The Science of Maybe | Aaron Jacob | TEDxGIIS Abu Dhabi
Feeling confused or like you're starting from nothing isn’t actually as bad as it seems. I’ve realised that all great things begin in those silent, messy moments where nothing makes sense yet. Like in quantum superposition, where every possibility exists at once until we choose one. It’s that strange phase where everything feels chaotic, but really, it’s full of potential waiting to be unfolded. Even when we sleep, during REM, our brains create entire worlds out of nothing, proving that we’re built to create meaning out of the unknown.
I shared how I spent most of my life wanting to be a pilot. It felt right, it was thrilling, and it gave me a sense of purpose. But deep down, there was always this quiet pull towards medicine, a path that felt scary and unreasonable because no one in my family had ever done it. I thought I was starting too late, coming in with nothing, and that fear almost held me back.
But what I learnt is that starting from nothing actually means starting from everything that could be. All those possibilities are real until I choose one. And it’s only when I took that first small step, switching to biology, researching careers, talking to students and doctors, that I realised beginnings don’t need clarity. They just need action. Because clarity never comes first. It always follows. And that one small move is what gives your future direction and your dreams wings. Some of the most unforgettable lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from textbooks. They came in unpredictable moments, watching people make quick decisions, adapt under pressure, and stay grounded in chaos. That’s when I realized I’m drawn to real life learning, the kind that makes you think fast, feel deeply, and grow through experience.I’m Aaron Jacob, a grade 12 PCMB student at Global Indian International School, Dubai, and I’m drawn to the kind of learning that happens when life gets real and the stakes are high.
Outside the world of Academics, I spend my time dabbling in the music industry,whether it’s practicing guitar, piano, and drums, or teaching them to others. I also love being on stage as an emcee or host for school events. I enjoy thinking deeply, speaking freely, and finding creative ways to connect ideas that don’t always seem connected at first. I’m passionate about medicine, fascinated by the unknown, and always looking for ways to turn confusion into clarity, whether through science, sound, or simply starting a conversation. 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
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