In his TED Talk, “Get Your Maverick On,” Jay Gross challenges listeners to break free from conventional expectations and embrace their authentic, trailblazing selves. With passion and humor, he shares personal stories and hard-won insights about the power of showing up boldly, taking risks, and leading with heart. It’s a call to action to live unapologetically, think differently, and create impact by being the maverick you were meant to be. “After a motorcycle accident in 1986 crushed the 7th thoracic vertebrae in my back and left me less than a ¼ of an inch from being paralyzed from my chest down, I take each day as a gift. While I was recuperating for six months, my Mom mentioned how I would be a good teacher and how the neighborhood kids flocked to me when I was outside to learn football plays and hear me tell stories. It stuck. I recently retired after 30 years of teaching at Shepherd High School, and 34 days later accepted a position teaching Speech/Debate at Morley Stanwood High School. I am still being told countless times my stories make learning relate, and make it easier to understand. My name is Jay Gross, and I am an English, Speech, & Debate teacher. I also teach as an adjunct professor of English and Speech at Montcalm Community College and am currently teaching at St. Louis High School for dual enrollment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx