Everyone Has a Story to Tell. So, What’s Yours?
By Tamara Park | October 4, 2011 at 6:48 am
Tamara Park is the producer of “Noble Exchange.” Watch her go from behind of the camera to in front on tonight’s episode at at 8pm ET on Halogen TV.
I love stories. Since I was a kid I was enthralled with stories, and my favorite kind were the stuff of real life.
I grew up knowing quite a cast of characters—a mix of x-convicts, teachers, drug addicts, preachers, small business owners and lifeguards made regular appearances.
Early on I came to believe that everyone has a story tell. That belief shaped in childhood now compels me to write and produce. I have especially savored getting to capture the stories of the participants of Noble Exchange Latin America.
But that belief got put to the test when I trekked off to the Amazon. I arrived in Manaus, Brazil not as the producer of Noble Exchange, but as the talent. An opportunity opened up for me to go from being behind the camera to in front of it in order for me to see if I could do what I’ve been asking these rising celebrities to do. While there I’d get to pursue a dream and connect with Brazilian mentors. I was thrilled about the adventure, but it came down to one thing. Could I believe I had a story to tell?
I suspect I’m not the only one who has had these doubts. When I arrived in the Amazon I to face head-on those doubts about the worth of my own story. And I’ll tell you this: it felt awkward being in front of camera than behind it and answering questions rather than asking them. But I am so grateful I didn’t let those doubts sabotage the opportunity to meet extraordinary youth in villages along the Amazon. They taught me their traditional dances and showed me capoeira. Seeing their sense of ease and confidence in their bodies still inspires me. I also got to hack through the jungle with an environmentalist named Braz who has devoted his life to preserving the Amazon Rain Forest. And I learned samba from an instructor named Marcus who is committed to teaching people of all incomes and ages how to dance.
I experienced something in the Amazon worth sharing. I witnessed a spectacular display of community. I got to know people committed to helping the next generation – from dance to the environment. Seeing it made me want to invest in youth in my local area. I was so moved by the experience, I started a writers group for young girls in my hometown. I now help them tell their own stories.
And through the experience in the Amazon I was reminded how much I love learning from others, encountering other cultures and setting off on adventures – I love those even at the risks of all the awkwardness of being out of my element.
More than ever, I believe everyone has a story to tell—myself included. But often, it takes someone to invite us to tell our story in order for us to see it more clearly. I encourage you to share a meal or a drink with a friend and you both share your stories. Here are few questions to help you do it.
Exploring Your Story to Tell
- Who’s in your cast of characters? Which ones have most influenced you?
- When have you been taken out of your element? How did it change you?
- What doubts have you had to confront while pursuing a dream?
- When have you felt most yourself? What did that feel like? What characteristics are most distinctly you?
I also believe our stories are constantly being written. We have more adventures to go on, more life-lessons to learn, and more to contribute to others. Here’s a look at ways you can expand your story and have your own Noble Exchange.
Expanding Your Story
- Who might you add to your cast of characters? Is there a neighbor from another culture that you’d like to get to know better, or a co-worker of a different race, or is there a country you’ve desired to visit? Consider getting to know someone who is different from you, and see how that stretches and enriches your story.
- What dream would you like to pursue in the next year?
- What’s holding you back from that dream?
- How might others help you pursue it?
- How might pursuing your dream help other people and/or causes?
You have a story to tell! If you would like to share it with me or have feedback about Noble Exchange, feel free to contact me at tamara.park@halogentv.com.
Cheers to telling…and living your amazing story.
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