In the engaging TEDx talk “Staying in Beta with Lifelong Passion and Forever Love,” Longmiao Gao reflects on a decade-long friendship and personal journey through self-discovery, passion, and the challenges of academic life. After leaving China for a PhD in the Netherlands, Longmiao felt disconnected from his roots, losing touch with the vibrant campus life that once defined him. Despite the academic rigor, he craved the joy and camaraderie found in shared moments of performance with friends.
Returning to China reignited his passion for singing and connection, leading him to realize that his journey was not just about the stage but about the profound relationships built along the way. Longmiao’s story emphasizes the importance of “staying beta,” embracing one’s vulnerabilities, and fostering genuine connections. He encourages others to pursue their passions while understanding that love and support often manifest in unexpected ways. Ultimately, Longmiao invites the audience to join him in a celebration of the passions that shape our lives, culminating in a heartfelt performance of “Forever Love.”
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Author Video Description
Gao Longmiao has stood on the university music stage for ten years, never letting go of his love for singing. Even through moments of wandering, doubt, and setbacks, he chose to return to the stage—returning to his own “Forever Love.” Gao Longmiao reminds us that true passion does not require a perfect finish line. Even in the darkest times, our deep connections to ourselves, to others, and to the world will continue to light our way. It is this passion that allows us to meet and recognize each other again and again. Miaomiao is a restarted PhD student and a campus singer. After losing his stage and identity when studying abroad, Miaomiao returned to the music community that shaped him to reclaim his passion. He ultimately discovered passion as a vehicle for identity and connection. His story explores living “in beta” and rebooting in courage. Most importantly, he voices his “forever love” out to reconnect us once again. 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
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Staying in Beta with Lifelong Passion Staying with Forever Love | Longmiao Gao | TEDxWuxi DSAS Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks