This speaker reflects on what it's like to overcome the barriers that get in the way when it's time to plan a TED talk, or when it's time to do anything that's out of your comfort zone. Remember to slow down, look up...you got this! Patrick is the Director of Student Activities for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. With more than 18 years of professional experience, Patrick leads the district’s student activities program which provides hundreds of important opportunities for students in athletics, performing arts, clubs and activities. He is also responsible for district-wide leadership development for students and staff members in all job categories. Patrick has experience leading the district through transformational decisions using community engagement and consensus building processes. Patrick holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Prior to his work in athletic administration, he was a teacher at the elementary and high school levels, and a varsity wrestling coach. Patrick is based in Chester County, PA, where he enjoys the beautiful landscape and spending time with his family. 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

The stereotypes that we perceive of ourselves can have either a positive or negative effect on our performance. Self stereotyping is a process by which we fit ourselves into the expectations of others, but we also have control over ways to change this identity. Tessa Kelly is a current freshman at Unionville High School. She is a member of the UHS Girls’ Field Hockey team and participates in other school activities such as the musical. She also plays flute in the band. Outside of school, she loves hanging out with friends and family, horseback riding, and diving into a new book every week. Through her TEDx talk, Tessa hopes to help people break down their own self stereotypes and free them from their own thoughts. 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