let your education limit your brilliance, purpose, or passion.”

We see a world filled with the potential and passion of the Millennial generation. We want to see that tremendous “capital” generating change and solving problems! If there’s one thing we can offer the Millennial generation, it’s the education to serve their purpose and create the world they want to see. We can’t emphasize enough to give your passions and purpose to this world; it’s that resource that will change the world. We have no doubt.

Applications opened in February 2015 for the one-semester fall program as well as the degree track. Keep a lookout for more information and updates at watsonuniversity.org/apply!

watsonuniversity.org / transformativeaction.org 25

Nick Krause The star of White Rabbit talks solutions to bullying, compassion, and understanding oneself

Q: What advice would you offer to your younger self?

A: Find every opportunity you can to remember how cool it is that anything exists at all. Never stop learning—if it’s boring now, you’re being prepped for the cool part. If anyone, especially you, thinks you can’t do something, they’re wrong. Don’t be so hard on yourself, life is a long game and you’re still in the opening play. And seriously, stop eating so many corn dogs, man. You had, like, four this morning.

Q: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: There’s so much more for us to gain from remembering what we have in common than there is from reminding ourselves of our differences.

Q: White Rabbit deals with real-world issues such as bullying, neglectful parents, and mental illness. Tell us why you wanted to play Harlon and how you prepared for your role.

A: I wanted to play Harlon because I knew it wouldn’t be easy. To really get into someone’s shoes, to explore their mind without judgment so you can display it effectively, it’s difficult— especially when the two of you have so little between you in shared experience. I thrive on that kind of challenge. And I wanted to play him so I could get a better understanding of the process through which people can be pushed to extremes—it was a vicarious exploration of myself to see what kind of pressure it would take for my own mind to break.

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So that’s how I prepared—I put myself through a series of internal stress tests, reading over scenes and trying to honestly answer the questions of what it would take in my own life to get myself mentally to those painful spaces, and to know what would send me to the point where thoughts don’t need to make sense because passion and anger have taken over.

Harlon was an especially good example of a character that teaches you a lot about yourself.

Q: What advice can you offer to teens who have been bullied? What can they learn from watching White Rabbit?

A: There is and always will be someone on this earth who needs you here and loves you more than you could imagine. Even if you don’t know who it is. I hope that the takeaway for victims of bullying will be that someone is always trying to help—there are a few characters trying to help Harlon—and that there is always a way that their lives can be improved, even when things are at their worst.

Q: What absolute truth do you know for certain?

A: That the world is a big place that always has room for people who work hard at what they’re passionate about.

Q: What inspires you on a daily basis?

A: Just how much there is out there, and how big the universe we live in is. For example, if you drove to Pluto at 60 miles per hour, it would take 5,970 years to get there. And that’s just our solar system! That kind of thing inspires me because I know that no matter how long I live, and no matter what I do,

there will always be something amazing that I haven’t seen yet. It keeps me curious, and curiosity keeps me inspired.

Q: Do you support any causes or organizations?

A: I support the American Mental Health Foundation, the ACLU, and the It Gets Better project. All three of these organizations work hard every day to support people who can’t get the help they deserve elsewhere, including victims of mental illness and bullying.

Q: What do you have coming up, and how can our readers support you?

A: White Rabbit was released in theaters and video on demand on February 13. Go watch it! Not just because of what it has to say but because it’s a good film. Later this year I will have another film coming out called Darwin.

There is no official release date yet, but you can see the trailer at darwinmovie.com. You can also friend me on Twitter and Instagram @nickjkrause.

Star of The Pineville Heist and advocate for KIP4Kids

&

PRESLEY

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED IS INSIDE YOU.

MASSARA IVITY T A E R C D N A S S E C C U S TALKS

REAL Magazine: What does your creative process look like?

Presley Massara: My creative process looks like a cyclone! I seem to collect creative ideas on my path whenever I come across something new or different.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

PM: Don’t underestimate yourself. Everything you need to succeed is inside you.

RM: Do you support any causes or organizations?

RM: What inspires your work in the world?

RM: What do you have coming up and how can we support you?

PM: Every day brings something completely different for me and I love that challenge. One day I played a betrayed teenager, the next it was a high school geek!

PM: My feature film, The Pineville Heist, is due for release [in] 2015.

It would be great for everyone to go and see it, but the industry is bigger than me, so my one request would be to support all of the arts communities by checking out performances whenever you can.

REALTEENMAG.COM

PHOTO: Denise Duff

PM: Trying something new and adventurous.

PM: I support KIP4Kids.org. Their vision is to improve the education of all students in the world. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

RM: What makes you come most alive?

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PHOTOS: Katie Mobley

J

UNFOLDING YOUR

ourney

By Dina Khayal, REAL Magazine

When you are present, you are alive— fully alive to do things that you truly love to do, and chart deeper into the magnificent journey of your future.

Your beautiful journey has begun. Your path may not be fully clear at the moment, but it’s a work in progress—so is the destination. As soon as you set sail into the future, you will start to see the world a bit differently, a bit clearer.

Maybe you just started middle school this year? Or you just graduated high school this past summer and are unsure of what to do next?

3

Believe In Your Own Happiness

4

Connect the Dots

5

Be Present

Your journey could truly lead you anywhere. It’s not always easy, but it’s totally worth it. Discover what sets your heart on fire and where you stand out in this big, beautiful, crazy world we live in.

Let’s chart off into our journeys together using these five steps.

1 2

Embrace the Real, Raw You Your journey will begin once you start embracing the real you. You must embrace everything about you that you normally wouldn’t. Embrace your differences, be vulnerable, be organic, let the natural flow of life guide you; embrace the colors in the sky, the changes of the season, and the beauty that is you.

Face Your Challenges We face challenges, some larger than others. Those challenges are there to make you stronger, bolder, and braver. With every step you take, there will be a challenge.

It’s important that you learn to cultivate fearlessness; by doing so, you will grow stronger and learn from that challenge. It’s important to be uncomfortable, wherever you are. It helps you grow and develop skills and attitudes to get through truly anything that gets in your way.

There will be times when people, especially those closest to you, don’t believe in what you’re doing, or maybe don’t see what you see; but it’s important that you believe in it, and express your feelings. Your happiness and emotional wellbeing is what defines and shapes your journey. A great way to cherish your happiness is by celebrating your successes, big and small. These actions will help build your confidence and your outlook on the future. Another fabulous way to cherish your happiness is to simply do happy things. What makes you happy? Whatever it is, you must do it, and believe in it with all your heart.

Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. . . .”

It’s important that we connect the dots on our unique journeys and take a moment to reflect. Ask ourselves, Why am I really here? What’s my purpose? Am I doing the things I love to do?

Every now and then I catch myself living in the future or the past. It keeps me off my path and in a different realm.

It’s important to be present wherever you are right now, whether you are in class, at work, driving, or by the ocean.

Being present in the here and now allows us to experience things in their rich element. It allows our mind, spirit, and body to experience the moment with all five senses. When you are present, you are alive—fully alive to do things that you truly love to do, and chart deeper into the magnificent journey of your future.

Your journey has begun. Embrace it. Feel it. Be moved by it, regularly.

Seven-time NCAA finalist.

Multiple-time national gold medalist.

2012 Olympian.

Sam Mikulak talks bucket lists, setting small goals, and drinking tea Interview: Ocean Pleasant Ocean Pleasant: What inspires you on a daily basis?

Sam Mikulak: All right, so, every day I wake up and I have written on my ceiling a bucket list. The first thing on my bucket list is to be the world’s greatest all-around gymnast, which would mean winning a world championship or Olympic gold medal for all-around competition. Every day I wake up and I see that above me as the first thing I see and I try to mold my day around that. That’s where I find my daily motivation to get in the gym and work hard.

OP: What does a normal day look like for you?

SM: A normal day now is going to class, going to practice, then working on Maté Bros—I have an herbal tea company—then off to bed.

OP: Where do you seek motivation either for your tea company or as a gymnast?

SM: For Maté Bros I think the motivation just comes in doing something I love because I’ve been drinking this tea for over seven years now and I feel the benefits that help me perform at the highest level come from drinking this herbal tea. From there I was just like, “If this has helped me so much why can’t I just give this to everyone else and help them as well?”

When it comes to gymnastics it’s all about dreaming and accomplishing your goals and if you can’t live up to the expectations you try to reach for, then you got to find something else that’s going to help. You’re always pushing to the next level and when you accomplish those goals you feel like all your hard work is paying off and I feel that’s what we live for.

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OP: Can you name an obstacle that you’ve faced and overcome, and can you share any wisdom around what that was like for you?

SM: Probably the biggest obstacle I had in my gymnastics career was a year before the Olympics came I broke both my ankles. Usually the first thing that comes into your mind after an injury is not the pain that you have, but the possibility of missed competitions that you could have leading up to the Olympic Games to get some international exposure. I missed out on a lot of competitions. The only thing I could really do was keep my mind at ease [and] keep working hard.

When I broke my ankles, my two best events were floor and vault, and my worst events were rings and pommels. Breaking my ankles gave me time to not tumble and vault as much, and to work on my pommels and rings, and I made my weaknesses more my strengths and became more of an all-around gymnast. In a way it was a blessing in disguise to have had both of my ankles broken because maybe I wouldn’t have made the team had I not pushed more on pommels and rings.

OP: That’s incredibly powerful.

SM: You’re making me blush.

OP: I mean, I can’t even imagine that sort of injury, but then having all of that pressure both with gymnastics and growing your company. That’s an incredible story.

SM: Thank you.

OP: Can you define success by your own terms? How do you know exactly when you’ve succeeded?

SM: I set small goals that lead up to bigger goals. I think you always have to reward yourself by making the small goals very easy to accomplish so that every small step you feel like you’re succeeding until you reach those big goals that you’ve been planning for over four years. I make sure I know exactly what it is I’m trying to accomplish.

I dream big and I make it very well known to everyone. Shooting for the big stars is really what’s going to lay out the path for you.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

SM: “Do what you love and do it well.”

OP: Tell our readers why Maté Bros is the best tea around.

SM: My herbal tea is yerba mate and it’s like an infusion of lemon and sugar, so it tastes like an Arnold Palmer and it gives you energy because yerba mate actually has more health benefits than green tea. Essentially what I’m coming out with is a healthy energy drink that actually tastes good.

REALTEENMAG.COM

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cer at Chief Culture and Talent Offi the Wikimedia Foundation

TURNING UP THE VOLUME ON GOOD

GAYLE KAREN

YOUNG Interview: Ocean Pleasant

Gayle Karen Young is the Chief Culture and Talent Officer at the Wikimedia Foundation. She has a diverse background in consulting both corporate and nonprofit clients, and specializes in leadership development, strategic communications, and team building. She is an advocate for women’s issues, human rights, and the role of technology in social development.

Gayle discusses her position on the gender bandwagon and what it truly means to be an entrepreneur in this exclusive interview.

Ocean Pleasant: I want to start by saying that I think you are incredibly inspiring, both for the work you do and as a powerful woman in your field. How do you think technology is an asset for Millennials, and how do you think it’s detracting from true personal connection and experience?

Gayle Karen Young: One of the ways that I think technology is an asset for Millennials is it dramatically decreases barriers to very specific kinds of access. When you have the ability to participate in a global dialogue whenever you want to plug in, and to learn about anything that you want because of the plethora of information that’s on the Internet, I think that’s just an incredible game changer.

One of the impacts on the Internet, for instance, on the gay and lesbian space is what they call “creating urban density,” even in rural areas. One of the things that shifts perspectives on gay marriage is whether you know someone who’s openly gay. Because of Facebook, where people identify as openly gay, you’re more likely to know someone, even in a more rural area, whereas that typically only happens in urban areas. So the way it impacts social dynamics and breaks a sense of isolation is fantastic.

And part of the access to those stories is also access to the stories of other young game changers. You get to see other role models, and it widens fundamentally your set of what’s possible. I get really excited about that.

There are a lot of downsides. I think this kind of connection on the phone or on your device or whatever you have can seem like everything.

There’s some research out there that it’s kind of rewiring the brain a little bit, that people are used to getting huge swaths of data but they’re not going as deep. I think that’s a temporary thing, because the way that we structurally move is to swing one way and then to try and swing back and compensate.

Overall, though, my general sense is that the benefits outweigh the negatives, so I’m not too worried yet because I think there will be a vanguard of Millennials like you who are aware enough of other mediums of communication that you’ll evangelize this as well.

OP: Jack Andraka credits using Wikipedia for some of the breakthroughs in his work. How do you balance this incredible potential with the barrier of isolation that sometimes occurs from people relying too much on digital connection?

GKY: I think everything has its own maturation curve and frankly we haven’t matured fully into the digital age yet. It’s like when you first meet someone and you’re going on your awkward first or third date. It hasn’t had the time to fully ripen yet. I think it’s going to take at least another decade to fully flesh out our relationship with technology and see what digital natives really make of it.

One of the side effects right now is it’s a real bitch to date in Silicon Valley. [Laughs.]

You know? Men, apps: it’s not such a good combination at the moment. But I think some of that will even out.

OP: I’ve never heard it articulated that way. Like any relationship, it’s going to evolve and become more mature. That’s so brilliant.

GKY: A friend of mine who has an autistic kid said Siri never gets tired of answering her kid’s questions. And the kid is actually learning to be more polite and engaged because Siri’s polite.

I’ve never even heard of that. Talk about unintended consequences of technology.

I do think that we need to pay a lot of attention to the unintended consequences because, as I’ve said in my talks, the drone technology that can be used to track the last white rhinos on an African game preserve is the same technology that can be used by human traffickers to track their victims. But when I think about an unintended consequence like Siri being great for autistic children, that’s phenomenal. Turning up the volume on those stories is really important.

