Comfort leads to conformity. When unchallenged we have no reason to create change. Michelle will discuss how inspiring change begins in discomfort, it stimulates the brain by creating healthy challenges. By pushing one outside of their comfort zone they can finally be in a position to make a change. She will explore political activists such as Carey Nation, an unforgettable feminist who thrived during temperance. She will also relate her topic to literature such as the playwright Henrik Ibsen and his famous play A Doll’s House. Michelle plans to explore how discomfort is the perfect environment for ingenuity. Michelle is a junior at Olathe North High School. She is part of the Medical Professions Program and she aspires to join the medical field as an epigenetics researcher. She is co-president of the Black Student Union & African Student Association and VP of Feminist Club. She also participates in Red Cross Club and HOSA. Outside of school, she helps coach volleyball and volunteers to help feed children who aren’t able to afford meals. She spent last summer at Children’s Mercy as a research intern where she gained many lab skills. 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