What I Learned Through College Applications | Stephen Pyon | TEDxYouth@ICS

The US college application system is a grueling, brutal, and tiring process. As a high school senior, Stephen Pyon talks about the confusion and disappointment involved while forming his application. After being deferred from his dream school and later accepted, Pyon realizes the hard work that must be invested to achieve success and the self acceptance required to not lose one’s identity. High school student in Thailand. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@joemama7129]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:15:49 *The speaker recalls a kindergarten lesson on individuality, feeling unique through personal and cultural exploration.*
01:18 *The speaker describes writing numerous essays for college applications, experiencing self-reflection but feeling less unique.*
02:35 *The speaker encountered an online college application forum revealing many high-achieving students, which increased feelings of anonymity.*
03:49 *Realizing that showcasing accomplishments alone made him indistinguishable, the speaker questioned the uniqueness taught in kindergarten.*
05:12 *The speaker identified that focusing solely on achievements neglected the importance of personal struggles and unique journeys.*
07:09 *Opening up about failures and challenges allowed the speaker to highlight personal growth and how overcoming these experiences contributed to his uniqueness.*
08:42 *The speaker emphasizes the importance of translating failure into growth, using personal challenges to distinguish himself among top applicants.*
09:51 *College applications ended, but the speaker concluded that embracing and sharing vulnerabilities create a fuller, more distinctive personal narrative.*
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[@janetaylorparris]

Jaw dropping! Such maturity and perspective. There’s no way I would’ve been able to get up on stage at that age and talk so honestly and bravely. Or to see through the hypocrisies of the admissions process, even a little!

[@viniciusgoncalves2642]

undervalued lecture. Really helps to bring perspective to the application process

[@vaggs75]

Plot twist: This TedX talk is just going into his CV to make an impression to those High Schools.

[@anubhab.r]

True

[@hodgelive]

You could just say it’s about what you are going to do not what you’ve already done.

[@adityaraj9137]

In the end, he made it to brown :)

[@Mannymak]

I’m early; lemme think of a joke
Portland Trailblazers

[@hodgelive]

really drawing out those last couple minutes.

[@lyndsaylarson7565]

3rd

[@kenedwardtan]

5th

[@JZferda]

First