OP: What is your definition of an entrepreneur?

GKY: I think the word “entrepreneur” has come to mean something really narrow and sexy and Silicon Valley-ish, when it’s as simple as somebody who is innovative in taking an idea to market and getting a cash-flow-positive return.

OP: I want to better articulate what I said at the beginning. I hope I didn’t offend you by saying that you’re inspiring because of what you do, and also because you’re a woman.

I believe in representation, whether it’s gender or race; you need the participation of the people who will be impacted.

GKY: No, I felt very flattered.

OP: Okay, thank goodness! I feel like we really need to break down the barriers of gender, not just in tech but in everything.

I don’t want to have to point out that you’re inspiring because you are a woman; I want to point out that you’re inspiring because of the work you do in the world.

People have asked me, “Why don’t you ask people if they’d give different advice to men than they would women?” Or is that perpetuating a divide?

GKY: I would give the same advice to men that I would give to young women, but I would give women additional advice. Gender is something we are, but it’s also contextual, and I would give women different advice because they’re going to be facing different challenges. Gender carries with it a very specific set of challenges.

You might feel isolated or you might enter a tech company and find the culture stacked against you. Being called “one of the guys” is

sometimes fine and sometimes not.

We know that when you have at least 18 percent of women in parliament, a government makes better decisions about its citizenry, including access to healthcare and education. I believe in representation, whether it’s gender or race; you need the participation of the people who will be impacted.

I don’t stand on the gender bandwagon just because of straight-up gender; I stand on the gender bandwagon because I believe in the positive outcomes. I think it allows men to be better men. I get angry on behalf of women who aren’t allowed to get an education in the Middle East and I get really sad about men in those areas because whenever you suppress half the population, men only become caricatures of themselves. And I think the same thing is true when you have heterosexual versus homosexual, etc. You want people to have the capacity to be full human beings.

33

b a r a e W Y G O L O N H TEC SION N E H E R P M CO e l t t i L o S , S M R D So Many TE , The CRATE ey

By Maddy Max

I

t seems as though entering a new field, learning a new skill, or even making a new friend requires learning a few new vocabulary words that create a conversation around the topic. With that in mind, talking about the emerging field of wearables seems like a conversation about language above all else.

Using the term “wearable technology” has become the quickest way into a journalist’s pitch or an investor’s pocket. While this is an important step towards a less terminal future, wearable technology has become an umbrella term; it rarely provides clarity around the technologies it applies to.

There’s the classic argument that the “good” and “bad” use of words can only be determined by how the word is understood by the listener.

Is the term “wearable technology” providing any clarity? Because the ever-famous field of wearable computing is still so nascent (according to some and denied by others), we’re still unpacking the box inside of this term. We’re seeing a merger of fields, meshing designers and fashionistas with technologists, requiring a central language to communicate between aesthetics and hardware.

34

With this in mind, here’s a quick peek into some of my favorite words, thoughts and definitions (via Wikipedia) around the topic: Wearable technology: “clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.”

Ubiquitous computing: “an advanced computing concept where computing is made to appear everywhere and anywhere.”

Haptic computing: “a tactile feedback technology which recreates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations or motions to the user.”

Physical computing: “building interactive physical systems by the use of software and hardware that can sense and respond to the analog world.”

It seems as though physical computing and ubiquitous computing are strangely synonymous and opposing at once. Ubiquitous computing can appear through physical computing, but the restraints of the physicality of physical computing don’t align with the concept of ubiquitous computing.

Interesting.

Wearable computing often relies on haptic computing, which can be tested and materialized through physical computing, but haptics can exist outside of the body and wearables can collect data without haptics.

Interesting.

At the end of the day, it all seems to be about inputs, outputs, power, and connections.

The way we describe the techniques of doing so varies, but what truly matters is that we continue to innovate and tinker into unimagined fields of the digital and physical worlds.

Madison Maxey is a creative technologist focused on apparel and hardware. As a 2013 Thiel Fellow, her work has been featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company. Previous experience includes Tommy Hilfiger, General Assembly, and Nylon Magazine. She currently spends her time computing and designing at The CRATED.

e l b

We’re seeing a merger of fields, meshing designers and fashionistas with technologists, requiring a central language to communicate between aesthetics and hardware.

REALTEENMAG.COM

35

BRIAN SMITH You Can’t Give Birth To Adults

The founder of UGG Australia on the phases of business, his new book, and overcoming adversity

Interview: Ocean Pleasant

If everyone could just love the spirit that is in every person that they meet every day, this would be a pretty good planet.

Ocean Pleasant: What inspires you on a daily basis?

OP: What does “entrepreneur” mean to you?

Brian Smith: I get up every morning with a little prayer: “please let me follow whatever energizes and inspires me today.” That’s a pretty simple request but it’s the one that gets me lined up and focused.

BS: It means anyone who is out there who’s not willing to work for a paycheck on a weekly basis, but someone who’s out there to earn the fruits of their own labor. If their “labor” means building a business and they get a paycheck, that’s fine because they’ve built it themselves. But taking themselves out of the employment range and putting themselves into the self-made income range, that’s how simple the difference is.

What’s inspiring me lately is just the amount of feedback I’ve been getting when I talk on stage, especially [from] the students. I was just at Harvard two weeks ago and the response of the audience, when I outlined my phases of the business in this thing, “You Can’t Give Birth To Adults,” the response was overwhelming. People say, “Wow, I can’t believe you went through what I’m going through. I thought I was the only one and I now understand where I am in my business and you’ve given me new hope to carry on.”

When I get that all the time, that’s what inspires me. I get up each day hoping I can improve one person at a time.

OP: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome.

BS: Well, there were so many obstacles in the progression over seventeen years. And that’s what business is, there’s no such thing as starting at the bottom and going straight to the top. The first big setback for me was when I had built the business to about two million dollars and I’d outgrown my investors, I had to get new ones in. There were three other guys and we were [each] going to own twenty-five percent of the business. After the second day I was out on the road, one of my customers said, “Hey, Brian, I heard you sold the business.”

I said, “You’re kidding me?” Technically they were right, I didn’t own any of the business anymore. I had to retreat. I wondered if I should get a job as a real estate agent or a business broker, and ultimately it came back to, “I’ve really learned to like sales.”

So I went back out on the road—and that took a lot of humility to do that because a lot of people thought I’d sold the business. I got back to the office about a month later and one of the partners handed me a check. It was $5,000. It was my commission, and I had not drawn a cent out of the business for the previous five or six years. The next month the check was $10,000, and then another $10,000, and I started to realize that I’d been out on the road with all my friends and I was having a blast with all the surf shop owners and I hadn’t done any office work, like any invoicing or shipping or ordering, nothing, I’m just having a good time with the buddies and making all this money. Upon reflection, after that season was finished, I realized, “Man, this is probably the best thing that’s ever happened.” Because this has happened so many times throughout my career, where I’ve had a disaster and then I’ve looked back later and thought, “Thank God that happened,” because if it hadn’t I wouldn’t be where I am now.

