I'm amazed you were allowed to speak the whole time, that none of the staff tried to cut you off. You are an incredible person to speak such words of truth at a time and place where it is not wanted or welcomed, but must certainly needed.
Ik this is 7 years late but the publuc school system doesnt strip students of their first amendments. They can talk about this freely as their opinon/belief. She is sadly right and it hasnt changed since
The uncomfortable look on the faces of the people behind you...fucking priceless. Authority tends to get...nervous...when you call them out on bullshit.
You are a brave young lady who has gotten a grasp on how this controlled system works early in your life. I am 51 and have only become awakened to the truth over the last five years. We are so suppressed from our inherent abilities that most of us now operate as drones doing whatever we are told and questioning nothing. I live in one of the most controlled and obedient countries in the world where there is never a protest and we never object to anything the establishment puts before us. This is Canada. I applaud you and will share your story. We must all awaken.
I’m a straight A student, always earn highest average of my class, and never say no to a teacher’s demands. I was planning on reaching for Valedictorian, but now I’m having second thoughts. After hearing her speech, I feel working towards this title will only hurt me and my life endeavors in the long run. And I’m so thankful I was able to listen to it. I’m going to choose to be the leader I want to be instead of cowering like a sheep to the educational system that ties down our necks to test scores and numbers. I can do so much more than the title of Valedictorian will allow me, and I WILL do much more. Thank you for this amazing speech.
I do not think I could have worded this better. I completely agree with what you have said; the American education system is in need of serious reform. The only problem is that the government uses this system to indoctrinate certain beliefs into the minds of children. So many times throughout my time in school, I was told many times that "America is the greatest country in the world." These beliefs were fueled by things like the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, however, I have managed to open my eyes, and I see it for what it truly is. Unlucky (or lucky, depending on how you look at it) for me, I still have two years to go in the System. I hope to spread my knowledge to my peers in hope to help others learn to think instead of what to think.
So articulate, respectful and powerful. Thank-you for being the voice for millions of other students. As a new teacher in Canada, I am trying to combat the education system that you describe. Although our education systems are different, they still hold many similarities....especially those things that you so admirably speak against. In one of my 'teacher training' classes we were invited to watch this. You have now helped to inspire and motivate 30 new teachers who want to make a change to the way we teach in British Columbia. Thank-you for being the voice of reason. I have always believed that we learn more from our students than they will ever learn from us. Thank-you.
Bravo. I have been saying this more or less to people for the past 40 years. I have 3 grown children who are all artists and I never once encouraged them to get good grades, or do homework. No regrets from me or them. I always told my children to be wary of the people out there who steal your creativity and just want to make you robots. Thank God for you young lady. Well done!
Damn girl, I have mad respects for you, not just standing up but, for having been through it all and realizing it. To all the Dreamers, and the world lives as one. 🎩👽💙
Erica, that was the greatest valedictory speech I have ever been blessed to hear! You are inspiring and I'm with you 100% on reforming the system to encourage passion and creativity rather than conformity!
Courage - A quality seriously lacking in most people alive today. Thankyou for inspiring some by your clear coherent example of it. Wish you the very best!
Your words and feelings sound so familiar! I admire your courage to stand in front of your school and tell the truth instead of saying what everyone wants to hear. This should be a wake up call to both teachers and students. Amazing speech. :)
Wow, great speech! And by such a young mind that thinks for ALL people & not just herself. We need more ppl who can wake up from their trance-like, self-absorbed state of mind, as this young lady has done. Well done.
You are one with vision. Stay on your path; for the phase of indoctrination is short compared to life afterwards. Others watch you and emulate you; even the ones who disagree will often change in time. Your insightful speech will echo in the minds of all who listen, and took bravery to stand and deliver. My hat is off to you today.
wow girl , you got BALLZ, I am currently attempting to 'untrain' my 20yr old pregnant daughter's mind toward public education as a 'good' thing, as her father is a public school teacher, after 20 yrs in the Army, which made him an emotionless monster towards his own children's mother. very bizarre. She is not 100% lost. I thank God that she is back with me and able to learn or 'unlearn' with her younger brother around and all of us 'rebels' . :) you rock sister. I hope you are doing wonderfully
Thank you for using your well earned moments to share this with us all. Brilliantly spoken and well thought out. You sound awesome! Now I'm sharing this on my facebook in hopes that others listen as well. My son is smart, yet struggles in class...bored with his teachers who will sit while the children take tests, the teacher is on her phone, playing candy crush.
you go girl!!!!!! tell it like it is, you got the poeple behind you!!!!!!!! you're an example of how there is still hope left in humanity, how the awakening is happening!
