Becoming Accountable | Ana Alanis | TEDxYouth@ColumbiaHeights

Summary

In this TED talk, the speaker reflects on the journey of young adulthood, beginning with a story about a 5-year-old girl named Issa, who asks a life-changing question: 'Are you a kid?' The speaker explores the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning from high school to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Through stories and personal experiences, the talk highlights the need to take responsibility for one’s own learning, ask questions, and overcome societal limitations, all while navigating the discomforts of growth. The message encourages embracing discomfort to unlock personal and professional success.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's okay to feel nervous and vulnerable when facing new challenges, like giving a TED talk for the first time.
• 😀 The question 'Are you a kid?' can make you reflect deeply about the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
• 😀 High school and college are phases of 'quasi-adulthood,' which are often confusing but full of opportunities.
• 😀 Young adults have a unique perspective, shaped by growing up with technology, and can offer fresh solutions to old problems.
• 😀 Graduating high school is both a scary and exciting time, marking the start of adulthood and new responsibilities.
• 😀 Accountability means taking responsibility for your own learning and development, rather than relying solely on others.
• 😀 The current educational system is designed to guide you, but true growth comes from seeking out knowledge beyond what is taught.
• 😀 In life, you will encounter 'Mexican crabs'—people who pull you back when you start advancing toward your goals. Prove them wrong by setting high goals for yourself.
• 😀 Asking questions is a crucial skill, one that becomes easier and more natural with practice, even if it feels awkward at first.
• 😀 Sometimes asking questions can be intimidating, but it’s essential to gaining new insights and opportunities. No one ever asks a perfect question without first asking a bad one.
• 😀 Engaging with others, even those you might not typically talk to, can lead to valuable lessons and opportunities, as demonstrated by a story of a friend and a homeless man.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the TED talk?

The central theme of the TED talk is about young adulthood, the transition from high school to college, and the importance of accountability in learning and personal growth.

How does the speaker relate to the story of Issa, the 5-year-old girl?

The speaker shares a personal story about Issa, the daughter of her high school professor, who asked a simple yet profound question: 'Are you a kid?' This question prompted the speaker to reflect on the complexities of transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood.

What does the speaker mean by 'quasi adulthood'?

'Quasi adulthood' refers to the transitional phase between adolescence and full adulthood. During this phase, individuals face responsibilities and freedoms, such as having a job or a driver’s license, but they may still be dependent on others, like parents, for support.

What role does accountability play in the speaker's advice to young adults?

The speaker emphasizes that accountability is key to personal development. Young adults must take responsibility for their own learning and growth, rather than relying solely on formal education or others to guide them.

How does the speaker define accountability in the context of learning?

Accountability in learning is described as taking responsibility for one's own education and development. The speaker stresses that it’s not just about attending classes and getting grades; it’s about actively seeking knowledge and taking ownership of one's educational journey.

What does the speaker suggest about the limitations of the current educational system?

The speaker suggests that the current educational system is designed to provide a basic structure for learning, but it may not fully support individuals in discovering their passions. As students grow older, they must take charge of their learning to go beyond the confines of traditional schooling.

What metaphor does the speaker use to illustrate the concept of accountability and overcoming obstacles?

The speaker uses the metaphor of 'Mexican crabs.' In the story, crabs in a blue bucket don’t need a lid because they pull each other down when one tries to escape, symbolizing how people can hinder others' progress. This illustrates the challenges young adults face from societal pressures and self-doubt when they begin to take responsibility for their goals.

What is the significance of asking questions in the speaker’s message?

Asking questions is portrayed as a critical skill for growth. The speaker argues that asking questions, though initially uncomfortable or awkward, helps individuals improve, gain new insights, and open doors to opportunities.

How does the speaker demonstrate the importance of asking questions through the 'mind game' exercise?

The speaker uses a simple hand exercise where the audience has to switch the positions of their fingers. This illustrates that while asking questions may initially feel awkward or difficult, with practice, it becomes more natural and easier to do.

What lesson does the speaker share from her friend Sam’s experience with a homeless man?

The story of Sam and the homeless man highlights the importance of not being afraid to ask for help or talk to anyone, regardless of their status. It teaches that asking questions and reaching out to others can provide valuable opportunities and insights.

What is the final takeaway the speaker wants to leave the audience with?

The final takeaway is to embrace discomfort and ask questions, even if it feels awkward. The speaker believes that true growth and success come from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and seeking knowledge through curiosity.