In the TEDxWuxi DSAS Youth talk titled “A Letter to My Screenwriter,” Leer Zhang embarks on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Reflecting on her identity and familial obligations, she shares her early conversations with her life’s “screenwriter,” who initially labeled her as a supporting character in her brother’s narrative. As she navigates the complexities of growing up, Zhang grapples with the expectations placed on her as a sister, often sacrificing her own needs for her brother’s happiness.
Through a turning point marked by a conflict that ignites her rebellious spirit, Zhang embraces her true self, shedding the limitations imposed by others. The pivotal moment reveals that she can redefine her story and reclaim her identity as the protagonist of her own life. In a poignant conclusion, she encourages others to take control of their narratives, asserting that every individual can be both the protagonist and the screenwriter of their own journey. With authentic vulnerability, Zhang inspires her audience to forge paths that reflect their true selves and rewrite their stories, regardless of societal expectations.
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Author Video Description
Jasmine takes us on a journey of reclaiming the pen and writing a story that belongs to herself alone. She reminds us that real growth is not about meeting others’ expectations but about daring to reject the roles that don’t belong to us. Each of us should be both the protagonist and the screenwriter of our own life. Jasmine, a sister; being told that she was the protagonist, started to believe that her younger brother was it instead. During the speech, she will share her experience as an eldest daughter, convey her in beta journey of finding herself and being it, rather than being a sister. No matter what character you are currently, a daughter, a son, a mom, a dad or even a grand grand grandma, hopefully at the end of the speech, you could be the character whom you want to be. 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
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Video “A Letter to My Screenwriter | Leer Zhang | TEDxWuxi DSAS Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks