Skip to main content
Guest homeVideos home
View Video

Why ‘Always be Unique’ is Terrible Advice | Katherine Wang | TEDxWestern Canada HS

In her speech, Katherine Wang explores the interplay between ‘fitting in’ and ‘standing out’; a tension that defines so much of our social lives. Society tells us to stand out, yet punishes us when we actually do. Opening with a humorous anecdote about her own failed teenage rebellion, Katherine then reveals a counterintuitive truth: real change doesn’t always occur on the grand stage or with outright rebellion. It happens through strategic conformity; knowing when it is best to resist the norm and when to follow. Katherine Wang is a 10th grade student in Calgary, Alberta. As a keen observer of youth behavior, she’s learned a hidden superpower: knowing how to balance the two seemingly conflicting ideas of blending in and rebelling. Katherine is a passionate debater and enjoys volunteering at a local senior home. When she’s not giving a speech, she can be found reading, ice skating, or listening to keshi. 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

More from TED

1-6 of 50
Loading