Jean Fan is the Director of Community at UnCollege, an organization that helps people take control of their education through its flagship Gap Year program. In the past, Jean has volunteered at fashion shows, worked at a hackerspace, and led a design initiative. She is currently taking time off from Stanford University to work, learn and travel.
All students should take a year off from school from those who want to truly excel in college, to those who are questioning the current system, to those who just want time to pursue personal projects. This year isn't for watching TV and taking a break from learning. Instead, it's a time for students to learn on their own, gain a realworld perspective, and reflect on what they've done and what they want to do. Too often, students (especially ones that excel in school) rush into college, thinking it's the quickest path to success. Unfortunately, if they haven't paused and given themselves a chance to explore their options, this can prove to be the quickest path to the wrong success. By taking a gap year, students can make sure they're building a life they will want to lead.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, selforganized events that bring people together to share a TEDlike experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, selforganized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are selforganized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)