In my book [The Birth of a Brand: Launching Your Entrepreneurial Passion and Soul], I use the quote, “Most often you’re most disappointing disappointments become your greatest blessings.” That was just one example of me losing control but coming out much, much stronger.

OP: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

BS: My spiritual side is going to come out here, is that okay?

OP: Please.

BS: Okay, one thing that everyone on the planet should know is that we are all connected. Every one of us has a spark of spirit in us that is absolutely identical to everyone else’s spark of spirit.

And we get caught up with ethnicity or borders or boundaries or religious beliefs and it creates differences, but if everyone could just love the spirit that is in every person that they meet every day, this would be a pretty good planet.

OP: Do you support any causes or organizations?

BS: My favorite cause is youth rugby here in San Diego. I was a top-level international rugby player as a young man and I coached San Diego State rugby team as a volunteer when I first arrived in America. That was ’79-’83. It was really one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done, but even more gratifying is a few months ago I was up at one of the rugby fields here in North County San Diego, and there must have been 500 kids under 12, 14, 16, etc., and they were all being coached by the kids that I coached 25-30 years ago. That to me was probably the most gratifying thing, to realize all the lives that I’ve touched.

OP: What do you have coming up?

BS: I have an exciting project coming up once this book is launched and out there, which it actually launched today so it’s a pretty big day for me here. What I’ve discovered is that the demographic of people between 50 and 70 are a hundred-million strong and control eighty percent of the disposable income in America. The polls have shown that about one third of them intend to start another business. That’s thirty-three million people. So I’ve registered a website for BoomerPreneurs, which is the Baby Boomer Entrepreneurs. And I want to go out and create a fantastic, vibrant image for all these people who are ready to start another business and keep going.

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AMERICA the Beautiful

By Darryl Roberts, Director, America the Beautiful 3: Sexualization of Our Youth

When I found out that my best friend from grade school was a registered sex offender, I began to reflect on the more innocent times of my childhood and compare them with today’s hypersexualized culture and its deleterious effect on youth. The result: my most recent film, America the Beautiful 3: Sexualization of Our Youth.

After interviewing over 40 teenagers and their parents, it was obvious that one of the reasons the U.S. has a higher rate of STDs and pregnancies than some other industrialized countries is because we aren’t taught what healthy sexuality is.

We’re experiencing a generational shift because of the Internet. Younger people have greater access to dating apps like Tinder that normalize casual sex. In talking to young women for the film, it became clear that many grow up feeling they have only two choices: to be sexually desirable or invisible. Young men, on the other hand, spoke of their consumption of pornography and how it negatively impacted

their relationships with women to the point that they couldn’t see them as fully-realized people.

This is the most personal film I’ve created from my series, America the Beautiful. I hope it empowers people to honestly answer the questions that underlie this fraught, oversexualized cultural landscape. Most of all, I hope it encourages parents to realize we all have a responsibility to protect our children and give them the critical thinking skills that will help them define their self-worth and sexuality on their own terms.

It became clear that many grow up feeling they have only two choices: to be sexually desirable or invisible.

TAKE THE RISK

5 Reasons to Blaze Your Own Path

By Chirag Kulkarni

1

Learning more about yourself When you start something, you are usually left with your own intuition to improve it. You learn what your strengths and weaknesses are, how you work with people, and what fires you up every day.

2

Finding out what makes you energetic Creating a path for yourself gives you the opportunity to become self-driven, giving you the opportunity to try new things, fail, and try again.

5

3

Discovering fulfillment and self-worth There is nothing more fulfilling than creating your own path in life, which gives you an opportunity to discover your own selfworth, especially because you are “creating something out of nothing.”

4

Breaking the societal mold Growing up, I was immediately forced to go into engineering or a hard science such as biology.

Naturally, those jobs are viewed in the Indian community as “valuable.”

Going into business gave me the opportunity to do something that encouraged individuals in similar circumstances to try something new.

Becoming a doer Carving your own path begins with hustling, and testing every method to succeed. Becoming an entrepreneur gives you the ability to continue to dream and to work hard to achieve those dreams.

RISING POP STAR

ASHLEY BRINTON talks being true to yourself, giving back, and making a difference Q: What does your creative process look like?

A: It all starts with writing from observations or feelings that I’m experiencing. I keep a diary filled with thoughts, experiences and feelings. Once I have created a song from those inspirations, the next step is going to the studio to record. That’s one of the greatest experiences. Seeing my work laid down on a track is amazing because it reminds me that there will be a lasting record of it. The music video comes next; it’s a way of allowing others into my creative process and imagination.

the outdoors, especially the beach, and am a supporter of environmental causes. I think everyone should find some social cause that they’re passionate about and do their part to help out. Every gesture, even small ones, can help make a big difference.

Q: What inspires you on a daily basis?

Q: What does “love” mean to you?

A: My interactions and relationships with others and the feelings that they evoke. They fuel my creativity.

A: Love makes everything brighter, more intense, and deeper-felt. That’s how I feel when I’m with my family, my closest friends, and my Goldendoodles, Healey and Jojo.

Q: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: Don’t let people change you. Embrace yourself and don’t change who you are simply because you feel that you have to be who others expect you to be. Be yourself, and then do everything in your power to be the best version of you.

Q: Do you support any causes? If so, how can your fans get involved?

A: Yes. I am very involved with social and philanthropic causes, which are important to me and I will continue to make time for. I love

Q: Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome; how did you do it?

A: My biggest obstacle is being at peace with the fact that not everyone is going to accept me for who I am. That’s okay. Being true to myself is my priority.

Q: How can our readers support you?

A: By visiting my website, ashleybrinton.com, viewing my videos, downloading my music, and cheering me on with their messages! My fans’ support means the world to me, and I always love to hear their feedback.

BEING TRUE TO MYSELF IS MY PRIORITY. 41

cofounder

ROSE BROOME shares insight on starting small, rallying your community, and trusting your instincts in this exclusive interview

Q:

What inspired you to start HandUp? What drives you on a daily basis?

A: On a cold night during the winter of 2012 in San Francisco, I walked

past a homeless woman sleeping on the street. I wanted to do something, but didn’t know what. I wondered why I could use my phone to order dinner or call a Lyft, but couldn’t do something to help her at that moment. I shared my idea with my friend Zac Witte, an engineer, and he said he would build it for me. That’s how we got our start.

Q:

A: We are facing global challenges like poverty and climate change. And

at the same time, we recognize that technology can be harnessed as a powerful force. We need so many more people working and testing out new innovations that will serve humanity and the planet. Honestly, entrepreneurship can be very challenging, but the good news is that a lot of it is just showing up and being persistent. I’m just a normal person who made a commitment to do one thing to change my community.

