TEDx at SSIS: A Night of Inspiration & Growth

Nine students. One Venue. Countless moments of courage and connection. Our first BlackBox Theater TEDx event showcased more than polished presentations – it revealed how authentic leadership emerges when students find their voice. 

This successful evening Grade 11 student Emma, whose unwavering dedication turned a TEDx dream into reality. But it almost didn’t happen. From navigating licensing challenges to creating club materials from scratch, Emma and her team persevered, fueled by a shared vision of demonstrating the power of student voices and actions.

“I want every student to be engaged; those who want to start and lead an initiative should follow through and demonstrate that they are actually passionate about something,” shares Dr. Daniel Long, Director of Community Engagement and Activities. When Emma first proposed bringing TEDx to campus, she received thoughtful feedback instead of immediate approval. Rather than stepping down, she stepped up – refining her plans and demonstrating exactly the kind of dedication Dr. Long looks for. “We want students to take clubs seriously,” he explains. “We’re looking for students who are truly dedicated to their service or interest club, not just seeking to add something to their college applications.”

Courage Shapes Community 

The evening came alive as our TEDx speakers shared stories that reached far beyond personal experience. Zakhar set the tone with a thought-provoking examination of our digital age, challenging the audience to consider what we sacrifice through constant connectivity. Building on this introspective foundation, Celina shared her journey of reconciling ambition with self-acceptance, while Dishana illuminated how small, intentional steps can cascade into meaningful change.

The theme of human connection continued, as Evie and Jessie delved into different dimensions of empathy. While Evie explored the active nature of understanding others, Jessie revealed how fiction serves as a bridge to experiencing diverse perspectives. The topic then shifted to personal growth, with Lily describing her revelatory 24-hour digital detox and Yewon (cover image) introducing her innovative “not-to-do list,” both speakers reimagining their relationship with productivity and creativity. Kayla deepened this concept by championing the often-overlooked value of unstructured thought.

“The vulnerability of these students stood out,” shares Ms. Pathak, the club’s supervising teacher. “They’ve created a space where sharing and listening go hand in hand.” This foundation of trust set the stage for Charlie’s closing metaphor – how four “aces” can represent acceptance, awareness, action, and courage – showing how personal growth naturally flows into leadership.

Fostering Student Leadership and Growth

“Public speaking is like having a superpower,” reflected Head of School Dr. Moran in the evening’s closing remarks. “These wonderful young people have shared their voices with us. Our words can inspire and change the world.” 

The closing words by Emma captured the spirit of possibility: “Everyone has something to say. Find a spotlight. If you can’t find one, make one. Even if you fail, perseverance is the key.” 

By supporting student-led initiatives like TEDx and offering thoughtful mentorship, our programs empower students to find their voices and develop skills for meaningful community impact.

Thank you to our TED-Ed club for sharing your stories with us and inspiring us to action. We can’t wait to see what comes next.