What would you do if you were told you were missing 90% of your cerebellum? Born with a rare brain malformation and later diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Samuel Kitchen spent years searching for control in the face of uncertainty. In this compelling talk, he explores how knowledge became his greatest source of resilience, turning fear into empowerment. His journey challenges us to rethink adversity—not as something to overcome, but as something to understand. Samuel Kitchen is a storyteller, leader, and competitor whose resilience defines him. As President of the Drama Club at Spartanburg Day School, he has acted in 20+ theatrical productions and contributed behind the scenes as a crew member for many more. His passion for performance is matched by his curiosity for the natural world—an interest that propelled him to success as a state champion Envirothon competitor, representing South Carolina internationally in Geneva, NY. Born with a rare brain malformation and later diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Samuel has spent his life confronting uncertainty with intellect and determination. Whether on stage or in competition, he has learned that knowledge provides stability in an unpredictable world, allowing him to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose. 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