Abigail Newton : If happiness were the National Currency... @ TEDxLansingEd

I recently went to Peru through an organization called Impossible 2 Possible. In Peru, I joined four other youth ambassadors to run 150 miles through the Andes Mountains and Peruvian Amazon over the span of six consecutive days. We did this to challenge and push ourselves beyond perceived limits to encourage and inspire others to do the same. Classrooms from around the world subscribed to what we were doing and followed along. In addition to running, we supplied an education component looking at how humans impact ecosystems and the services they provide to us.Our success here is measured by the value of money. In Peru, it seemed to be based on happiness. "If happiness were the National Currency, would you be rich?"

Abigail Newton currently attends Michigan State University, disguised as an ordinary student. We all know better.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

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 a TEDx event, TEDTalks video 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. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)