Educator Dr. Laura Finley shares powerful personal stories and classroom experiences to explore how vulnerability can spark a chain reaction—from mindfulness and empathy to deep human connection and meaningful action. Drawing on decades of teaching, Finley challenges the idea that professionalism means emotional restraint and suggests that showing our true feelings is essential for building a more just, kind, and compassionate world. Laura Finley, Ph.D is a professor of sociology and criminology at Barry University. She is also an adjunct at Southern New Hampshire University, teaching Strategies for Online Learning and Diversity Awareness and Online Learning. Finley is the author, co-author or editor of 40 books as well as more than four dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She is also a syndicated columnist with Peace Voice and a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences. Finley is also an activist for peace, justice, and gender equality. She is involved with a number of movements and is a Board member for The Humanity Project and Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, as well as co-founder and organizer of the College Brides Walk, a dating and domestic violence awareness campaign. In 2022, Finley was named Outstanding Faculty Member at Barry University. 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