The Life of a Stanford Freshman at 14 Years Old: Tara Adiseshan at TEDxStanford

For as long as she can remember, Tara Adiseshan has been committed to making a positive difference in the world.
This commitment has taken Tara Adiseshan, who became a Stanford undergraduate student at the age of 14, on an incredible journey as a researcher, designer and explorer. She is currently working at the intersection of design and education to create environmental change in developing countries. With appreciation for a network of friends, family and mentors that has supported her in her efforts, Adiseshan will graduate this summer, at age 18, with a BS in Science, Technology and Society and an MA in Learning, Design and Technology.

[@RubenSOchoa]

i love when people who have genuinely succeeded and tell you time and time again that the answer is a good plan and working hard, and people will still say its bullshit.

[@timberarrow1358]

ruben santillan I

[@lauren.7267]

Meanwhile, I have trouble remembering the formula for the area of a triangle.

[@6XboxGamer9]

Lauren. A=B•H/2

[@mw2crazy64]

Logan Flament big man

[@chrisx107]

lol same

[@i_sulfat]

Oh come on, it's not that hard.

[@hjonameno3864]

Lauren. Omg same 😂

[@ryleethompson2700]

She had such a beautiful personality you can tell she is a sweet person who really cares about others.... & obviously smart as hell.

[@mayaholt4574]

Her working hard is a huge factor of how she reached her achievements, but I do believe there is a factor people are born with that gives them an advantage. I'm a high schooler and I know a pair of twins. They take the same level classes but one puts in much more effort than the other. The twin that puts in very little effort is a genius who got a perfect on the ACT on his second time with very minimal studying. The other twin started studying months ahead and got less than a 30. They both are exposed to the exact same educational opportunities. While hard work if a factor, she was born with something that puts her intellectually ahead.

[@yvonnew2688]

True.

[@robertwilsoniii2048]

Not so sure about this. The primary difference between those who achieve and those who do not are there families' behavior -- and specifically, parents and immediate family behavior. It's not hard to figure out that if your parents sit with you 8 hours a day to teach you 100% of the material, personally mind you, that some school teacher has 50min a day to teach 45 kids who may or may not even fully understand the material him or herself, that your child will begin to move ahead of other kids. Now consider a life where your parents do not fill your schedule with distractions and silly social events, you realize that you can get razor sharp focus. And, knowledge is finite. The sooner you start, the sooner you can know everything up through the doctorate level. It's really not hard to do. Most people just don't take the time to do it. Instead people work retail jobs and waste 40 hours a week for the rest of their lives, or "insert whatever else you spend your time doing that isn't related to learning."

[@ssymessi]

its about working smart, not working hard. Someone who listens closely and fully understands a concept in class wont need to spend much time learning and revising it at home. However some people wont ask questions if they dont understand something and will leave the class not having learnt the topic and will have to spend extra time working at home. Simple

[@yvonnew2688]

Robert Wilson III And the opportunity factor too. Some people have little access to opportunities. Some people can't afford tuition fees for any kind of school, so they end up missing out on education. In my country we have free primary and secondary education and subsidized fees for higher learning. For instance, for 4 years of learning in a public university, my tuition was $1200 ($300 per year). We also have student loans with low interest rates and these loans are pretty much an entitlement of every university student but the amount granted differs from person to person based on need. Before this free education era in our country, so many people were missing out. So many promising kids were dropping out of school because they couldn't afford the tuition. Now, we've got all sorts of inventions and entrepreneurial ideas coming up, especially from the youth. Heard of M-Pesa, the mobile banking platform that has seen many nations, including the U.S. and the U.K., send people to study it so that they can emulate it? That was created by a university student who was around 20. Another 20-something student is the security force to reckon with when it comes to the security, in the technological aspect, of our banks. Before, the word 'genius' was harldy ever used but now it's everywhere, and with good reason. Access to opportunity is a big factor too.