I found out about this from an Indonesian book detailing something called a 'Jacket Syndrome', detailing the misguided motives of entering higher education. And thanks for the speech.
Wow! I accidentally came across this while searching for the valedictorian/prayer speech! Great job!!! THIS is why I homeschool my children! They love learning! Congrats...I'm sure you will go far!
Praise God!!I Pray God Blesses you with so much Wisdom and directs your path. I will praying for you. I'm sorry I did not see this sooner. You are awake! Thank you!
WELL SAID YOUNG LADY!!!!! And this is the why behind our homeschooling choice and behind the classical model of education that we use. I don't know you but I am so very PROUD of you for the courage this took!
This girls basically took all my thoughts right out of my head! and put them into words. Except its took me 36 years to educate myself!! by questioning everything instead of simply accepting it. You are young and clearly wide awake. The world needs more people like you, you are special indeed. Good luck for the future, what ever the future maybe?. P.S. You really should aim high! president! you'd have my vote.
Very well spoken young lady and the absolute truth and facts of the matter! God bless you through the rest of your journey of life here and afterwards!
Thank you young lady for telling the truth and not being scared of all the brainwashed people. You truly are a thinker and we need more of young people like you!
You're eyes are open now. You are still young enough to really learn whatever you are passionate about. The best teacher is yourself. It was said, there is no such thing as a teacher, only a student. You can not force knowledge into someones mind, the mind has to accept and absorb it. Great job, young lady. Brova!
It is so great to hear this. I stopped watching the "what you've been missing" video to find this and share it. What a beautiful mind. I'm living the nightmare of social slavery. I'm a little bird who woke up in a cage with his wings clipped. The Heros journey can't happen without the call. Thanks for the red pill.
whats sad is that i actually want to learn something useful in life that i want to do….but schools just prevent me from doing so….they just bombard me with mindless factoids of advanced algorithms like I'm going to be a professor………they teach just shove the information into our brains..rather than teach us……now what i wanna do when i grow up is either be a professional sprinter…..if that succeeds then a motivational speaker…..open up a charity…..and a track if i pull that off…..but otherwise i just wanna change the world by developing groundbreaking softwares by working with coding softwares like c++..java..ruby etc…i wanna build apps to change lives…maybe even one day build a computer…or atleast be apart of something that does………but since schools don't really care what you wanna be….they treat you like everybody else..we are all like the next gen smart phones ready to be shipped off to the world…we get used everyday by other people..(once graduated)……now what school teaches you is to just go with the crowd..they say that they want you to be independent young adults…and to be ready for the world…but is the world ready for us?…..as time is excelling and aging us day by day…second by second…year by year….every thing is changing…..think about it……..the school system that is used today is founded like…in the 17th century…….times have changed…we have evolved into more….capable beings…we are evolving every single time our heart beats…back then…people needed the education and information to just survive in their world….but now…since the innovation of technology and the advances in it over the years….we have knowledge right in your hands with google and everything….its not always reliable so yes you need to know some general knowledge like geography and science……but they shouldn't just shove it into your heads…..i don't even remember anything i learned in civics this year..i forgot everything..hell…i learned more about the U.S in assassins creed 3……..and more about the italian renaissance in assassins creed 2………….so why can't they just be MORE interactive than just asking questions in front of the class…instead of just projecting a lesson by the creators of your text book…but by actually making kids engaged by being enthusiastic about your job…..and pushing them to come up with new ideas and questions….thinking different then everybody else……..another problem is the role of grades…..what do grades even do….its a label for a students class….like cows with a tag on their ears……grades shouldn't be a goal…grades shouldn't even be a legitimate reality…..they should abolish grades and instead..actually teach…actually make an environment lively and colorful than boring class with desks……take them outside…for a lesson about solidification or atomic bonding….take them outside when it snows i don't care…..it should just be more engaging….the school system should not force students to learn….they should LET them learn…….they should minimize assignments….and actually just have them take notes incase….or most people have iPhones and iPods..let them bring them and record the teacher teaching..we have the technology ….but why haven't we fully incorporated them with our schools…..replace the old textbooks and actually use the resources we have created….my school gives out blue slips of papers with a falcon on it and calls it "falcon feathers"…the point of it is that if you get a question right you get rewarded ….you act like a nice person you get rewarded…and once you have a stack of them…you can like use them to throw in a bin for your grade at lunch…and they pick 3 kids…so now its like s crummy competition to trick kids into actually memorizing bull shit..