The American school system evaluated from the perspective of a homeschooled kid turned Ivy League student: from farming community to Northeastern academia, a unique family history in the public education sector sheds light on the realities of the U.S. school system. The issues within that system are easily discernible, but never addressed adequately. If so, why not make more drastic, more effectual changes? As softball player, rock lover, and self described old soul, Katie claims her identity as an adamant pursuer of diverse interests. Raised in the central valley of California, her roots lay in the country with a loving and supportive family network. It’s there where she first learned to love everything from sewing to contact sports. This open ended exposure to so many different activities and ideas in such a safe and loving environment formed the core of her identity. Now, as a college student, she works to balance a varsity sport, a full academic workload, extra curricular activities, and her peace of mind. While her future path is focused on earning her Geo-Science degree and continuing to graduate school, she is open to the opportunities that life gives, and hopes to quantify success by fulfillment not accolades. 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