Phil Niles

             President Obama Inauguration.  January 20, 2009

I don’t think I will get it, should I apply anyways?

Absolutely!!!  I cannot stress that enough.  I almost did not apply for this reason, but, clearly, I am thriled that I changed my mind.  It is important that you not underestimate yourself in this application.  Also, maybe I'm a sadist, but filling out the application can be a really fun "thought exercise," if you don't drive yourself crazy in the process.  Enjoy it!!

Also, just because you are American/European/old/young/not Jesus/rich/”just” a graduate student/quiet/computer illiterate/eccentric/a make-believe superhero/pessimistic/a chaiwalla does not mean you are unlikely to become a Fellow.  In fact, we had all of these (minus chaiwalla)

If you need to build your confidence, I recommend cold-emailing a burning question you have always had for a TEDster to him/her.  You’ll (hopefully) realize how down-to-earth and collegial everyone at TED can be.  Personally, a while ago, I emailed George Ayittey an article about Robert Mugabe, and our ensuing dialogue showed me that coming to TED is NOT just a pie-in-the-sky dream. 

What is the committee looking for in applicants?

First, I am not on the committee, nor am I any sort of expert, and all of this is just my own opinion based on my own insights.  This is not an official statement, nor is it endorsed by TED in any way.  Once again, this is not an official statement by TED, it is only my opinion – I may be right or wrong.

Second, if there was one quality that all the Fellows seemed to have in common it was that we are all “polymaths.”  We all have a few areas of deep interest.  While we may appear to be type-casted by our main project, I promise this is anything but the truth.

Third, we are all “doers.”  Especially in the post-conference contact I have had with my “fellow Fellows,” we all seem highly actionable.  For instance, Julianna Machado Ferreira, who is a genetics researcher, not only spends time in front her monitor watching ATGC’s scroll, she also goes out into the field and helps release the birds, whose genomes she studies.  Erik Hersman seems to be in a different country every day, learning about further implementations of mobile applications, such as the Ushaldi platform he helped create.  Patrick Awuah had a stable and comfortable life working for Microsoft in the U.S., but he left to start a university in his native Ghana.  Taghi is looking to make new films about our TED experience right now!  None of us “sit still,” in a figurative sense.

What don’t I know about the Fellows Program?  What surprised you?

I did not expect all the Fellows to become so close.  I am not being trite; there is a strong bond between the 2009 TED Fellows.  We all share in each other’s successes and would be willing to help one another in a second.  Not only do I now have 39 new couches all over the world I can call home for a night, but I have 39 new invaluable opinions and resources.  My roommate, Adriankoto Ratozamanana, summed it up best on the last night of the conference when he told me, “We will always have this special connection to each other.”

In terms of your application, it is crucial to let your personality shine through.  Let your true colors show.  While I think we were probably chosen more as individuals, my guess is, because of our cohesiveness, there will be greater focus as to how you will fit into your group. 

I have another question…

Shoot me a quick email.  Please.  PN@case.edu

Philip Niles