When you hear the word “gifted,” what ideas pop into your head? Emily would like to change your mind. Her TEDx Talk will encompass her personal and educational experiences growing up profoundly gifted; the stereotypes she faced, the challenges she overcame, and the educational path that lead to her becoming a college freshman at fifteen. Emily currently is a senior at Lake Forest College, double majoring in Writing and Studio Art. Her future goals include obtaining masters from Columbia College, Chicago, in Illustration and Fiction, as well as publishing her own poetry. When not studying, she can be found reading, writing, and creating art! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx