You can't choose what you've never seen | Cory McCray | TEDxLargo

Maryland State Senator Cory McCray describes his path from entering the juvenile justice system at age 13 to finding an electrical apprenticeship as a teenager, an experience he says changed the course of his life. Drawing on his book, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, he examines how exposure to opportunity, someone believing in you, and an alternative path to success can transform a young person's future. The talk argues that talent is widespread but opportunity is not, and it invites viewers to rethink how young people are prepared for the future. McCray, a Baltimore native and former journeyman electrician, represents Baltimore City's 45th Legislative District.

• Entering the juvenile justice system at age 13
• Discovering an electrical apprenticeship as a teenager
• Why exposure to opportunity and mentorship matter
• Rethinking how young people are prepared for the future

NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf In You Can't Choose What You've Never Seen, Maryland State Senator Cory McCray shares his remarkable journey from entering the juvenile justice system at age 13 to discovering an electrical apprenticeship as a teenager that changed the course of his life. Drawing from his book, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, McCray reveals how exposure to opportunity, the power of someone believing in you, and an alternative path to success can transform a life. His message challenges us to rethink how we prepare young people for the future: Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't. Sometimes, all it takes is showing someone a door they never knew existed. Cory McCray is a Maryland State Senator representing Baltimore Cityʼs 45th Legislative District. A Baltimore native who began his career as an electrical apprentice and became a journeyman electrician, he brings a working-class perspective to public service. His experiences shape his advocacy for workforce development, education, and economic mobility. He is also the author of "The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life," highlighting apprenticeship as a powerful pathway to opportunity and success. 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