Frances Lee

Consultant, Foodie, Idea generator, Musician, Writer/Editor

Frances Lee is a sophomore at Whitney High School and the Discussion Group leader of Pen on Paper. She loves the idea of discussing and debating new ideas, something she has actively pursued through the Pen on Paper discussion group and hopes to promote through TEDxWhitneyHigh. Frances has learned a lot through the process of organizing TEDxWhitneyHigh and is excited to share her passion for innovation and communication with others. Frances hopes to apply the knowledge she gains from this conference to her other passions, which include Key Club, band, and academics. More than anything else, she hopes to remember to stay resilient, as she knows the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow takes some time to reach!

life. To call life my passion is very vague, but in reality, that is the beauty of it. Life itself has so much potential and I want to live it to the fullest, whatever I may be doing.

Mistakes are everywhere in our lives. No matter how much we try to run from them, it seems as though they follow us around and "haunt us." To me, mistakes are beautiful, important, and irreplaceable. Through these past couple of months, I have made so many mistakes, have disappointed others, and have let down myself as well. From each fumble, panic, and error, I have learned more and more about myself, others, and how to do better in the future. Without these mistakes, I would not be where I am right now. Success does not come from one lucky try; it comes from endless amounts of mistakes and questions. At the end of all that comes the desired result. Doesn't it seem unfair? To me, it's completely fair. Each time I trip over my actions or words, my face may turn beet red, but I don't forget that perfection is unattainable, but improvement is. And improvement is what matters, right? Isn't that what we want? To improve? We have our mistakes to thank for that improvement in our lives.

TEDx conferences are not easy to plan with the countless hours of planning, writing, negotiating, and training. What made it all worth it? Last year, when I was in 9th grade, I felt lost. Whitney has a very rigorous academic environment that pushes its students toward planning with college in mind as soon as possible. On that note, last year, when I did not know what I wanted to do with my life and was doing nothing noteworthy, I went to one of my mentors and I talked to her about my dilemma. Through our conversation, I found that I just needed to do what I loved. It seems obvious to some, but to me, this was a new concept. So, I began to look for what I loved to do. I absolutely enjoyed discussing topics that are considered profound with others so I started the discussion group, Mind over Matter, as a branch in Pen on Paper. From there, I decided to take it to the next level and present these types of ideas through speakers in our TEDx conference; I had taken my first step.

"counseling" people. In other words, I am good at listening to others' worries and alleviating them to the point they feel loads better. Whenever I am able to make someone else's day, it makes mine.