John Karakasis

Consultant, Idea generator, Inventor, World traveler

I am a BSc student in his last year of studies in Physics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens and I plan on working as a researcher in Experimental Physics. I have participated voluntarily in many events with social, technological, educational or business character. Also, I love travelling and getting to know different cultures and a personal goal of mine is to travel to as many countries as my age.

I'm passionate about sharing ideas with others as well as searching for new unique ideas by discussing with them. It's been a nice journey since the moment I started participating as a Volunteer. This way of life provides me with strong feelings every day and it plays its role to make me feel whole as a person. Through volunteerism I have the chance to get to know people with a vision, full of optimism for the world.. When these people see you struggle, they come running towards you in order to help you stand back on your feet. No matter how blurry it is sometimes, they can always see the path that leads you forward and they can inspire you to follow them. Since a kid I always wanted to become this kind of person.. to become that one, who despite how difficult his "reality" is, he will always have the strength to smile. Because sometimes a smile is all you need to encourage someone who is having a bad day. A smile always makes people wonder about the reason behind it. A smile always moves someone and makes him think "why shouldn't I smile?". I can't always promise someone that his dreams will come true, but I promise that I can provide the emotional strength and motivation to try as hard as he can to make it happen. And even if he doesn't succeed to "touch" THE dream, why not remind him that he can be happy with what he has or try again or try another perspective? On the other hand I am passionate about physics and technological research. I am very impressed by the concept and the sum of knowledge that someone occupied with research, receive. In general, I feel eager about the idea that I can study the mysteries of the universe, of our world and fascinated about the concept of constantly gaining knowledge. Finally, since I was a kid I was very passionate about music. I love to compose music and lyrics and through them I can express my ideas and the feelings that are expressed above.

My TED story began 4 years ago, when exiting high-school. I participated as a Volunteer in one of the biggest events in my hometown Athens,Greece. Of course I have been watching TED Talks in the past but this time was the time it officially started for me. I fell in love with the concept and I have managed to grow in the world of TEDx events since then. I started as a Volunteer and I ended up in the moment co-organizing my own TEDx Event. The most interesting fact about this is that 4 years ago, in this event, I met the person, now my friend, with whom I co-organize this event. So I did not only get the chance to grow, but I had the the chance to grow besides others, people with the same vision.

People don't know I'm good at stand-up comedy. Some would say that's the joke.. My jokes could be characterized as world play or improv jokes, which sometimes makes it akward..and funny on the spot. I get a lot of criticism over it, but when someone gets into it, he begins to try and imitate it.