College is often portrayed as the best time of your life, but sometimes it can feel like a chaotic, overwhelming mess. Have no fear, because being a "hot mess" during your college years is actually a beautiful thing. Embracing imperfection allows students to learn, grow and discover who they truly are. Grounded in the psychosocial, cognitive and moral developmental theories, this talk will highlight how the messiest moments are at the heart of a college education. By encouraging and embracing the mess, we can better understand how it plays a critical role in a transformative college experience.   Dr. Sara Klein is the inaugural Vice President for Student Affairs at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she leads campus-wide efforts to foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for students. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Sara has served in leadership roles across student affairs, including Dean of Campus Life, Title IX Coordinator, and Director of Residential Education. A two-time graduate of NYU, where she earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Higher Education, Sara is also an adjunct professor and published scholar, with work appearing in national journals and higher education texts. Her early career included time at Goldman Sachs—an unexpected stop that shaped her multidimensional approach to leadership. Sara is passionate about student development, psychosocial identities, and creating communities where people feel they truly belong. Outside of her work, she’s a devoted teacher, mentor, and musical theater enthusiast who believes deeply in the transformative power of education—and in showing up with both heart and hustle. 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