In her TEDx talk, Take Action and Figure It Out Along the Way, Judy Oskam—mom, professor, and podcaster—shares how bold unplanned action can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities. From navigating her career in journalism, PR, and higher education to overcoming personal challenges like infertility, Judy’s journey shows that success isn’t about perfection, but perseverance. She encourages us to embrace uncertainty with grit and confidence, trusting that the answers will reveal themselves as we move forward. Judy’s message is simple yet powerful: meaningful change happens when we take action and shape our own paths. Dr. Judy Oskam is a Texas State University Professor and serves as the director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She has a Master of Science in Mass Communication and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. Earlier in her career, Judy worked in television news and public relations. Judy is a Gallop-Certified Strengths Coach, Tiny Habits Certified Coach, and Thrive Certified Coach. Her podcast, Stories of Change and Creativity, features interviews with interesting people who inspire, educate, and motivate. 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