Redefining the Middle Child Stereotype: Life From the Middle | Vivian Wang | TEDxValenciaHighSchool

Is it truly the worst thing to be in the middle? Or could being stuck in the center be a blessing in disguise? Our world has tainted the reputation of the middle, whether it be the middle seat of an airplane, the middle child, or even the middle finger. Society applauds individuals who maintain the highest social standings - such as company CEOs - but tends to overlook those who live life from the middle.
In Vivian Wang’s TEDx talk titled “Redefining the middle child stereotype: living life from the middle”, she unpacks the realities and benefits of being a middle child, encourages individuals to live life from the middle, and argues for the importance of discussing family dynamics which shapes who we become in the future. Vivian Wang is a freshman at Stanford University and class of 2021 International Baccalaureate diploma graduate from Valencia High School. At Stanford, she plans on studying computer science, communications, Spanish, and Chinese and strives to bridge the gender gap in technology. In college, Vivian has been involved in The Stanford Daily, CS for Social Good, Stanford Women in Business, and the Taiwanese Cultural Society. Seven years ago, Vivian co-founded Linens N Love, a youth-powered nonprofit that collects gently-used hotel linens and repurposes them to shelters and charities in need. As a journalist by day and computer scientist by night, she views storytelling as a way to bring communities together and raise awareness of social issues. Vivian’s work has been recognized by PEOPLE Magazine, Forbes, The Kelly Clarkson Show, PBS, and more (website linked). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@swtsilver116]

👏👏👏 thank you for this. I just had my third baby and I'm super worried about my middle child. You have given me a positive perspective on being the middle child. I can't wait to discuss it with her and all the middle goodness it brings. Most importantly, I love that you said they are what brings the siblings together ❤️ because they understand true empathy; they truly do. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this speech. Wishing you nothing but the best!

[@mtbandmore6443]

It's you that have to do the work ......

[@thug3145]

The best you can do for middle child is when you see the other two turned against the middle…take the middle child side that will mean the world to them… even if they’re lying because they’ll see you actually or listening to me and you’re not just taking their side because they know how to gang up on me

[@karami8844]

As a middle child, I have to look after my older brother who has medical issues and my younger brother who needs financial support. I’m expected by mom to be their greatest supporter, to plan their birthday parties, to shop for their Christmas presents, etc. I cannot ask for the same support from anyone. Mom can put up with my brothers snapping and having different point of views as her, but I cannot behave the same way as them. She doesn’t really know who I am, my likes and dislikes. She doesn’t know what my favorite movies are nor my favorite music. She has never taken an interest in getting to know ME. 😢

[@Jano_Alvis]

I'm a middle child myself, my older brother is 1 year 2 months older, and my younger sister is 6 years younger (I'm 23). When I was about 11 my parents told me that I was an unplanned child, this made me realize why my parents were the way that they were towards my siblings as opposed to me.

[@alisha2327]

♥️

[@lazylearnerrr]

Omg same, my sister is a year older and my little sister is 7 years younger. Turns out I was a failed attempt for a boy

[@Ksgr867]

I want to ask but i feel like they'll lie to me lol

[@southpaw487]

I'm a middle child and, as I learned later, was not planned. Early on, I sought attention. When I grew up, I had a successful career (~30 years) that depended on successful negotiations. I think my experience as a middle child (seeing both sides; seeking a solution) helped me tremendously in my career.

[@dedeng7227]

I really love this cos I can truly relate

[@Ksgr867]

I literally wouldn't have even gone to college (first gen grad) if i didn't steal my dads credit card for a college application. He still doesn't know until this day but it was a great unknown investment lol

[@yohanesliong4818]

Wonderful 👍👍

[@fi6594]

Nice job!

[@LightInTheDark21]

The Mantle Keeps The Core And The Crust Connected... Understand The Importance Of The Lubrication Provided By The Mantle To Facilitate The Major Geographical Events On THE EARTH 😉😇

[@char7506]

I’m a middle child, I have an older brother and a younger brother. They both became successful in their military jobs, following on from our dad and grandfathers. I have certainly done a lot of questionable things and controversial choices. However I have done lots of respectable, difficult things. With support but as a young single mum with two autistic children. Yes I did have children and leave their dad with them and nothing but I also took care of them both. I was in an abusive relationship but I got out. And then I worked different jobs in the field I wanted to be in, I also got a DUI and broke my legs and ribs. My mental health declined and I took an overdose. However, now I am in my dream job, and waiting for a more secure home. I feel like my bad moments overtake my good ones. I fell out with my dad who always understood me, now he doesn’t look at me the same. My brothers have both had issues but their good moments outweigh the bad whereas with me it’s the other way round x

[@SCMxoxo]

I think being a middle child is worse when parents are split up and step parents and step siblings are involved

[@jonathantyner171]

I’m the middle child.

[@ForensicsOnTheScene]

I was the only planned child of three kids. 😂😂 I'm the middle child. It was mind boggling to be neither the baby nor the eldest and yet be the middle child who was the only planned child and the only girl. Very odd upbringing.

[@WeirdGuy_IdkTbh]

hey middles, seems nobody cares!

[@shanenolan085]

⛳️🏌🏿‍♂️