……….WHAT THE HELL IS THAT…they are just making the problem worse…kids shouldn't be rewarded for ANYTHING but being creative….encourage creativity…not memorization….if a kid gets into a fight………..of course you wanna break it up…….but why punish them for it…like "suspending" or putting them in "detention"……….kids don't want to be treated like dogs….you want to help them….first settle the dispute…and then work from there to guide them a better way….guidance counselors are the worst……all they do is tell you what your doing wrong….they just tell you to focus on education as your primary life….my life is what i wanna make it…..unless you are gonna do your part to help me…then i don't even wanna talk….now for college….college is what really pisses me off…(just so you know I'm an indian and my parents and everybody i know that are indian are disgusted by the fact that i want a change in the education system)……students THRIVE to get chosen to a college that just forces you with side classes that you already mastered in like…the 11th grade…advanced literacy….advanced mathematics….advanced nuclear science etc….but they do teach you what you want to learn……….for extra money………………so why tho?????? they tell you JOBS WANT YOU TO BE A GRADUATE OF HARVARD…YALE…..OXFORD….PRINCETON….M.I.T…RUTGERS….ect….but the thing is jobs these days mostly care on the experience you have gained…than to know that you survived 12 years of hell and 3 more….depending on what job you choose………I've known people that get so pissed online when they have graduated college..and see a high class position THAT PAY REALLY WELL…like software engineers….or hardware designers…(not that you always see positions that don't require college…that says that you only require a high school diploma……so far I'm not academically gifted to be a living google……..but i actually know how to code java…html…and am learning c++ on my own….so far Ik java really well…and picking up c++ pretty quick so now in a month I'm gonna start learning ruby……also I'm really trying hard to be a great sprinter and achieving that… so far i run 10.77 seconds…..just around 1 second slower than the worlds fastest man…….so yea I'm in 10th grade and actually know what i wanna do in life….so all i have to say about wasting your time if you wanted to read this is sorry………………..also that i hate how the world has become and hope to fix it one day also with other people that are daring to do also
***** I knew it was going to be long so I just decided to write it quickly.After all this is youtube.Its not like this is some kind of useless college.
You go, young sprinter! I would recommend the book; The Teenage Liberation Handbook, but as a sprinter you probably need your HS athletics program and you are already mentally free :). I liked your conversational writing style. It was like a freeflowing "train of thought" style which really helps clarify out thoughts. I know you will do great things or at least things that make you happy and that is what matters. Good luck on your journeys!
Yup, I think history class in 8th grade is pretty useless, I get good grades on most of the tests but that doesnt matter because I forget 99 % of all the stuff I just learned this year--so its basically useless, they should teach more useful stuff and should inspire the students instead of bore them, Im one of the bored students looking at the clock all the time
Erica, your speech was amazing. You are one of many who are making the difference to change our social paradigms to create a better future for humanity.
Wonderful speech, Ms. Goldson. I was just listening to Tool's "Lateralus", and you're right, the mainstream institutions we have here in this country don't allow you to truly "learn" or "educate" YOURSELF, only to benefit the system. Spiral out! Keep going.
Wow. This young lady is a testament to the fact that there is hope for society. She's intelligent enough to see and describe the joke we call 'public schooling' articulately, ruthlessly honest about herself and gives her peers some pearls of wisdom to help them on their way. Hopefully, a few of them were listening. I know she ruffled a few feathers in the adult audience...because they know she's right!
Erica, is that the name of the woman of my giving that speech? She sees the truth and is on point the whole time. The naïve ignorant morons that that are offended by this video are exactly just that. Wake up and just think critically about what she said, pause it and think about each statement if you have to. Erica if that's your name...... will you marr me? or at least can I meet you. you are..... amazing .
I can relate to her at so many levels........I'm going through the same phase....I have no idea what my future holds for me....I'm the kind who does not know her interests .........I know I am getting an education but I don't know if I am learning.....I excel all my classes but I have not been able to comprehend what I want from my life......I follow all the rules .... I do everything that I am told to..I don't know why this has made me question my own self......???
I cannot believe this hasnt gotten VIRAL by now.. just goes to show the American ignorance system is happy with the way it is. Not all heros wear capes. You hun, deserve a cape.
Lest we forget, not only all this crap in the school system, but also there are kids that have been BULLIED at some point (including me) and teachers just expect them to stand up for themselves or just don't punish the bullies well enough. But if those kids fight back, those kids end up in trouble. That is just not right and has caused many kids to become depressed and even resort to suicide. Just something to really think about. To the speaker: Congratulations, and wonderful, truthful speech! As someone who was an A's student and was even in the Honor Society, I too have seen what kind of harm public school does to everyone. You don't have to be rich, and you don't have to be "successful" (by the general population's standards, anyways). What really counts if you rely on yourself and are surrounded by very supportive, loving people who inspire you to live your own life!
I never excelled at school. In fact, it was my intense dislike for school and desire to learn on my own that I was able to form a similar view point as her's for the education system.
In fact you are indeed very intelligent and aware. There are very few people who can claim to have been through successful indoctrination to become valedictorian, and to walk away with this kind of awareness. Kudos. Bless you for speaking the truth... and please keep going. Where do we find you? Start a blog, a vlog, a newspaper, a journal, a book. Young people need you my dear!
Wow. Outstanding! This girl is wise well beyond her years. I was just having this debate with my wife last week. She's an educator and has been fighting within this system for years. We absolutely squash the creativity and individuality out of our children and the education system is much better geared toward creating conforming a complacent labor force than it is focused on encouraging creativity and innovation. A wise person told me many years ago "question all their answers". Indeed.
I am Indonesian people. since elementary school, I was bored with school. I was graduated with the lowest score at the university, but after 4 years I graduated. I employ about 200 people over, and will continue to grow. so, this speech is very true. I proved it. thank you
The one thing I learned in my public school education: If you want it, you can have it, you just need to take it on your own. It's not the educational system's job to teach you how to find your passion in life and excel in it, that's your parent's job and your job. Public education just gives you a free way to facilitate that.
Perfect. Thanks for making such a brave speech, I'm sure you've made a difference in the way young ppl look at their school experience and the importance of questioning authority ;) take care
This beautiful heart and her address went right into a small playlist that included a little John Taylor Gatto. Thanks for providing more contrast to what we no longer want or need.
Erica - You're my hero... I've been involved in education as a board member in my local school district for the past 5 years. I see evidence of the phenomenon you describe every day.
Thank you for such a wonderful speech everything about it is very very true and for you to of gotten on stage and said such a think is truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing such quotes and educating those around you in order to understand what is really going on in our society and systems maybe they can wake up and carry on with an open mind rather than a closed mind which is what most people suffer with these days.
wow she became valedictorian just to shit all over the system. RESPECT
Maybe that was her goal all along
😂💗😂💗😂
@inside outside upside downside oh man you'll "love" her Ted talk. 😉
and that young girl's name?
Albert Einstein
That’s my goal
I'm amazed you were allowed to speak the whole time, that none of the staff tried to cut you off.
You are an incredible person to speak such words of truth at a time and place where it is not wanted or welcomed, but must certainly needed.
Hugo Stiglitz Exactly. Well said.
+Hugo Stiglitz Hello again!
ShaDHP23 g
Some schools are smart. They know that trying to silence speech will only make it louder.
Ik this is 7 years late but the publuc school system doesnt strip students of their first amendments. They can talk about this freely as their opinon/belief. She is sadly right and it hasnt changed since
The administrators behind her look quite annoyed because she is right and they know it.
The uncomfortable look on the faces of the people behind you...fucking priceless. Authority tends to get...nervous...when you call them out on bullshit.
You are a brave young lady who has gotten a grasp on how this controlled system works early in your life. I am 51 and have only become awakened to the truth over the last five years. We are so suppressed from our inherent abilities that most of us now operate as drones doing whatever we are told and questioning nothing. I live in one of the most controlled and obedient countries in the world where there is never a protest and we never object to anything the establishment puts before us. This is Canada. I applaud you and will share your story. We must all awaken.
Well said.
damn right
i live in singapore. a disguised north korea...
Watching the adults around her squirm is the best.
Rory Monroe parents are perfect beings who can't take accountability lmao
I bet the administration fucking hated this speech.
I hope so
F*ck the administration! They're all overpaid anyway!!
***** They're not though, teachers have ridiculously low salaries for what they do.
N Plot Opinions vary
+N Plot Well, teachers tend to be underpaid; upper administration receive massive salaries for ruining systems even further.
I’m a straight A student, always earn highest average of my class, and never say no to a teacher’s demands. I was planning on reaching for Valedictorian, but now I’m having second thoughts. After hearing her speech, I feel working towards this title will only hurt me and my life endeavors in the long run. And I’m so thankful I was able to listen to it. I’m going to choose to be the leader I want to be instead of cowering like a sheep to the educational system that ties down our necks to test scores and numbers. I can do so much more than the title of Valedictorian will allow me, and I WILL do much more. Thank you for this amazing speech.
This speech changed my life.
