@hainish2381
"At what point can my achievement trump my potential?" That's a wonderful revelation of humans are measured.
@synthguy7774
His story matches mine exactly! The only difference is that I gave up. I was obsessed with IQ especially since I was diagnosed with an 87 IQ back in grade school and felt like I've always lived in an internal paradox. I felt like most of my pursuits and interests couldn't have matched that score but, I eventually learned how to live with it and terribly I may add. Even though I was in special education, I couldn't relate with most of my peers. I was interested in topics like English, History, and computer science. Music is my biggest passion. My teachers even said I was bright enough to do anything I set my mind to. Than, in 10th grade, an RSP pre algebra teacher who was also obsessed with IQ told me in response of me saying "smart people work hard in life" responded with "smart people never have to work hard learning comes so easily to them." Than, in response of me saying "I'm going to go into Calcilus," he than told me to "stop trying to understand how a doorknob works and just use it." I than asked him if I can become bright and even told him "I'll read all the books in the world." Than, he told me "no amount of books in the world can do that for you." Despite the fact that he use to hid on students and reeked of alcohol, I still took it to heart. Being in shambles was truly an understatement. Being in marching band where 70% of people were in honor and AP classes, I've revealed my vulnerabilities. Doing so got me ridiculed, bullied, and ignored as opposed to being understood. I was also envious of them. Even though my talent is music, nobody cared. I became a terrible high school student because I wanted to get comfortable with my station in life. Case in point, even though I was responsible for taking this to heart, it was a teacher who ruined my spirit. Words are thoughts and thoughts lead to action or in my case, inaction. Years later, I've winded up dropping out of community college and worked janitorial jobs. During this time, I forgot to appreciate my strengths. It's not all bleak though. I've winded up meeting my best friend also in 10th grade in marching band and he's still in my life to this very day; we would talk and breakdown even the most mundane and/or deep philosophical and social topics through every angle. I also want to hang out with more intellectuals as I have many of their interests but, it's pretty difficult because I'm trying to get over my insecurities of them quietly writing me off due to my perceived feeble-minded tendencies; I'm working on that and getting better. I'm also cultivating my musical talents and decided to go back to school for music. Shoot, I may even take some computer science classes! I really do love to learn, I just thought that since my IQ is so low, I wasn't allowed to. After years of searching, I finally found the person who went through exactly what I went through. the only difference however is that he never gave up and I did. I'm still young enough to change my life. But through him, I now know it's possible. This man is my inspiration and would love to meet him one day.
@10whiten99
This is one of the best TED talks I’ve seen in a while, and found it pretty sobering too. Should have more than 70k views..
@LiminalLint
I'm a woman with ADHD which was not diagnosed when I was growing up. This was the 90s when it was primarily diagnosed in boys. My younger brother was diagnosed even though we both had typical/similar symptoms. My twin sister was the opposite and was ID'd as gifted by the time we were in 1st/2nd grade. I was still attending "special classes" for slower children (we were adopted at 3.5yrs, so we both began school in special Ed classes). By the time I was in middle school, I had calmed down and had read just about everything on our parents' bookshelves. My 4th grade English instructor seemed to be 😲 when I handed in a writing assignment. A year later, I was invited to join my twin and the other "cream of the crop" for advanced learning courses, but I didn't want to give up my art class and said "no thank you". 🙂 I graduated college with a double major in Psychology and Religious Studies, concentrating all of my electives on Anthropology and Philosophy courses. I have a lust for learning that kind of stuff. I'm still "hyper", as I have that type of ADD, but I stay active with exercise and a physical job.
@VeronicaMartinez-w6x
My son has high functioning autism. I can really feel what you are explaining. This is exactly how his old school would treat him. My son is really smart, he can do his homework faster and get better grades than his sister who does not have autism. He just amazes me!!! This year I enrolled him in K-12 (because of Covid) and he is doing even better. When he was in normal school the teacher would limit him on how much he could do and would set him aside an expect him to fail. And in this new school they do not do that. He does his work attend the live lessons and if he has questions he can email his teachers. There is no direct contact with them and this really helped him shine.
@sixtusonyedibe1619
Speaking of purpose. This is beautiful!!!
@donnarowe8618
We have a triarchic system: special ed., gifted, and we ignored masses. I recall being jealous of my classmates who were members of the gifted program. They'd carry their copies of The Imperial Presidency (this was the 1974-75 school year) to the 5th hour Humanities class, and I knew if I read the book, unlike them, I'd have absolutely no one to discuss it with. I was smart enough to almost get straight As (one B every semester messed that up!), but not smart enough, apparently, to analyze the then current political landscape. No one cares what the average or special education student has to contribute to the world. We're nobodies. Thank you so much for your research and your desire for all of us to use our abilities to their fullest!
@MartaWyngaard
From the bottom of my heart, thank you❤❤❤❤
@aaliyahwilliams8337
Ugh love him sm. He hosts the psychology podcast and it’s my favorite!!!
@s.meredithweiss3457
still love scott all these years later <3
@jeffreycounts
Incredible talk. The ending was unexpected to say the least - gave me goosebumps.
@KungFuBlitzKrieg
One of the best TED talks I've seen! You are an inspiration, Sir!
@christineblast
I “failed” kindergarten but now am an electrical engineer. I decided to pull out my son from school this year and homeschool him. Watching this video, I can’t help but feel that was the right decision.
@dobry4068
If you don’t know a 2e, you don’t believe a 2e. I admire Mr Kaufman so much. Wish there were a way to get mainstream schools to implement his recommendations. My kid is 2e and we’re struggling 😢. Worst part is lack of support-friends & family. No one believes a goofy kid is-Brilliant.
@mikedavis626
Omg what a remarkable story to show the world that it never was about IQ and standardized tests !!! Wow
@Boomercon3000
You are such a wonderful human being. Thank you.
@vulvega7434
Th title of this talk should've been "I was in a gifted program once too."
@asktheastronauts9367
I feel seen by the content of talk. Thanks Scott!
@davidfeldman8504
Dear Scott: A stunningly effective presentation of your experience and your vision. I am going to begin my course on intelligence with it next week. Best, David Henry
@mrthisisit3859