This talk discusses how we as Citizens can use the Adversity that we face every day as a way to change the world in which we all live for the better.

While training to deploy with the United States Army Marcus suffered a serious spinal injury. During the ensuing surgery he died on the operating table twice. Subsequently he was left paralyzed from the neck down. Unsure of his future, Marcus went into a deep depression. In his darkest hour he had a personal epiphany that force him to see his injury as a learning opportunity. Through this Gift of Adversity Marcus was able overcame my paralysis and walk again. His message is that Adversity is a gift that demands our greatest efforts to rise above our current obstacles and to become better citizens and leaders.

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