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

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