Sue Carter : Things I Learned While Skiing to the North Pole @ TEDxLansingEd

It was one of those grabbing bits of news: A videographer from Marquette, Michigan was planning to join the first all-women ski expedition to the North Pole. Who wouldn't want to go -- wouldn't you?

After an overly-excited phone call to Marquette, and a fumbling seven-year march to begin the expedition, we finally set off on our ski.

The first leaders had dropped out, so I took on the mantle and formed the organization and organized the group of twelve that ultimately made the trip.

We decided -- together -- that this was not just another "bucket list" effort, but dedicated ourselves to sharing the experience with middle school students, especially girls. Many of us are educators, so we created a curriculum, visited with children in classrooms, and talked with youngsters via satellite telephone along the way. At the North Pole, we even did a webcast, with the help of NASA, directed at students back home.

As much as I learned about teaching children from "on the road," I also learned much about teamwork in extreme conditions, group dynamics, and myself.

The Russians have a saying: "The Arctic wants you dead." Not only did we emerge alive, we ultimately thrived -- and shared the experience with thousands of children.

Sue Carter is a trailblazer, and despite the 2005 book written about her adventures, she is anything but ordinary. She is a professor in the School of Journalism at Michigan State University and a nationally recognized broadcaster. She was ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church in 2009, and holds a Doctor of Ministry from Seabury Seminary.

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)