# Empowering high school students to think big  | Tyler Tang | TEDxManhattanBeach

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfvBVSuWTHo
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/AfvBVSuWTHo
Generated: 2026-02-19T20:34:06.172+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Hillary Mahan, Executive Director of MBEF, introduces Tyler Tang, a recent graduate of Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) and current UC Irvine student who led the "Resources in Student Excellence" (RISE) organization to help students explore interests and build confidence in their future paths.

**Key Points:**
- Hillary Mahan introduced Tyler Tang, Executive Director of MBEF, who graduated from Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High School.
- Tyler Tang is currently a student at UC Irvine, majoring in Cognitive Science with a minor in Biological Sciences.
- Tang was the student body president his senior year and was heavily engaged in the student community.
- Tang co-leads RISE (Resources in Student Excellence) at UC Irvine, an organization that provides funding and guidance to help students explore passions and build confidence in their future.
- RISE focuses on teaching students how to work and what motivates them, rather than just academic subjects.
- Tang stressed the importance of not waiting to start understanding oneself, noting that students already have control over much of their lives.
- The organization aims to help students discover who they want to be and prepare them for the future through active engagement.

![Screenshot at 00:05: Hillary Mahan, Executive Director of MBEF, is shown introducing the founding presenting partners of TEDxManhattanBeach: MBUSD, the City of Manhattan Beach, and MBEF \(Enrich and Empower\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-00-05.jpg)

**Context:** The video segment features a moderated discussion at a TEDxManhattanBeach event between Hillary Mahan, Executive Director of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), and Tyler Tang, a young leader involved in student support organizations. Mahan introduces Tang, highlighting his background in the local school district (MBUSD) and his current role at UC Irvine, setting the stage for a conversation about youth empowerment and guidance programs like RISE.

## Detailed Analysis

Hillary Mahan begins by acknowledging the founding presenting partners: Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD), the City of Manhattan Beach, and the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF). Mahan then introduces Tyler Tang, noting his local roots, having graduated from MBUSD (Robinson Elementary, Manhattan Beach Middle School, Mira Costa High School), and his current status as a student at UC Irvine majoring in Cognitive Science with a minor in Biological Sciences. Mahan mentions that Tang was the student body president in his senior year and was deeply engaged in the student community. She explains that Tang co-leads RISE (Resources in Student Excellence) at UC Irvine, an organization dedicated to providing funding and guidance so students can explore their passions, develop curiosities, and build confidence in their unique paths to the future. Mahan states that MBEF shares this mission of helping students discover their purpose. Tang explains that RISE goes into high schools to discuss topics like motivation, burnout, habits, and mental health, focusing not just on academic subjects, but on understanding oneself and how one works. Tang emphasizes that this self-discovery process is crucial, stating that students who engage in this early are already way ahead, and encourages them not to wait until later to begin understanding themselves. Mahan concludes by thanking Tang for sharing his inspiring message, highlighting the dramatic and inspiring nature of his leadership.

### Introduction and Background

- Hillary Mahan introduces Tyler Tang
- Tang is a proud MBUSD graduate and current UC Irvine student (Cognitive Science major)
- Tang served as student body president his senior year.

### RISE Organization Focus

- Tang co-leads RISE (Resources in Student Excellence) at UC Irvine
- RISE provides funding and guidance for students to explore interests and build confidence in their future paths
- The focus is on leadership, passions, and curiosity, not just academics.

### Key Takeaways for Students

- RISE visits high schools to discuss motivation, burnout, habits, and mental health
- Tang emphasizes that students have control over their lives and should not wait to start self-understanding
- Early self-discovery puts students 'way ahead' for the future.

![Screenshot at 00:05: Founding Presenting Partners for TEDxManhattanBeach displayed: MBUSD, City of Manhattan Beach, and MBEF.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-00-05.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:08: Title slide for the interview segment featuring Hilary Mahan and Tyler Tang, Executive Director of MBEF and Rise at UC Irvine, respectively.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-00-08.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:31: Slide displaying the RISE logo \(Resources in Student Excellence\) and Tyler Tang's affiliation with UC Irvine.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-00-31.jpg)
![Screenshot at 01:56: Hillary Mahan concludes her introduction and welcomes Tyler Tang to the stage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-01-56.jpg)
![Screenshot at 02:07: Hillary Mahan \(right\) and Tyler Tang \(left\) seated on stage, beginning their moderated discussion.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/AfvBVSuWTHo/00-02-07.jpg)