I do not think I could have worded this better. I completely agree with what you have said; the American education system is in need of serious reform. The only problem is that the government uses this system to indoctrinate certain beliefs into the minds of children. So many times throughout my time in school, I was told many times that "America is the greatest country in the world." These beliefs were fueled by things like the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, however, I have managed to open my eyes, and I see it for what it truly is. Unlucky (or lucky, depending on how you look at it) for me, I still have two years to go in the System. I hope to spread my knowledge to my peers in hope to help others learn to think instead of what to think.
Among the greatest speeches of all time. Thank you Miss Goldson.
So articulate, respectful and powerful. Thank-you for being the voice for millions of other students. As a new teacher in Canada, I am trying to combat the education system that you describe. Although our education systems are different, they still hold many similarities....especially those things that you so admirably speak against. In one of my 'teacher training' classes we were invited to watch this. You have now helped to inspire and motivate 30 new teachers who want to make a change to the way we teach in British Columbia. Thank-you for being the voice of reason. I have always believed that we learn more from our students than they will ever learn from us. Thank-you.
Bravo. I have been saying this more or less to people for the past 40 years. I have 3 grown children who are all artists and I never once encouraged them to get good grades, or do homework. No regrets from me or them. I always told my children to be wary of the people out there who steal your creativity and just want to make you robots. Thank God for you young lady. Well done!
Damn girl, I have mad respects for you, not just standing up but, for having been through it all and realizing it. To all the Dreamers, and the world lives as one. 🎩👽💙
Excellent, you have seen the light at an early age. You have good parents.
Seeing the light might not have ANYTHING AT ALL do with her parents. For all you know she might have robotic parents.
She was in school. I doubt her parents are any different from the rest.
It was one of her teachers that educated her. She tells you that during her speech.
If she truly had "good" parents, they would have never handed her mind over to the state!
This to me will always be the best graduation speech out of all of those “amazing graduation speeches” with millions of views
That is the kinda woman you Americans should have in the White House!
Crowd followers? Non-independent thinkers? They need the opposite of her in the white house even they ever hope to be a great country.
Ashley..err what? She is literally being the opposite of that
"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." -Mark Twain
Erica, that was the greatest valedictory speech I have ever been blessed to hear! You are inspiring and I'm with you 100% on reforming the system to encourage passion and creativity rather than conformity!
Courage - A quality seriously lacking in most people alive today. Thankyou for inspiring some by your clear coherent example of it. Wish you the very best!
Mad props to you young lady! Please keep us posted on your future endeavors.
All the students on the left, were like, wha what... oh dang.
When keeping it real, goes right.
Your words and feelings sound so familiar! I admire your courage to stand in front of your school and tell the truth instead of saying what everyone wants to hear. This should be a wake up call to both teachers and students. Amazing speech. :)
Wow, great speech! And by such a young mind that thinks for ALL people & not just herself. We need more ppl who can wake up from their trance-like, self-absorbed state of mind, as this young lady has done. Well done.
Congratulations, and, thank you for your contribution to a better world!
You are one with vision. Stay on your path; for the phase of indoctrination is short compared to life afterwards. Others watch you and emulate you; even the ones who disagree will often change in time. Your insightful speech will echo in the minds of all who listen, and took bravery to stand and deliver. My hat is off to you today.
I've gone 11 YEARS without seeing this! What an incredibly well thought out and poignant critique on the biggest stage she may ever have.
Totally emailing this to every one of my high school teachers that gave me a bad grade lol
wow girl , you got BALLZ, I am currently attempting to 'untrain' my 20yr old pregnant daughter's mind toward public education as a 'good' thing, as her father is a public school teacher, after 20 yrs in the Army, which made him an emotionless monster towards his own children's mother. very bizarre. She is not 100% lost. I thank God that she is back with me and able to learn or 'unlearn' with her younger brother around and all of us 'rebels' . :) you rock sister. I hope you are doing wonderfully
She's one of the few and good for her
Im sure a lot of other students would have said the same had they been allowed to take the mic.
A speech like that in 2016 would get you tased.
Thank you for using your well earned moments to share this with us all. Brilliantly spoken and well thought out. You sound awesome! Now I'm sharing this on my facebook in hopes that others listen as well. My son is smart, yet struggles in class...bored with his teachers who will sit while the children take tests, the teacher is on her phone, playing candy crush.
I just sent this to my son (soon to be in grade 12). Brilliant.
you go girl!!!!!! tell it like it is, you got the poeple behind you!!!!!!!! you're an example of how there is still hope left in humanity, how the awakening is happening!
This makes homeschool more clear each and every day. I enjoyed each and every truthful word. Blessings.
