Dear Mom, I Spoke at TEDx. Here’s What I Had to Say.

This year, I didn’t spend my Spring Break like most students. I didn’t go to a fancy beach. I didn’t relax at home and regain the sleep I’d lost as a grad student. I didn’t start a new hobby or book.

I went to another university. 

Joining other designers, thinkers, and doers, I took the stage at Furman University and gave a TEDx Talk on Redesigning Education. American education is at the cusp of transition, and design and systems-thinking could transform the way we approach STE(A)M curriculum, post-secondary education, the look and feel of the learning environment, and even our definition of what a “classroom” is. 

In this Talk, I share thoughts on this and question how we as a nation and industry can use design and unlock the creative capacities of even the most underserved amongst our youth. Through this, I share my own story, unveil some of the barriers and challenges my communities presented, and show some of the efforts that have jumpstarted efforts like Catalysts by Design and Design Serves. 

Check it out, and be sure to leave some comments or thoughts on how we can unitedly address the challenges of education, youth poverty, and socio-economy in America and across the world.