I Am Not A Layer | Paula Salvosa | TEDxYouth@SJCS

Summary

In this TED Talk, Paula Salvosa reflects on her experience of being labeled 'I'm a liar girl' after a viral incident where she was publicly shamed. She shares her personal journey of overcoming online bullying, battling self-doubt, and the toll it took on her identity. Paula speaks about healing, self-acceptance, and reclaiming her life, emphasizing the importance of not letting a single mistake define one's future. She encourages others to show compassion and reminds us that everyone's bad moments don’t determine who they truly are.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker, Paula Salvosa, became infamously known as 'I'm a liar girl' after a video of her went viral.
• 😔 The label 'I'm a liar' haunted her, causing her to feel ostracized and leading to a loss of her own identity.
• 😥 She considered changing her name and moving away to escape the negative label associated with her.
• 😣 The constant judgment and criticism led to Paula feeling hostile, aggressive, impatient, and selfish.
• 🙏 She initially sought solace in her work and faith, becoming a youth pastor, hoping it would heal her from the trauma.
• 📉 Despite her efforts, Paula's mental health and academic performance declined, indicating that she was not truly healed.
• 👩‍⚕️ Seeking professional help was a turning point, where she learned that healing is a process, not an instant fix.
• 🔄 Healing involves accepting the dark days, highs, and lows, and understanding that it's not linear.
• 💪 Paula learned the importance of self-regulation, self-talk, self-confidence, and self-appreciation in her healing journey.
• 🤝 She reconciled with her past by accepting that the 'I'm a liar girl' phase was part of her, but not all of her.
• 🌱 Paula emphasizes that one's past does not define their future and that everyone deserves compassion and understanding.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Paula Salvosa's TED Talk?

The main theme of Paula Salvosa's TED Talk is overcoming the negative impacts of being labeled and ostracized due to a viral video, and her journey towards self-healing and acceptance.

What incident led to Paula Salvosa being labeled as 'I'm a liar girl'?

Paula Salvosa was labeled as 'I'm a liar girl' after a video of her shouting or berating a lady guard at the LRT station went viral on the internet.

How did the label 'I'm a liar girl' affect Paula Salvosa's life?

The label 'I'm a liar girl' led to Paula experiencing ostracization, confusion about her identity, and a significant decline in her mental health, to the point where she considered changing her name and moving away.

What was Paula Salvosa's initial reaction to the viral video and the public's response?

Initially, Paula Salvosa felt scared for her own life, lost her sense of identity, and was deeply affected by the constant bashing and negative attention.

How did Paula Salvosa attempt to cope with the aftermath of the viral video?

Paula Salvosa initially tried to cope by burying herself in work, becoming a youth pastor, and seeking guidance from God, but she later realized that she needed professional help to heal properly.

What steps did Paula Salvosa take towards healing herself?

Paula Salvosa took steps towards healing by practicing self-regulation, self-talk, building self-confidence, and self-appreciation. She learned to accept her flaws and failures as part of her whole self.

What role did faith play in Paula Salvosa's healing process?

Faith played a significant role initially as Paula turned to God for guidance and became devoted to the church, but she later understood that healing required a more intentional and personal process.

How did Paula Salvosa redefine her identity beyond the 'I'm a liar girl' label?

Paula Salvosa redefined her identity by accepting her past, forgiving herself, and understanding that one bad moment does not define her entire personhood. She learned to appreciate herself and her journey.

What message does Paula Salvosa have for those who are going through similar experiences?

Paula Salvosa encourages others to understand that their past does not define their future, to have compassion for themselves and others, and to not judge someone based on one bad moment.

How does Paula Salvosa view her past now, after going through the healing process?

Now, Paula Salvosa views her past, including being labeled as 'I'm a liar girl', as a part of her journey that has made her stronger and happier. She has reconciled with her past and accepts it as a part of who she is.

What advice does Paula Salvosa give for dealing with cancel culture and public shaming?

Paula Salvosa advises that healing is a journey and not instantaneous. She encourages intentional steps towards self-improvement, self-awareness, and self-acceptance, and to not let others' opinions define one's reality.