I found out about this from an Indonesian book detailing something called a 'Jacket Syndrome', detailing the misguided motives of entering higher education. And thanks for the speech.
Great on you Erica! You are a very brave, insightful woman! Wonderful that you have worked this out so early in your life!
447 people are imprisoned in the left brain hemisphere
Wow! I accidentally came across this while searching for the valedictorian/prayer speech! Great job!!! THIS is why I homeschool my children! They love learning! Congrats...I'm sure you will go far!
Unbelievably courageous.
Wow this is how i exactly felt
Praise God!!I Pray God Blesses you with so much Wisdom and directs your path. I will praying for you. I'm sorry I did not see this sooner. You are awake! Thank you!
The antidote to TED-grade crap, great speech Erica.
I hope you create a book ^-^ this video is my weekly or even daily dosage of inspiration
BALLS, SERIOUS BALLS. THANK YOU.
WELL SAID YOUNG LADY!!!!! And this is the why behind our homeschooling choice and behind the classical model of education that we use. I don't know you but I am so very PROUD of you for the courage this took!
Holy shit, did you hear that in the distance? I think a truth bomb just went off.
awesome I love this needed to be heard to all.
This girls basically took all my thoughts right out of my head! and put them into words. Except its took me 36 years to educate myself!! by questioning everything instead of simply accepting it. You are young and clearly wide awake. The world needs more people like you, you are special indeed. Good luck for the future, what ever the future maybe?. P.S. You really should aim high! president! you'd have my vote.
Very well spoken young lady and the absolute truth and facts of the matter! God bless you through the rest of your journey of life here and afterwards!
Thank you young lady for telling the truth and not being scared of all the brainwashed people.
You truly are a thinker and we need more of young people like you!
You can see the teachers behind you getting more and more uncomfortable as you speak more and that is beautiful
i think not all the college makes us to robots, some college(or many maybe) provides us with great facility to follow our passion
You're eyes are open now. You are still young enough to really learn whatever you are passionate about. The best teacher is yourself.
It was said, there is no such thing as a teacher, only a student. You can not force knowledge into someones mind, the mind has to accept and absorb it.
Great job, young lady. Brova!
Profound speech you gave to your peers. I congratulate you for your braveness, and thank you for posting!
It is so great to hear this. I stopped watching the "what you've been missing" video to find this and share it. What a beautiful mind. I'm living the nightmare of social slavery. I'm a little bird who woke up in a cage with his wings clipped. The Heros journey can't happen without the call. Thanks for the red pill.
whats sad is that i actually want to learn something useful in life that i want to do….but schools just prevent me from doing so….they just bombard me with mindless factoids of advanced algorithms like I'm going to be a professor………they teach just shove the information into our brains..rather than teach us……now what i wanna do when i grow up is either be a professional sprinter…..if that succeeds then a motivational speaker…..open up a charity…..and a track if i pull that off…..but otherwise i just wanna change the world by developing groundbreaking softwares by working with coding softwares like c++..java..ruby etc…i wanna build apps to change lives…maybe even one day build a computer…or atleast be apart of something that does………but since schools don't really care what you wanna be….they treat you like everybody else..we are all like the next gen smart phones ready to be shipped off to the world…we get used everyday by other people..(once graduated)……now what school teaches you is to just go with the crowd..they say that they want you to be independent young adults…and to be ready for the world…but is the world ready for us?…..as time is excelling and aging us day by day…second by second…year by year….every thing is changing…..think about it……..the school system that is used today is founded like…in the 17th century…….times have changed…we have evolved into more….capable beings…we are evolving every single time our heart beats…back then…people needed the education and information to just survive in their world….but now…since the innovation of technology and the advances in it over the years….we have knowledge right in your hands with google and everything….its not always reliable so yes you need to know some general knowledge like geography and science……but they shouldn't just shove it into your heads…..i don't even remember anything i learned in civics this year..i forgot everything..hell…i learned more about the U.S in assassins creed 3……..and more about the italian renaissance in assassins creed 2………….so why can't they just be MORE interactive than just asking questions in front of the class…instead of just projecting a lesson by the creators of your text book…but by actually making kids engaged by being enthusiastic about your job…..and pushing them to come up with new ideas and questions….thinking different then everybody else……..another problem is the role of grades…..what do grades even do….its a label for a students class….like cows with a tag on their ears……grades shouldn't be a goal…grades shouldn't even be a legitimate reality…..they should abolish grades and instead..actually teach…actually make an environment lively and colorful than boring class with desks……take them outside…for a lesson about solidification or atomic bonding….take them outside when it snows i don't care…..it should just be more engaging….the school system should not force students to learn….they should LET them learn…….they should minimize assignments….and actually just have them take notes incase….or most people have iPhones and iPods..let them bring them and record the teacher teaching..we have the technology ….but why haven't we fully incorporated them with our schools…..replace the old textbooks and actually use the resources we have created….my school gives out blue slips of papers with a falcon on it and calls it "falcon feathers"…the point of it is that if you get a question right you get rewarded ….you act like a nice person you get rewarded…and once you have a stack of them…you can like use them to throw in a bin for your grade at lunch…and they pick 3 kids…so now its like s crummy competition to trick kids into actually memorizing bull shit..