Erika Steiner

Student

Erika Steiner is currently a senior at BASIS Oro Valley and a future member of University of Chicago's class of 2021. In the future, she wants to study political science, psychology, and public relations. In her free time, she likes to play soccer, watch Stephen Colbert and rewatch The Godfather, spend time with friends, and eat Chipotle. In between practicing giving the State of the Union Address and writing debate arguments to prepare herself for her future career, Erika enjoys listening to any music characterized by a strong message of teenage angst. Her hopes for the future include: traveling and volunteering across the globe, actually taking a long walk on the beach, and learning how to play shuffleboard. In her TedX talk, Erika discusses the importance of educating young minds about mental health.

mental health, education, film, civil rights, political activism, feminism

In my junior year of high school, I was selected to give a TEDx talk at our school's local event. Although I had an immense fear of public speaking, I gathered the courage to write a short speech on my big idea: the importance of simply talking about mental health with young people. Fortunately, the talk went well and I have been able to take part in our committee to continue the event at our school for this year and years to come!