It is so motivating to know our work is making an impact in people’s lives, helping them raise money for food, housing, and back-to-school expenses for homeless children. We see poverty on the streets of San Francisco every day. That motivates me to keep going.

Q:

Name an obstacle you’ve faced and overcome; what wisdom can you share from that experience?

A: In the beginning, Zac and I were doing everything ourselves, from

signing people up to fundraising. That was a really hard time. I realized I had to reach out to my friends and community for help—we couldn’t do it alone. One by one we built a team that has helped us grow HandUp from a pilot to national expansion. It often takes one person to catalyze and lead things forward, but you can’t do it alone. You need to ask for help and rally a community around your cause.

Q:

If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

A: Think big but start small. Smaller than you even think.

Q: Name three truths you know for certain.

A: 1. When things feel overwhelming just focus on the basics.

2. Seek advice but always trust your instincts.

3. Choose a path with heart; even if it doesn’t go as planned, you’ve spent your time on something you love.

Can you offer any advice for Millennials at the intersection of social good and startup culture?

My best advice is to get connected with the startup and impact communities. Social technologies aren’t built in isolation. The sooner you can start connecting with the community, the better. Email people you respect, follow organizations you care about on Twitter, go to local events—if there are none, start one.

Q:

How can our readers get involved with HandUp and support your work in the world?

A: Visit handup.us to read stories from homeless people and donate

directly toward their basic needs. Help us get the word out by sharing HandUp with your community. Thanks!

It often takes one person to catalyze and lead things forward, but you can’t do it alone. You need to ask for help and rally a community around your cause.

REALTEENMAG.COM

43

CLIMATE MARCH, NEW YORK CITY Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ed Norton, Michael Franti, Maranda Pleasant, Leilani Munter, Sting, Trudie Styler

INTERVIEW WITH

PHOTOS: Brett Mazur (top left), Amir Magal (bottom right)

THE

BRETT MAZUREK

FOFU T U R E ENERGY

Our shift towards renewable energy is not “if” but “when” The director of the film that outlines the global climate crisis chats with us about determining our future.

REAL Magazine: What inspires you?

Brett Mazurek: I’m inspired by people who follow their dreams, do good in the world and really go for it.

RM: If you could say one thing to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

BM: The climate crisis is real and the time is now to create solutions before it gets out of control. The decisions we make in the next five years will determine the future of our species.

It’s time to get to work!

RM: Name an obstacle you have faced, and how you overcame it.

BM: Have you ever thought about the global climate crisis? It’s a pretty big obstacle! When my team and I started doing the research and speaking with experts, we found that all the solutions are already out there and being implemented in communities around the world. That’s why we made the film The Future of Energy, to educate the masses and help us get off fossil fuels.

RM: What does love mean to you?

BM: My team and I recently participated in the People’s Climate March, where we walked with indigenous leaders, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Sting, Michael Franti, Ed Norton, and 400,000 individuals and organizations to show our world leaders that we care about creating solutions to the climate crisis. At one point all 400,000 people stopped and took a moment of silence in the middle of NYC. It was remarkable. Then there was a wave of sound as the beginning of the line started to cheer and the roar of the crowd through the city exploded with love and determination to be the change! I could literally feel the love.

RM: What does your creative process look like?

BM: I have to be inspired by the project and the person behind the project. In Uganda, I was so inspired by the youth who rhymed hip-hop lyrics in their native tongue about corruption in their streets, like the artists I loved from the early ’90s. I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but I could feel it and I knew I wanted to help them. So I created the documentary Diamond in the Rough and directed the first Luga Flow music video.

That style now dominates the music scene in Uganda and has brought money, culture and identity to the youth. That’s the kind of social impact I envision when I create.

RM: How would you describe yourself to someone else, in three words or less?

BM: Awake. Passionate. Jedi.

RM: Do you have any words of wisdom to share on being a teenager?

BM: Do what you love. Figure out what you’re passionate about and start creating.

RM: What projects do you have coming up, and how can our readers support you?

BM: Look out for new projects coming out of The Future of Energy, including the college tour, which you can support by signing up for a free film screening for your school. I’m also working on Michael Franti’s Soulshine documentary and you can join us on tour next summer for some music, yoga and sustainability. Check me out on Instagram @mr3rdi and follow me on Facebook at 3rdi Visions, Brett Mazurek or The Future of Energy.

FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND START CREATING.

O D W HO

U O Y

O T T WAN THE E G N A CH ?

D L R WO

r

in answe st u A @ th u o Y x D E T gers at The teen game-chan

2015 Theme: Hidden meaning discovered The power of fresh light. The courage of a declaration.

The safety of anonymity when breaking new ground.

Risk and faith intertwined.

These are the faces of the inspiring young team behind this groundbreaking event. Our 2015 experience celebrated what it means to make the invisible, visible (. . . or not), as we strove to design a unique environment where brave ideas transformed from timid whispers in the back of one mind to inspiring roars in the minds of many, where important issues were exposed and preconceived notions thrown to the wayside—and exciting new connections became inevitable as we delved into the unknown of ourselves and the potential lying in wait all around us.

Austin TEDxYouth@

clude the 2013 event.

TEDxYA team and speakerscacon Lafair PHOTO : Rebec

To learn about the enterprising, passionate youth event in Austin, Texas, visit tedxyouthaustin.com.

To join the movement and find—or organize!—a TEDxYouth event near you, visit ted.com.

TEDxYouth@Austin ANDREW TATE (Production Lead) I want to change the world by making education available for everyone; the spread of knowledge and ideas is a keystone in the infrastructure of a strong society. This is one reason I joined the TEDxYouth@Austin team. It may not only be youth that need education and new ideas, but people of all ages that aren’t exposed to this information. I hope to change education and also make it more easily accessible for all people through using modern technology. I think that with the growth of modern technology and the desire for knowledge, I can make a difference.

Andrew Tate is a member of the film and technical theater departments at his school, and plans to work production after getting his education. In his free time he enjoys exploring things in any form. He has been involved with the TEDxYouth@Austin program for three years, two on the team.

JACKIE SINGER (Partners Lead) I believe that education is the great equalizer. As I go out into the world and find my own success in business, I believe that the most successful among us have the responsibility to give back to society. My cause will be finding ways to bring equal opportunity for education to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

When you give someone knowledge, through formal schooling or experiential learning, it cannot be taken away. I want to find ways to encourage youth to embrace opportunities presented to them and make their education a priority.

Jackie Singer is a senior at the Liberal Arts and Sciences Academy (LASA) in Austin, Texas, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity tennis team. She is active in TEDxYouth@Austin and the leadership of her church youth group. In her free time . . . oh wait, she has no free time because of college applications.

