Why Not? | Sarah Schwartz | TEDxRiverHillHS - Video

Sarah Schwartz shares her travel journeys and life experiences to show why people should approach life with a “Why Not?” mindset—being willing to take on new challenges and explore unfamiliar opportunities, even when the outcome may not go as planned. She reflects on how these meaningful experiences led to close friendships and a deeper connection with herself.

She emphasizes that it’s often the small moments—the times you choose to say “why not”—that make the biggest difference over time. The greatest risk, she explains, is saying no and missing out on experiences that could transform the way you see the world. Over time, this mindset becomes a foundation: trusting yourself to navigate what comes next and having the confidence to figure things out and follow through. Sarah Schwartz is the Director of Operations and Programs at All-American Model UN, where she helps students navigate global challenges through diplomacy and debate. A magna cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University, she triple majored in Public Policy Studies, Economics, and German Studies, completing an honors thesis on political identity and the modern East-West divide in Germany.

Based in Washington, DC, Sarah pairs her work in global education with a personal commitment to seeing the world firsthand. An avid backpacker and traveler, she believes movement, both across borders and beyond comfort zones, is one of life’s greatest teachers and joys. When she’s not coaching students or catching flights, you can find her playing guitar, surfing, or searching for DC’s best new restaurant. 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