In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxYouth@WalterMurrayCollegiate, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxYouth@WalterMurrayCollegiate event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
The Workplace of Tomorrow: Impacts of Automation on Future Jobs
Abhinav Menon is a high school student at Aden Bowman Collegiate. Curious and driven, he is an IB student with successes in debate, model UN, and science fairs. His interests span badminton, flute, and reading. As a youth on the cusp of entering the workforce, Abhinav will discuss how automation tools are changing the future job market. Innovations in AI and robotics have sparked conversations on the stability and availability of jobs in various industries. Abhinav noticed how current discourse is affected by popular culture, fear, and frustration, and believes it is crucial to have a precise understanding of present and future automation tools. He hopes to participate in discourse that empowers youth to pursue their passions and career choices.
Why We SHOULDN’T Teach Our Kids to Save
David Delisle, is an Amazon bestselling author, entrepreneur, real estate investor, speaker, and most importantly, Dad. He is a contributor to Entrepreneur, Yahoo! News, Business Insider and more. At age 11, David made his first investment. By 20, he began investing in real estate and was retired by 40. In his TEDx speech, David challenges the conventional by explaining why we SHOULDN’T teach our kids to save. Instead he introduces a completely different way to think about money. He’ll illustrate how we’re often inadvertently teaching our kids the endless consumerism we’re hoping to avoid. By embracing mindfulness and prioritizing what’s truly important, which he terms The Awesome Stuff™, David suggests breaking free from the perpetual pursuit of more and fostering a healthier relationship with wealth.
The Unsung Truth of ‘Sustainable’ Cosmetology
Obiajulu Udemgba (Obii), is a grade 12 student at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon. She is a young community leader who demonstrates a keen interest in community service through active volunteerism supporting social justice, animal rights, and environmental and community capacity-building causes. She was a speaker at the 2023 Threads Conference: Cultural Conversations. She has written blog articles for many organizations and has also received prize money for her efforts. At this event, Obii will speak on the ever-growing impact of the cosmetology industry on natural environments and societies, and the value of personal responsibility. Obii seeks to share an honest perspective on the issue, encourage others to reflect on their personal decisions regarding their use of the finite resources that we too often take for granted, and ultimately, advocate for a paradigm shift within the realm of the beauty industry.
Vilifying Ideological Opponents
Joti Gokaraju is a motivated Grade 11 student at Walter Murray Collegiate. Outside of school, he is a keen debater, having placed in the Grand Finals of the International Competition for Young Debaters 2022, and a science enthusiast, being awarded a Silver Medal at the 2021 Canada-wide Science Fair. In his spare time, he can be found at the basketball court, playing badminton, or catching up on the latest books. Through his TEDx Speech, Joti will unpack the growing movements that reject and antagonize those with ideological differences. He hopes to explain that issues such as cancel culture, “woke” wars, and political antagonism are mere symptoms of a broader cancer. The root of these problems is the increasing vilification of political and ideological opponents – viewing them as not “people with different opinions” but as “people with the wrong opinions who must be silenced.” Joti hopes to present his vision for a brighter future, requiring a shift in mentality from us all if we want to build an ordered, progressive society.
Polarization in Canada
Louis-Pascal G. DeVink, a student at Walter Murray Collegiate, is a proud francophone. He is also passionate about mathematics and politics. In his TEDx speech, Louis-Pascal will be talking about polarization and how Canadian politics have become ever more divided in recent years. He will speak to the increase in partisan sorting, performance politics, and media sensationalism. Without dwelling too much on the big-picture issues, he will delve down into what these shifts mean for the individual Canadian youth in the context of democracy, explaining the possible consequences in the future, and what’s happening now. Louis-Pascal is becoming increasingly worried at the distrust and desperation with regards to our political system. In his talk, he will try to lift the spirits of youth, all the while stressing the urgency of taking action to make a more democratic Canada for the future.
The Importance of Art
Medha Sarma is a Grade 11 student at Walter Murray Collegiate. She leads the WMC Book Club, is an editor of the school paper, and is set to have her work published in Windscript Literary Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, sketching, and spending time with friends. In her TEDx speech, Medha will be exploring the topic of why art is important today. Art has always been a vital part of the human experience, not only as an aesthetic, but as a portrayal of emotion and a method of personal connection. However, Medha has noticed how art has become a field that is often undervalued. Those who choose a career in art tend to face judgment, and art programs regularly lack sufficient funding. Through her speech, Medha will examine how perspectives and treatment of the arts have changed over time, and why it is crucial to value art going forward.
Questions, comments or requests? Feel free to reach out, we’d love to hear from you.
1905 Preston Ave S
Saskatoon, SK S7J 2E7
tedxyouth@gmail.com