ZACH KELLY (Logistics Co-Lead) I will change the world by serving my fellow citizens by holding political office. I plan to transition into politics after working in the private sector as a petroleum engineer for at least a decade. Having extensive knowledge of the petroleum industry will enable me to help write sensible legislation regarding regulation of the oil and natural gas industry. I believe that modern politicians have fallen into the trap of considering themselves to be leaders rather than servants of their community. I will change the world by doing what is right—even when everyone is looking.

Zach Kelly is a senior at Saint Michael’s Catholic Academy. He looks forward to studying petroleum engineering at the University of Texas at Austin next fall. His passion for using his acumen and attention to detail to serve something larger than himself has made him a great addition to the TEDxYouth@Austin team.

AUDREY HALBROOK (Logistics Co-Lead) I want to change the world by helping people reach their full potential. Joining the TEDxYouth@Austin team was a step towards that goal. When I watch TED talks, I always feel an itch to learn more or go out and start making that change.

Ideally, I would do so by working with an organization similar to GENaustin, which helps empower and educate young women, or working in a pediatric hospital where I could help ensure children have the physical capability to do anything they set their mind to.

Audrey Halbrook is a senior at LASA. She is constantly in motion, whether at lacrosse, cross country, or going to-and-from logistics team meetings for TEDxYouth@Austin. She hopes to continue working with TEDx in college next year, where she plans to study business and medicine.

TEDxYouth@Austin MEHRAZ RAHMAN (Registration Lead) I have always felt that it is [my] personal duty to bring awareness to those around me. This awareness goes from small things, such as little facts about the Harry Potter novels, to bigger things, like society’s gender gap and poverty in third-world countries. The change I would like to bring to the world is not only global awareness about these situations, but also to instigate in people the conscious desire to act.

Mehraz Rahman is a senior at LASA, where she is a member of the drill team. This is her second year on the TEDxYouth@Austin team as Registration Manager. She is also involved in her community, teaching ESL to refugees, participating in Bengali cultural events, and engaging in various clubs.

ZANE GIORDANO (Experience Design Lead) As a 15-year-old, it is hard to make a big change in the world, but with the help of my hard work in school I want to earn an aerospace engineering degree and change space travel. Space is full of untapped potential that could help some of earth’s biggest problems. That is why I want to help solve the problems that hinder our ability to use space to its greatest potential.

Giordano is a freshman at Westlake High School. He is on the Westlake wrestling team as well as a FTC robotics team. In the summer, he worked as a gymnastics coach at Champions Westlake. In his free time he teaches himself new things, like piano.

SOPHIE ALTMEJD (Film Lead) I find joy in helping others. To change the world I want to make sure everyone else does too. Kindness and compassion are some of the most valuable, often underrated, characteristics. In an ideal world, I would ensure everybody had the opportunity to experience the support and inspiration that a society filled with these kinds of people offer. In fact, it is in this that real change can happen. I cannot change the world all on my own, but a population full of driven, caring people can.

Sophie Altmejd is a senior at LASA. She has studied film for three years and looks forward to tackling bigger productions, like a feature-length film. In the future she plans take her studies to the next level as she double majors in Media Productions and Psychology.

CHRISTIAN TAYLOR (Graphic Design Co-Lead) “Things don’t have to change the world to be important.” –Steve Jobs I like this quote because it speaks to the small things that we do every day, that ultimately, done well, can have an impact and become world-changing.

Sometimes the result is visible immediately and sometimes it takes the perspective of time to see the impact of what was accomplished.

Christian is a junior at Westlake High School. He is addicted to running and downhill snow skiing. He enjoys art history as well, especially Greek and Roman art. He studies classical voice and opera and just started learning electric guitar.

CHRIS JONES (Team Writer) From a dream to a reality, a privilege to a right, the opportunity for a quality education is something that I hope to bring to all corners of the globe. Education is a fundamental human right that fosters individual empowerment and societal progress. This is no mere personal conviction, it is a fact. This fact remains true in this world along with the fact that millions of children and adults continue to go uneducated every year. For the sake of human rights and society as a whole, I believe that opportunity for education must be established as a global norm.

Chris Jones is a senior at LASA, where he enjoys sports and other outdoor activities. Serving as the team writer for, as well as an ambassador of, the TEDxYouth@Austin movement, Chris strives to ensure that the event effectively reaches the community.

MADELINE GOULET (Project Manager) I want to bring community to all corners of the world. Through community, big ideas don’t seem so far-fetched. Teamwork is utilized for the progression of the community. People are more compelled to act. I believe that building community is one of an infinite number of possible methods to inspire the necessary passion in others to instigate progress. It is my responsibility to use the skills I have to make a difference.

Madeline Goulet is a senior at LASA, born and raised in Austin, Texas. She joined the TEDxYouth@Austin team in order to impact the community by instilling big ideas in Austin’s youth. She also enjoys rowing, making jam, and hanging out with her dog.

JASON ZHAO (xLab Lead) If I knew how to change the world, I would be changing a lot of things right now, but I don’t. I wish I had a roadmap that gave the directions for this change, but I don’t. I wish I had a recipe for success, but I don’t. Instead, all I know is that I want to change the world. For me, that’s enough, because changing the world is just a side effect of passion. If I ever end up changing the world, it will be through pursuing my interests—I’m not sure there’s another way to do it.

Jason, a sophomore at Westlake High School, was born in Shanghai, China. He is constantly amazed at the two completely different worlds he’s lived in. Currently, he’s busy with life, but is enjoying having a variety of experiences thrown at him. Soon, he hopes to use these experiences to make an impact.

ROSHNI RAWAL (Speakers Lead) Since watching the documentary Girl Rising and reading the book I Am Malala, I’m a huge believer that educating girls in third-world countries is the way to solving poverty. My dream would be to be an advocate for the literacy of girls, especially in a country like India, and to spread awareness of the struggles girls have to go through in some nations to get an education.

Roshni Rawal is a sophomore from Austin, Texas, who is an avid reader, debater, and piano player. She loves to travel, is intrigued by world events, and has an interest in computer science.

This is her second year on the TEDxYouth@Austin team as the speaker liaison, and she is passionate about creating another inspiring event!

TEDxYouth@Austin TRIPI SHRIVASTAVA

(Social Media Lead, Outreach Co-Lead) When telling people I want to be an electrical engineer, I always get the response, ‘And you’re a girl! Companies will definitely want you!’ Excuse me?

When I become an engineer, I want to be living in a world where comments such as a genuine ‘Good luck!’ are given, rather than the backhanded compliments I receive now. I want to take my successes and show others that it is not because of my gender, but because of my intellect that I will be given the opportunities I am given.

Tripi Shrivastava is a senior at LASA, where she is a member of Varsity Tennis and the Latin Club. For TEDxYouth@Austin, she serves as a Lead for Social Media and Co-Lead for Outreach and Ambassador Program. In her free time, she enjoys dancing to Bollywood music.