[@mayaholt4574]

lol im not stalking them. im personally friends with both of them and they have talked to me about school and studying effort. They grew up together in the same house, took the same lessons, and pretty much experienced the same things so same environment. I just provided the ACT as an example, you can see a difference in normal grades and other educational things too. Actually, the more academically successful one is the one that spends a lot of time on video games.

[@pm0913]

She has a beautiful smile! 😃

[@kellykim3684]

How is one ready socially to go to college at the age of 14?

[@alexsantoro597]

Kelly Kim usually the smarter people in school are more often likely to be outgoing and advocate too well for themselves. I should know since I have a girl like that in my grade..

[@ShyBandGeek]

Great to hear. It's amazing to see how a customized education can extremely hard work ethic can develop genuine passion and success :)

[@jeremyb807]

She's 18 in this? I thought she was still 14 lol

[@divyamamidi6175]

freshman at 14 meaning she was 14 when she started college and now she is 18

[@eb.3764]

Divya Mamidi they thought she still looks 14

[@thesqaush286]

Everyone being born equally intelligent is complete bs.... I have a tutor in every subject, I've been sent to multiple study aid facilities and have been constantly pushed by my parents to study. Meanwhile my sister- who is two years younger than I am- is in the same grade, receives little outside help- other than the occasional leeching of my tutor- and receives much better results. I know as a fact I study harder, longer and with more passion (as I really don't enjoy being seen as the lesser child)- however the fact is not everyone is born equal, people are born intellectually advantaged. You are a genius Tara, regardless of how hard you try to twist your circumstance. And you being a genius is the main component to your success- most likely even more so than your hard work.

[@mayaholt4574]

I 100% agree with you. I hope you can manage to do better in the future!

[@krishnakanth77]

You have to get the basics right. You have to pass 1st class before entering the 2nd class . Your sis got right basics from the start. Studying is just straight line . You can't start in the middle . How many tuitions u have taken that really won't matter.

[@akira1372]

:( studying is hard

[@milly4543]

krishna kanth has it on point. I struggled a lot with science, hated it, was hopeless. After graduating I had some free time and started studying it from the basics on my own. Fast forward a few months and high school maths became easy (even completely new topics). I had tutors before, studied a lot but I didn't get it, I was rote learning and had a very poor foundation. You're missing something somewhere and as a result you're rote learning and it's hard.

[@gutterboy4730]

Do you love the subjects? If not there's your answer.

[@SheridanRea]

Very inspiring!

[@forgetfulmerc5564]

Intelligence is affected by both nature and nurture. Nature is you genetic make up and nurture is the way and the environment you were raised in. It isn't necessary that only because of someone's genetics, one will be super intelligent in a particular field, it depends on the opportunities they get in their environment. According to research, adopted children had similar intelligence to their biological parents but then as they grew up with their foster parents, their intelligence was shaped according to their environment and became more similar to their foster parents. There are several factors which affect intelligence of a person. So before saying that the reason for someone's success is their genetics, you need to see the various factors which led to this level of intelligence (also including their hard work, will power and determination)

[@Minecraftsomebody]

Everyone is good at something may it be cleaning toilets or doing differential calculus. She got lucky and has a talent for something people hold in a high regard.

[@wholesaleskinnywraps]

Actually it is the opposite studies show regression to the mean even among adoptees. IQ tests are not biased and are based on puzzles and aptitude. It doesn't matter what kind of environment someone has they will score the same. Anyone even someone non verbal can take it. It is true that an abusive situation can lower IQ but a good situation won't raise it. What someone chooses to do with their intelligence is up to them. A genius isnt always successful. I started college at 15. So although this girl's story is inspiring it is not that out of the ordinary for me or my family.

[@domywriting3382]

Very positive person! Such people make our world better!

