Catalyzing Connection: Andrew Forsthoefel at TEDxFurmanU

Andrew is a wonderer and wanderer from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Middlebury College in 2011 with a degree in environmental studies, and having finished school, he wanted to do something that would both affect others in a positive way and satisfy his own need to explore the worlds inside and outside of himself.

After losing a job, he decided to try walking across America from his home in Philadelphia all the way to the Pacific, and he made it — 4,000 miles, talking to people he met along the way. His story, called "Walking to Listen," was featured on "This American Life" in May 2013.

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)