……….WHAT THE HELL IS THAT…they are just making the problem worse…kids shouldn't be rewarded for ANYTHING but being creative….encourage creativity…not memorization….if a kid gets into a fight………..of course you wanna break it up…….but why punish them for it…like "suspending" or putting them in "detention"……….kids don't want to be treated like dogs….you want to help them….first settle the dispute…and then work from there to guide them a better way….guidance counselors are the worst……all they do is tell you what your doing wrong….they just tell you to focus on education as your primary life….my life is what i wanna make it…..unless you are gonna do your part to help me…then i don't even wanna talk….now for college….college is what really pisses me off…(just so you know I'm an indian and my parents and everybody i know that are indian are disgusted by the fact that i want a change in the education system)……students THRIVE to get chosen to a college that just forces you with side classes that you already mastered in like…the 11th grade…advanced literacy….advanced mathematics….advanced nuclear science etc….but they do teach you what you want to learn……….for extra money………………so why tho?????? they tell you JOBS WANT YOU TO BE A GRADUATE OF HARVARD…YALE…..OXFORD….PRINCETON….M.I.T…RUTGERS….ect….but the thing is jobs these days mostly care on the experience you have gained…than to know that you survived 12 years of hell and 3 more….depending on what job you choose………I've known people that get so pissed online when they have graduated college..and see a high class position THAT PAY REALLY WELL…like software engineers….or hardware designers…(not that you always see positions that don't require college…that says that you only require a high school diploma……so far I'm not academically gifted to be a living google……..but i actually know how to code java…html…and am learning c++ on my own….so far Ik java really well…and picking up c++ pretty quick so now in a month I'm gonna start learning ruby……also I'm really trying hard to be a great sprinter and achieving that… so far i run 10.77 seconds…..just around 1 second slower than the worlds fastest man…….so yea I'm in 10th grade and actually know what i wanna do in life….so all i have to say about wasting your time if you wanted to read this is sorry………………..also that i hate how the world has become and hope to fix it one day also with other people that are daring to do also
***** I knew it was going to be long so I just decided to write it quickly.After all this is youtube.Its not like this is some kind of useless college.
You go, young sprinter! I would recommend the book; The Teenage Liberation Handbook, but as a sprinter you probably need your HS athletics program and you are already mentally free :). I liked your conversational writing style. It was like a freeflowing "train of thought" style which really helps clarify out thoughts. I know you will do great things or at least things that make you happy and that is what matters. Good luck on your journeys!
your comment is made of gold sir, it inspired me
Nice comment, truly.
Yup, I think history class in 8th grade is pretty useless, I get good grades on most of the tests but that doesnt matter because I forget 99 % of all the stuff I just learned this year--so its basically useless, they should teach more useful stuff and should inspire the students instead of bore them, Im one of the bored students looking at the clock all the time
Erica, your speech was amazing. You are one of many who are making the difference to change our social paradigms to create a better future for humanity.
This girl demonstrates pure intelligence. Get rekt.
Wonderful speech, Ms. Goldson. I was just listening to Tool's "Lateralus", and you're right, the mainstream institutions we have here in this country don't allow you to truly "learn" or "educate" YOURSELF, only to benefit the system. Spiral out! Keep going.
Mark Passio got me here :)
This speech is so profoundly inspiring and enlightening! Thank you for sharing and don't let the system turn off that bright/Divine spark!
that is very strongggg,
She's greater speak
Wow. This young lady is a testament to the fact that there is hope for society. She's intelligent enough to see and describe the joke we call 'public schooling' articulately, ruthlessly honest about herself and gives her peers some pearls of wisdom to help them on their way. Hopefully, a few of them were listening. I know she ruffled a few feathers in the adult audience...because they know she's right!
Erica, is that the name of the woman of my giving that speech? She sees the truth and is on point the whole time. The naïve ignorant morons that that are offended by this video are exactly just that. Wake up and just think critically about what she said, pause it and think about each statement if you have to. Erica if that's your name...... will you marr me? or at least can I meet you. you are..... amazing .