[@danielbelkin4652]

Like 5% of America alone and possibly less are in a position where they can afford to homeschool their kids. I think it's awesome that this girl was able to succeed, but it's important to remember that as she said, that success was based very heavily on a financial contingency far outside the reach of most people.

[@jessicaflowers6795]

I'd love to meet her.

[@palmoasis]

this is very inspirational!

[@gracethewriter7977]

YES. As a homeschooler, her story is just like mine, and I'm actually working on my college essay to encompass this message of authenticity and meeting the outside world.

[@beebright76]

Grace theWriter how does homeschooling work? Im interested in it and want my parents to allow me to do this so i can work

[@audreywhalen5141]

OG Romeo they have to give you lessons and education themselves, so if they both are busy a lot or both have a job you can’t.

[@zohaq9256]

That intro described so much of life...

[@medeiapsyche]

Inspiring!

[@ceciliaip295]

that is soooo cool!

[@ashk3275]

Brilliant!

[@SundaywithSamuel]

What she is saying is that TED, for her, means Try Every Day.

[@onemillionpercent]

love this comment

[@UVAFan11yeechuckswag]

i would be so upset if i got to college and my roommate was 14

[@kellykim3684]

Such a special girl

[@rinnypoo__7958]

This is kinda weird but her hands are really pretty

[@piebsa6597]

This is one of the speeches that gives me with different emotions. I admire her so, so much and am grateful for the lesson she gave me; she is really inspiring and I just get the feeling that my whole word-view has changed. Then again, the emotion of not amounting to anything as great as she is makes me feel disappointed in myself and like I'm wasting my time (but this is a really selfish and wrong feeling)more than anything I'm mad at myself because I lack the ambition and drive this girl has. Then comes the agreement that so many people have as much potential as she had in the beginning of her story, and the anger at the lack of opportunities and barriers in education.

[@omarta4231]

Curiosity is the key!

[@MegaKingDUDE]

:) Awesom

[@beebright76]

But how did she get it in

[@Anna-ob8mt]

Im 15 and i can’t even tie my own shoes

[@funmitalabi9607]

That's just sad man.

[@leannak3338]

I would say "lol me" but in reality i would fail so bad

[@HANABI_Music]

I wonder what she is up to now!

[@pepiars_5557]

When you're turning 14 next mouth and still in school .-.

[@miriamlachica5346]

JamlessJaebootyImOut When you're turning sixteen next month and where am I? Oh yeah. Still in school. 👌

[@prass9248]

army! that's relatable and when you're 15 and in the youtube comment section for more than half the days.

[@tigersora3899]

superb

[@Chuwy888]

I'm 14 and l love BTS. I just want to live life.

[@girzfan1]

honestly same!

[@jaskpopalbert7043]

Ally Of Anime 😂😂😂😂

[@gummy555]

Ally Of Anime omg army xd 😣😣🙄🙄🙄😭🙄☹️🙄😭😓☹️😥😥😥☹️🤔🙁😶🙁😒😐😒😧😞😬😟 I’m so cool and quirky Because I don’t like songs in English 😣😣😥😥😥😓😭😓🤯😢🤭

[@onemillionpercent]

do well in school, or find a passion in something other than just BTS (bc i find a lot of young ARMYs do revolve their life around just them -- actually kpop fans in general, and I am one), and you can live life comfortably. it's hard to just live life staring at a screen, i know from experience. i wish i could just sit around and watch the income flow in but here I am in high school trying to struggle thru my classes and trying so hard to find motivation from videos like these, as well as study videos.

[@MANISHKUMAR-bw9sq]

love from delhi

[@giro423]

Anybody notice that weird facial expression change at 2:08 ?

[@victoriarosse73]

Mr Mister You most likely have an overthinking overanalyzing issue.The change is very slight and the fact that you noticed it puzzles me honestly.Its a perfectly physiological change and there's nothing wrong with it but you managed to detect it.