LEAH SIFF (Photography Lead) For as long as I can remember, my dad has been reminding me to recycle everything I can, so as not to waste it. Paper, aluminum cans, empty food containers, whatever there is that will get thrown out anyway. As I got older, I took this idea, ran with it, but eventually realized that, though this is slightly helpful, people will have to do so much more to preserve the earth. In the future, I want to help put that into action to promote a greener planet so that both humans and the earth can thrive in the future.

Leah Siff is a senior at LASA, where she is an officer for the theatre troupe, the Alley Cat Players, and the stage manager for this season’s shows. In the future, Leah is interested in pursuing studies in environmental science and technical theatre.

SAMMY JARRAR (Graphic Design Co-Lead) Considering my interest in biomedical technologies, I would want to change the world by developing an effective and efficient process for the creation of usable organs in the human body in order to replace those that have ceased to work or have become unstable. Doing so would dramatically affect millions if not billions of lives around the world, from those whose livers no longer work to those who are prone to heart attacks. And even if that doesn’t work out, I believe that any contribution made to the biomedical field is intrinsically beneficial to society, whether it’s building a new heart or designing a prosthetic leg.

As editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper, Sammy Jarrar learned all the inner workings of production and design necessary to lead the Graphics and Design Committee at TEDxYouth@ Austin. Although heavily involved in production and design, Sammy would eventually like to work in the biomedical field, developing organs through stem cell research.

CAMPBELL ERICKSON (Outreach Co-Lead) In our day-to-day life, we rarely take into consideration the rest of the world, struggles other people are facing, new inventions youth are creating, and community events others are developing. I want to change the world by connecting all of that, on a level of entrepreneurship, innovation, and respect for our planet, giving young people a voice in the world of ideas and solutions to the most pressing of problems. TEDxYouth@Austin helps me reach my goal; sharing ideas worth spreading with thousands of young people every year has an unbelievable impact on the world around us along with our future reality.

Campbell Erickson is a sophomore at Khabele School in Austin, Texas. He is passionate about the development and empowerment of young innovators through the use of technology.

Campbell works and volunteers at a number of local nonprofit organizations, and runs his own nonprofit technology project.

Stepping Forward

TOM CHI

You may know him as the creative behind Google Glass, or the man who scaled Yahoo Answers from 0 to 90 million users. This genius technologist isn’t just a serial innovator; he has wildly impressive dance moves, a diverse musical background, and, in our personal opinion, enough wisdom to empower an entire generation.

Interview: Ocean Pleasant

Ocean Pleasant: In what ways do you think technology is enhancing the development of Millennials, and how do you think it might be detracting from true personal experience and connection?

Tom Chi: That’s a great question. I think that a huge benefit right now is the way that technology is making it possible for us to see so many different perspectives on human experience. In terms of expanding the sensibility of what it means to be human and how we connect with each other, it is incredibly beneficial.

I think what happens is, a lot of these technologies were designed to keep you in them. Without getting into a huge amount of detail, the way that people get a high value for their companies in Silicon Valley is a lot of people are using them all the time. At some level there’s a perverse incentive between a company wanting you to use their stuff all the time, and you having the kind of continuity and clarity to create what you want to create for your own life.

Instead of optimizing how much we take in and how much we experience, what if we optimized for the sanctity of our train of thought? That each new thing that we bring in actually adds and extends the train of thought that we’re trying to create, as opposed to

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taking us in a hundred directions. I really think that both modes are valuable. There will be moments where you just want to plunge in and see a totally different world and see fifty different videos in an hour; that’s great, but there are other moments you want to balance out with, where our focus is on the sanctity of our train of thought.

the resources that you have, it’s not about a particular type of strategic framework, it’s not about following specific rules in a book. Entrepreneurship is about seeing the opportunity to improve people’s lives in a meaningful way, which is Step One, and then doing that in a way that can self-sustain, which is Step Two.

OP: What is your definition of an entrepreneur?

OP: I have a sort of controversial question, and I get a lot of different feedback, depending on whether I ask men or women. I’ve actually been asked to leave this question out of interviews before.

The question is, “Would you give men and women different advice? Why or why not?”

How would you interpret that question?

Would your advice differ between men and women, and not just in tech but in any industry?

TC: I can share this thing that I call the tensecond MBA. I came up with it because a lot of people want to be entrepreneurs, and they feel like “Oh, it’s so difficult” or “Oh, there are so many things to learn.”

The ten-second MBA is: STEP ONE: Do anything that improves people’s lives in any kind of meaningful way; it could be one person, it could be ten people, it doesn’t really matter.

STEP TWO: Make Step One cash-flowpositive; that is, make more money in one month than it costs you to do it.

That’s pretty much all they teach you in MBA school, condensed down to ten seconds. An entrepreneur is someone that fundamentally gets that. They get that business is not about

TC: The “right advice” is the right advice for that specific person.

When it comes to men and women, person by person, there might be a woman whose upbringing or way of being is much closer to men that I’ve worked with. In which case I might give her exactly the same [advice] I’d give to other men, and vice versa. There might be a man whose upbringing and perspective is much closer to, societally, what women are facing.

As much as I’m a technologist, that’s not how the world changes. The world changes not by drive-by cheering; it comes from people being able to step forward and give a piece of themselves for something that matters.

The point of advice is not absolute truth. It’s to serve the people you are speaking to the best. Society puts different challenges on men and women. I don’t think that there is fundamentally any difference of potential, any gender difference that would hold somebody back. But I do believe society imposes on what we believe in a particular way. Because of that, men and women are treated differently in society, as a broad average. As I start talking to a woman or to a man, I might find that their upbringing or their allegiance to society is quite different; therefore, that element will be important to bring into the mix.

OP: I think there’s this idea, especially in the tech industry, that competition breeds innovation. What’s your take on this?

TC: There’s an idea called “co-opetition,” which is the combination of competition and cooperation. I think that co-opetition is much closer to how all innovative systems and adaptive systems work. In nature there’s a famous phrase, “survival of the fittest,” but it’s very incomplete if you understand that the diversity of organisms all contribute to each other. For example, if you bring wolves back to an ecosystem and they manage a deer population, then the plants actually do better.

When you look at it like that, in a way the wolves are actually cooperating with the plants.

I think an unbridled belief in competition and

turning a blind eye to all the cooperation that exists in an ecosystem—natural ecosystems, a business ecosystem—it’s just an incomplete viewpoint. A lot of times, we use the excuse of competition in order to allow ourselves to be less than human, to be less than present or compassionate to the possibility that competition and cooperation can co-exist in a space that adds up to much more than just one of them alone.

OP: What advice can you offer Millennials?

OP: Wow. OK, this is a less serious question. I feel like I’m one of the few who’s had the grand fortune of witnessing you on a dance floor. Could you fill us in on your extracurricular endeavors?

TC: I think one of the best things they can do is get directly engaged. We have a convenience culture where a cause comes up, and it’s like, “Oh, I totally liked that page and I sent them five dollars.”

