The Problem With Calling Young People “The Future” | Temple Lester | TEDxAtlanta Youth

Temple Lester recounts being asked to help the boys at a science camp when she had come to build rockets at age eight. Years later she began questioning the common encouragement adults give young people, "You are the future," and asks whether such words may keep them on the sidelines. The talk, given at TEDxAtlanta Youth, argues for recognizing the power of young people's ideas and imagination now rather than later. Temple is a physics student and Karsh STEM Scholar at Howard University who founded STEM Girl Swag. She has been recognized as a Coca-Cola Scholar, a Time Kid of the Year finalist and a White House honoree.

• A childhood science camp experience that shaped the talk's perspective
• Questioning the phrase "You are the future" said to children
• Encouraging young people to value their ideas today
• Speaker background in STEM and youth advocacy

At eight, Temple Lester went to science camp to build rockets. Instead, she was asked to help the boys. Years later, she began questioning something adults say to children with the best intentions: “You are the future.” Could those encouraging words be keeping young people on the sidelines? STEM advocate Temple Lester has spent nearly a decade helping young people recognize the power of their ideas and imagination. A physics student and Karsh STEM Scholar at Howard University, Temple founded STEM Girl Swag and has been recognized as a Coca-Cola Scholar, Time Kid of the Year finalist and White House honoree. 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