[@charlieshin9868]

Same fucking age and studying ughh

[@sushilbarua8862]

Are insects or bees or sloths or grass also infected by Corona

[@fragyfraginston9430]

and i feel good about finishing school at 16....bumer i don't have pushy parents

[@times3857]

Thats actually pretty early

[@ididntmeanto5636]

ahhhhhhh

[@taihatranduc8613]

she said "when I knew everything I didn't have any friends. Now I don't know anything, I have so many friends.". Do you think smart people have no friends?

[@lilywu6208]

As an Asian, I guess she is 14? or 34?

[@naeebrooks3796]

Her message: Everyone is born into a unique life. She did not go to college at 14 because she was more intelligent than anyone else, it it because god planed and created her life in such way, for her to have a Ted talk to share her positive message and to help the entire world. That's why she says that she learned to get out of her own way and that barriers weren't as much as she perceived them to be. The grace and love of God toward any individual shall prevail, it it an quite extraordinary story.

[@emperorpalpatine9540]

Naee Brooks you religious nuts are really getting to me

[@NawarJabbar]

please don't bring god into this. if she wasn't home-schooled I don't think she would of attended college at 14. thank you very much.

[@user-dq4ps1vo7s]

Naee Brooks Stop saying that god got her into Stanford... SHE did it. SHE put in the effort. SHE earned the outcome. Don't get me wrong; I tolerate all religions. However, merely stating that god planned her whole life is an insult.

[@idontcaretbh2999]

Naee Brooks Everyone here: I don't think you get that this person's opinion is not a personal attack on you even if you decide to hate them for it.

[@hannahkathryn304]

中野優作 God created her, and had a plan for her. Therefore God did it.

[@sushilbarua8862]

They eat immunity boost food

[@sushilbarua8862]

Which has no coronavirus

[@kevynduran2659]

Looks like someone won the genetic lottery

[@gauravbhardwaj1935]

But genuinely no offense. According to me she missed the best part of her life. I know that she may be more rich and idwntified person but still according to me its a huge sacrifice.

[@minoriruba1828]

Gaurav Bhardwaj so "according to you" what was the best part of her life? I bet she was raised in conservative household where"partying" isn't appreciated that much..like my parents have told my brother and me"you should only enjoy your drink when you Know you earned your own money and did something good for someone and for the society.....

[@ananyaupadhya1974]

@@minoriruba1828 he probably just meant she missed out on school life, which is considered by some to be an awesome part of life.

[@samajlo4336]

@@ananyaupadhya1974 Your're everywhere! I think you've searched all the info about college admissions. Please do think of making a comprehensive report about your research. Best of luck for admissions!

[@samajlo4336]

admission*

[@ananyaupadhya1974]

@@samajlo4336 hahaha! I could say the same about you. Thinking about starting a channel after a year or two, if I get into Ivies! However, it'll be very badly edited because I don't have the skills nor the patience to edit

[@Malik-jt8hi]

The people who spend their lives slaving over grades aren't gonna get anywhere in the real world. Ever heard of "A+ students work for C students"

[@sushilbarua8862]

Taiwan aloevera jelly.fruit jelly juice countries

[@sushilbarua8862]

Girls population don't get so much affected because of they use natural ingredients aloevera. Spicy smell of breathing every day

[@myriammarchand2208]

heya! ! advance does anyone understand one's better than this video? haha.!.

[@zeroday7878]

she didn't have any friends because she didn't attempt to make any...

[@methylatedlysine]

What's a sleepover lmao

[@Blessedislitt]

NU KWUTCH uhhh...

[@AlexGarcia-xb3fv]

Now she works at Starbucks lol

[@audreywhalen5141]

Alex Garcia source?

[@smooa1889]

i was hoping she was white

[@harinim6589]

Smizoke Mizark well that’s a weird request...

[@ThePresentation010]

Talk sucked. She didnt relate to anyone and it was childish. Lel

[@nikitaxo8846]

This was kinda crap?