"...There is more, and more still."
Amazing!
this seriously made me tear up. I don't even know you and that was so powerful. you go get 'em girl :)
I can relate to her at so many levels........I'm going through the same phase....I have no idea what my future holds for me....I'm the kind who does not know her interests .........I know I am getting an education but I don't know if I am learning.....I excel all my classes but I have not been able to comprehend what I want from my life......I follow all the rules .... I do everything that I am told to..I don't know why this has made me question my own self......???
Hope Obama does not drone this young Lady.
I cannot believe this hasnt gotten VIRAL by now.. just goes to show the American ignorance system is happy with the way it is. Not all heros wear capes. You hun, deserve a cape.
Your voice will grow stronger. You give me hope. Well done. Your are truly wise, never stop what yoy have begun.
Amazing speech! Most people never think these kinds of things, this is the kind of wonderful independent thinker our world needs :-) bravo!!
Lest we forget, not only all this crap in the school system, but also there are kids that have been BULLIED at some point (including me) and teachers just expect them to stand up for themselves or just don't punish the bullies well enough. But if those kids fight back, those kids end up in trouble. That is just not right and has caused many kids to become depressed and even resort to suicide. Just something to really think about.
To the speaker: Congratulations, and wonderful, truthful speech! As someone who was an A's student and was even in the Honor Society, I too have seen what kind of harm public school does to everyone. You don't have to be rich, and you don't have to be "successful" (by the general population's standards, anyways). What really counts if you rely on yourself and are surrounded by very supportive, loving people who inspire you to live your own life!
Legend. We need more like these people
I never excelled at school. In fact, it was my intense dislike for school and desire to learn on my own that I was able to form a similar view point as her's for the education system.
She proved herself to be the smartest in that school! Now that's a great speech!
This may be the bravest thing I've ever seen. I couldn't agree more.
She couldn't have spoken my mind more perfectly.
In fact you are indeed very intelligent and aware. There are very few people who can claim to have been through successful indoctrination to become valedictorian, and to walk away with this kind of awareness. Kudos. Bless you for speaking the truth... and please keep going. Where do we find you? Start a blog, a vlog, a newspaper, a journal, a book. Young people need you my dear!
Wow. Outstanding! This girl is wise well beyond her years. I was just having this debate with my wife last week. She's an educator and has been fighting within this system for years. We absolutely squash the creativity and individuality out of our children and the education system is much better geared toward creating conforming a complacent labor force than it is focused on encouraging creativity and innovation. A wise person told me many years ago "question all their answers". Indeed.
I am Indonesian people.
since elementary school, I was bored with school.
I was graduated with the lowest score at the university, but after 4 years I graduated.
I employ about 200 people over, and will continue to grow.
so, this speech is very true.
I proved it.
thank you
The one thing I learned in my public school education: If you want it, you can have it, you just need to take it on your own. It's not the educational system's job to teach you how to find your passion in life and excel in it, that's your parent's job and your job. Public education just gives you a free way to facilitate that.
Perfect. Thanks for making such a brave speech, I'm sure you've made a difference in the way young ppl look at their school experience and the importance of questioning authority ;) take care
what a speech. You definitely are true. Epic.
Erica Goldson , as a graduating senior this year, ... Thank you!!
Thank you Erica for eloquently shedding light on the issues that hold back the greatness an American education could potentially be.
This beautiful heart and her address went right into a small playlist that included a little John Taylor Gatto. Thanks for providing more contrast to what we no longer want or need.
incredible insight, thank you!
I love this girl! She got it 100% right. There is hope for humanity! Keep speaking up! You are our future! Thank you!
still the best valedictorian high school speech ever heard. ..
I can almost hear the click of the rifle at the grassy knoll... That aside, what beastly insight and courage. All the best girl!
Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt speaks the truth as does this very bright young lady. It is rare to see this kind of courage in these times. Bravo!
Erica - You're my hero... I've been involved in education as a board member in my local school district for the past 5 years. I see evidence of the phenomenon you describe every day.
Thank you for such a wonderful speech everything about it is very very true and for you to of gotten on stage and said such a think is truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing such quotes and educating those around you in order to understand what is really going on in our society and systems maybe they can wake up and carry on with an open mind rather than a closed mind which is what most people suffer with these days.
Found this video through the Thrive website, you are amazing !
the best valedictory speech ever and will ever be.
I love you Erica, I spread your video all the time.
A.W.E.S.O.M.E
Barely knew this kind of video exist..
but still, awesome!