The point where everything falls apart: Bill Thompson at TEDxUW

http://tedxuw.com/speakers

A student's success can be attributed to many things, from their own efforts to the support of their friends and families. But there is a large cast of other characters acting in uncredited roles whose efforts are no less vital to each and every student as they complete their university career. William Thompson -- or Bill, as his friends call him -- is one such character, playing the role of coach, counselor, storyteller, and, of course, bartender to countless students over the past 12 years.

Bill grew up on dairy farm near Woodstock, Ontario, the son of a hard-working dairy farmer -- a man from whom he learned many things, not the least of which is the value of a good story. While he's quick to acknowledge the value of a good education, some of his most formative experiences occurred outside of formal education, at the school of hard knocks. In fact, Bill believes that the best education comes simply by doing: embracing entrepreneurship and the accompanying changes without fear of failure. A belief that was only strengthened during the early 1990's when his career took him to the US and he was exposed to what he describes as a "cultural ability that accepts failure as a part of growth".

This attitude rubbed off on Bill in a big way, and his resulting zest for life has led him to always try new things and become a student of life. Over the years, his studies have earned him a number of titles, including: Host extraordinaire, Purveyor of ales and spirits, Coach, Counselor, Cheese connoisseur, Aspiring wine-maker, Chocolatier, Husband, Father, and Friend. In fact, in light of his disparate interests and accomplishments, it would be safe to say that Bill has never not been in school.

Bill's interaction with students over the years has offered him a rather unique perspective on student life, and given him the opportunity to share in his patrons' ideas, successes, and even the occasional failures. These failures, however, haven't dimmed his optimism one bit. "Young people today are engaged, enthusiastic, naive, opinionated, and any of the things you hear and read that baby boomers say about youth," he says. "That is what young people should be. You can wait until you're my age to be crusty, opinionated, and jaded." And it's with these students exactly whom Bill hopes his message -- a look at one very common stumbling point in every student's academic career -- will resonate with.

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