TC: I really enjoy dancing. The reason I enjoy it is because I was a musician for a really long time; being a musician is really helpful because a lot of times, I solve problems via musical analogy. In life and in technology and other spheres. It’s a thread that’s run all throughout my life that’s helped me make sense of things.

A lot of times when I have a really difficult problem that I’m solving, I’ll go in front of a piano and try to make the same sound as what my brain feels like at that moment. By hearing the sound, it allows me to solve the problem through sound.

To me, that’s not quite engagement. Engagement really gives up a piece of you, but ultimately it doesn’t feel like that. When you give up a piece of yourself to something that deeply matters to you, it gives back a thousand times over. Maybe not immediately, maybe not for ten years. I kind of feel like the Millennials I’ve been around have this deep sensibility; they have this desire to go do that. To me, the way that they can give back is just to act on that, to move beyond the virtual nudging of an idea. As much as I’m a technologist, that’s not how the world changes. The world changes not by drive-by cheering; it comes from people being able to step forward and give a piece of themselves for something that matters.

When I hear music, I hear a lot of different layers. I’ve been in a dozen bands and produced

a bunch of albums; because of it, when I hear a song I’ll hear all the different layers that are happening at the same time that allow that music to exist. When I dance I just kind of respond to all those different layers with my body. I’m terrible at dancing the “right” way.

If you want me to do ballroom dancing, I’m pretty bad at it. [Laughs.]

Society puts different challenges on men and women. I don’t think that there is fundamentally any difference of potential.

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N IO T A M R O F S N A R T L GLOBA THROUGH WOMEN’S EDUCATION HERE, EIGHT OAD SCHOLARS SHARE THEIR STORIES. Your collective voice is loud and you can get involved by spreading awareness and joining the conversation. Rally support at your college to include an OAD scholar at your school. Our best supporters, just like you, host drives for clothing, computers and frequent flyer miles, and fundraise, volunteer and intern.

Malika Ghafour Afghanistan, Oberlin College, Class of 2017 HER STORY: Malika is a sophomore at Oberlin. She was selected as a Bonner scholar because of her commitment to public service. She is considering a major in Economics and a minor in Arts, and is an America Reads tutor, where she helps public school children develop reading and writing skills.

HER WORDS: “I am very fortunate; my mentor and the group I call aunties provide me with lots of great support.

They are a huge emotional support for me. Whenever I feel down or homesick, I call my mentor and she makes sure I feel better.”

Sandrine Uwisanze Rwanda, Muhlenberg College, Class of 2018 HER STORY: After spending three years in a refugee camp, Sandrine returned to Rwanda with her mother and cousin. As a representative for Nike Girl Hub, she has researched the barriers to education for girls in Rwanda. She has a passion for public health, and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Women’s Studies.

HER WORDS: “I will apply my knowledge and experience from the U.S. in Rwanda to affect health care. I was empowered by OAD’s powerful women, who made me confident and strong. I want to inspire other women in return.”

BAY AREA NONPROFIT EMPOWERS LEADERS FOR CHANGE IN POST-CONFLICT COUNTRIES Open A Door (OAD) believes that educating women from the world’s most disadvantaged places can change the course of history. OAD’s mission is to become a powerful force in building female leadership in post-conflict countries. They connect smart, ambitious young women with a team of U.S. female mentors to help them win U.S. college scholarships and return home as change agents. They have helped 20 female scholars come from Rwanda and Afghanistan, where some were orphans, refugees, and house slaves. Now, they have earned full scholarships at top schools like Smith, Harvard, Lafayette, Haverford, Whitman, Bennington, and Bucknell.

Jocelyn Mizero Rwanda, Lafayette College, Class of 2018 HER STORY: While in secondary school, Jocelyn founded The Transformers Youth Club, which focused on the needs of less privileged families and genocide survivors. Jocelyn hopes to be a pediatrician.

HER WORDS: “I want to change the world for kids back home in Rwanda and globally. OAD helped me realize I could get a good education and achieve my dreams.

My mentors are there for me, to inspire, encourage and support me. The connections I have and the power they give me makes me want to push boundaries and open as many doors as there are.”

Bonnette Ishimwe Rwanda, Whitman College, Class of 2018 HER STORY: Bonnette lost her father in the genocide, and grew up with her mother and younger brother, whom she helped raise.

In secondary school she initiated and helped create a book of 100 testimonies of young genocide survivors that is currently being published. She is majoring in Economics and Business.

HER WORDS: “I want a world where the shape of a nose or skin color will have less meaning attached to it. A world where there are equal opportunities for all, where women will be taking the lead in different careers, not be denied opportunities or have their ability to excel put into question because they are women.”

Chartine Iraguha Rwanda, Bucknell University, Class of 2018 HER STORY: Chartine was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania and later moved to Rwanda, where she collected messages of hope, unity and renewal through a youth club, Peace and Love Proclaimers. She is majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and hopes to become Rwanda’s first aerospace engineer.

HER WORDS: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for OAD. It created a family for me through my mentors, and I love knowing that there are people that I can count on. They have hosted me in their homes and covered me with love, affection, and care.”

CHARTINE AND ME NTORS BONNETTE AND SANDRINE

STUDYING

Sharon Batamuriza Rwanda, Bennington College, Class of 2016 HER STORY: Sharon, an orphan at five years old, was held as a house slave but escaped and eventually lived with her sister’s family. At Bennington, Sharon is majoring in International Relations and Conflict Resolution, with an emphasis on the role and responsibility of women in conflict.

HER WORDS: “I’m interested in learning how social and economic development can be implemented to improve the standard of living for those in need. Issues of human rights, women’s empowerment, and national security are deep in my heart. My dream is to help create a world where people care for each other.”

SHARON SPEAKING

NADEGE, SHARON AND GIRLS WITH BARB AND MENTORS

Nadege Sesonga Rwanda, Michigan State University, Class of 2017 HER STORY: Nadege and her family’s experience being affected by genocide drove her to want to help make a change. She dreams of being a psychologist and helping people in Rwanda who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. At Michigan State University, she is a youth ambassador advocating for global education.

HER WORDS: “My mentors love me like one of their family members. I still can’t get over the fact that Linda and Veronica flew from California to Michigan to welcome an African girl that they had never met before. They are my motivation to study hard and make them proud.”

SIMIN AT GRADUATION

Simin Wahdat Afghanistan, Bucknell ’11 & Eastern Mennonite University ’14 HER STORY: Simin is from Kabul but lived a refugee life in Pakistan. She graduated from Bucknell in 2011 with a degree in International Relations and Gender Studies. In 2014 she graduated with a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from Eastern Mennonite University. Through her work in Afghanistan as a gender and diversity advisor with a nonprofit working with the Ministry of Higher Education, she is working to increase women’s inclusion in the ministry.

HER WORDS: “There are hardly any women at the senior management level. My job is to change that.”

GIRLS & GOLDEN GATE