Having Intention in High School | Basra Keynan | TEDxYouth@AnnArbor

Summary

The speaker reflects on their high school experience, emphasizing the importance of extracurricular activities for personal growth and college applications. They discuss the pressures of modern education, including the high stakes of college admissions and the impact on students' mental health. The speaker advocates for organization and planning as essential life skills, introducing their personal planning system and the benefits of the bullet journal method. They conclude by encouraging others to find their own organizational style to manage life's demands and foster personal growth.

Takeaways

• 📚 The importance of joining clubs and extracurricular activities during freshman year for making new connections and gaining valuable experiences.
• 🏫 Extracurriculars play a significant role in college applications and can provide essential skills and connections for the future.
• 🔍 The author's personal experience of overcommitting to activities, leading to physical and mental exhaustion, and the subsequent adjustment of their schedule.
• 🌐 A global perspective on students engaging in rigorous academics and extracurriculars while balancing social and personal lives.
• 📈 The high school graduation rate reaching an all-time high, indicating increased competition in higher education and the job market.
• 💰 The financial burden of higher education, with many students graduating with substantial student loan debt.
• 🏛 The corruption and market-driven aspects of the college admissions process, including the involvement of test prep courses and admissions consultants.
• 🤯 The psychological impact of academic pressure on high school students, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.
• 📝 The introduction of a planner as a simple yet effective tool for the author to manage their life and reduce unnecessary pressures.
• 🎨 The concept of organization and planning as learned skills rather than innate traits, with the bullet journal system as a personalized approach to self-care and growth.
• 📈 The author's personal planning system, which involves a brain dump, categorization, prioritization, and the use of daily and weekly planners for effective time management.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first experience with clubs during freshman orientation?

The speaker's first experience was at an activity fair where various clubs and organizations had booths to attract new members. It was a lively scene with many options to explore, from traditional clubs like music and sports to unique opportunities like student-run theater and cultural programs.

Why are extracurricular activities important according to the speaker's counselor?

The speaker's counselor emphasized that extracurricular activities are crucial because they contribute significantly to college applications, providing skills, experiences, and connections that can be beneficial in the future.

How did the speaker's approach to extracurricular activities change after their first semester?

After taking on too many activities and classes in the first semester, leading to long hours at school and lack of sleep, the speaker adjusted their schedule in the following semester to better balance their commitments.

What is the significance of the high school graduation rate mentioned in the script?

The high school graduation rate reaching an all-time high of 84.8 percent signifies that students are taking their education seriously. However, it also indicates increased competition for higher education and the potential for more students to face the challenges of student loan debt.

What is the average student loan debt for university graduates in the U.S., as mentioned in the script?

The average student loan debt for university graduates in the U.S. is $37,172.

How does the speaker describe the college admissions system?

The speaker describes the college admissions system as a business that is not only marketable but also filled with corruption, including test preparation courses, college admissions specialists, and financial aid consultants, which can be quite costly.

What is the connection between the increase in high school students' depression and anxiety and the competitive nature of education?

The script suggests that the competitive nature of education, including the pressure to excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities, may contribute to the reported increase in depression and anxiety among high school students.

What role did the bullet journal system play in the speaker's life?

The bullet journal system played a significant role in the speaker's life by helping them to organize their thoughts, tasks, and goals. It served as a tool for self-care and self-recognition, allowing the speaker to better manage their time and reduce unnecessary pressures.

What is the main principle behind the bullet journal system according to the speaker?

The main principle behind the bullet journal system, as explained by the speaker, is to track the past, order the present, and design the future in a personalized planning system suited to one's needs.

How does the speaker suggest adapting the bullet journal system to one's own mindset and lifestyle?

The speaker suggests adapting the bullet journal system by starting with a brain dump, dividing tasks into broad sections, assigning colors or symbols to differentiate categories, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. They also recommend starting with daily to-do lists and progressing to weekly or monthly planners as one becomes more comfortable with the system.