On Friday, June 6th, Compass to Care founder, Michelle Ernsdorff, presented at TEDx Dubuque at the University of Dubuque Babka Black Box Theater.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At each TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event.

Michelle’s idea worth sharing focused on Thomas Edison’s quote, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.”

In 2000, while working at the University of Southern California, Michelle had received a gift from her co-worker Steve Hayles.  It was a magnet with Thomas Edison’s quote on it.  Though it took years of self-reflecting and redirecting, when Michelle founded Compass to Care in 2010 she truly began to live Thomas Edison’s quote.  As she reflected during her presentation on the children and families whose lives have been touched by her decision to walk away from the corporate world to build this organization, she revealed that she has truly been astounded.

Michelle paid forward the gift given to her by giving all TEDx Dubuque guests a magnet with Thomas Edison’s quote on it.  She challenged each person to get up each and every day and to do what he/she is capable with the hope that in 10 years each person will wake up and be astounded too!

Once the entire video has been posted, a link will be posted! If you would like a magnet, email us at info@compasstocare.org