TED Talks of Interest

It’s undeniable that as technology advances you can always learn in various ways and on the go. You can have online lessons and courses on different subjects with a teacher or without. The diverse range of subjects you can learn about is stunning, so your learning does not always have to be directly correlated to your school teachings. For example, you may be interested in personal stories, in psychology, the topics of personal finance or bullying. The list goes on and on. Life is not always formal schooling; there’s more to it. For this reason, after I have done my research and actively enjoyed the following, I would like to present to you my findings as to the TED talks that you should definitely watch:

1) Everyday leadership, Drew Dudley: Spread with humour, this TED talk will make you appreciate life and those around you. Not only this, but it will also help you understand the power of affecting someone’s life in a positive way even through the slightest contribution. Your voice matters. Use it positively.

2) Grit: the power of passion and perseverance, Angela Lee Duckworth. It’s no wonder that hard work pays off and this TED talk supports the idea to the fullest. After giving it a go, you will probably become a passionate advocate of determination and discipline when it comes to succeeding in life, no matter what success means to you and what your goals are.

3) High School Stories, Casey Neistat: Have you ever truly wondered how lucky you are for the small luxuries in life? Can’t think of one? Then let me put it this way: have you ever contemplated what you have in life that other people don’t? Caught your attention yet? Good! This is what this TED talk is about; helping you understand what you have so that you may assist others who have less than you and are in dire need. You have the power to change a lot around you starting individually.

4) A teen just trying to figure it out, Tavi Gevinson: “We should all be feminists” has become by now a widely popular quote. In her attempts to find admirable teenage role models, Tavi Gevinson decided to take matters into her own hands: she created Rookie, a web magazine run by teenagers aimed at teenagers in order to empower women and unravel the complexities of feminism from a teen’s perspective.

5) A warrior’s cry against child marriage, Memory Banda. Basic human rights, such as a ban on child marriage, are not so obvious in various places around the world. You will be truly inspired by Memory Banda’s moving story of her sister being sent to an ‘initiation camp’, resulting in pregnancy at the tender age of 11 years old. Memory herself refused to conform and instead gave her own war for a bylaw on child marriage to be passed. You can find the results in her stunning presentation.

Secondary school has always been a time to start contemplating life, everything you have, and everyone around you. Hopefully these inspiring TED talks will assist with the task making you conscious of your environment both nationally and internationally. It’s time to dig deeper into your own self and think of the impact of your most insignificant action. Enjoy!