On June 22, 2024, SHSID hosted an inspiring TEDx event at the Blackbox Theater under the theme "To Be Determined." From 2015 to 2021, TEDx SHSID was known as an annual event on campus, and this year, TEDx SHSID Youth returned to the stage, bringing the audience a feast of ideas. TEDx SHSID Youth is an independently organized, TED-licensed event featuring a lineup of distinguished guest speakers and inspiring student speakers, each sharing their unique journeys.

As audiences filed in, they received a warm welcome from volunteers, who distributed gift bags containing student-designed goods and special presents from the school. The event opened with a heartfelt address from student organizer Sophia Zheng and PR Head Zane Lu.

First Half

Dr. Li, Zhizhong

The first speaker, Dr. Zhizhong Li, a renowned professor, doctor, and writer from Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, spoke about curing childhood cancers and the vital role of non-profits. He introduced a revolutionary app connecting children to suitable doctors and dispelled misconceptions about cancer. He emphasized treating children with cancer normally, highlighting the need for love and social support. His story underscored the altruistic benefits of contributing to society.

Miranda Sun

The youngest speaker, Miranda, a member of the SHSID swim team, demonstrated profound resilience and determination. Since starting swimming at age seven, her passion has been evident, continuously surpassing her personal bests. She encouraged the audience treat life as their personal swimming pools and “make a splash”!

Dr. Sergio Giovanny Rea Sanchez

Sergio Rea, Chief Medical Officer of Hospital de Alta Especialidad Huixquilican, Mexico, recounted his journey from an entitled young man to a struggling college student to finally a licensed chiropractor in China. He shared that when one faces extreme hunger and cold do they realize the truly valuable things in life. There were numerous moments in his life when his future seemed “To Be Determined”, and yet his story embodied resilience and perseverance, eventually bringing him to success.

Kelan Ji

As a current G8 SHSID student, Kelan shared her personal growth journey in ballet highlighted her struggles with self-doubt. She emphasized embracing imperfections, finding one's path, and developing resilience in the face of failure. Most interestingly, she defined determination as “the wise grandma in your head” always there nagging you to continue pursuing your dreams.

Professor Ryan Thorpe

Professor Ryan Thorpe from The University of Michigan -Shanghai Jiaotong University Joint Institute detailed his career journey from his lost high school self to university to teaching and then finally to the China’s largest nonprofit English literacy group. Professor Thorpe emphasized that all teaching requires is a dedicated teacher and a small group of students. His path of personal development and failures taught him lessons on life and the nature of education, emphasizing the importance of solving social problems through communities rather than profit models. His speech gives inspiration to those still finding their passion.

Teresa Zhao

Teresa, a rising sophermore at SHSID, shared her journey with music, from discovering an electronic piano as a child to playing the trumpet in high school. Despite struggles with balancing music and academics, she found a newfound sense of purpose and passion for music. She is determined to continue down this path of music.

Professor Lei, Ming

Professor Ming Lei, Executive Director of Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, discussed his role as an explorer driven by relentless curiosity and independence. In his early life stages, he found joy in venturing into the unknown rather than settling on definitive answers. His talk encouraged an open and accepting mind, even in the face of uncertainty. Also, as a parent, he encouraged all of the parents in the audience to remember the importance of quality time with one’s children.

Andrea Yang

Andrea, a current G9 student at SHSID, encouraged the audience to rethink their perception of artistic talent, arguing that everyone can create art. She highlighted the versatility of art and the value of self-expression and storytelling.

After the initial 8 speakers, the audience had a chance to converse with the speakers during a tea break where desserts and refreshments were provided. It was truly inspiring to our community coming together and discussing this year’s theme of “To Be Determined”, each trading their own growth stories.

Second Half

Sophia Fang

Sophia, a rising junior at SHSID, emphasized the importance of negotiation and dialogue in personal and professional settings. She argued that embracing dialogue can foster empathy and positive change in a world plagued by uncertainty and conflict. Even though our futures are to be determined, negotiation and diplomacy can help us all navigate our complex world.

Zion Wang

Zion, a rising junior at SHSID, captain of the Hong Kong China U18 Ice Hockey National Team, shared how he developed strategies to harness the power of resilience and navigate misfortune in his favor. He shared his personal story with injury, mistakes, and switching teams but continued with an optimistic outlook towards his hockey career.

Victoria Xiao

Victoria, a rising senior at SHSID, shared her passion for physics, discovered through watching The Big Bang Theory and reading about string theory. She highlighted the beauty of physics and the importance of following one's heart, even amid uncertainty. Physics is the one constant in her life in a constantly undetermined world and she hopes we can all find a love that grounds us.

Eugene Chen

Eugene, a rising senior at SHSID, explored the significant impact of industrialization, digital devices, and electrification on energy demand. He urged attention to the critical issue of artificial intelligence’s impact on global energy usage. His own experience with the heavy pollution and energy waste in Shanghai pushed him towards creating a sustainable energy saver for air conditioners. If we all found ways to sustainably alter the things around us such as air conditioners, we can battle energy waste, helping to create a greener future.

Chiyori Zhou

Chiyori is also a rising senior at SHSID. Chiyori's journey began with her role as the sole non-adult in her family, developing habits to assist elderly relatives. Her volunteer experiences demonstrated the transformative power of accessible information and small steps leading to greater change. This inspired her to create her own medical chat-bot and live streams to make medical services more accessible to all.

Barbie Chen

Barbie, a rising senior at SHSID, used her experience with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to demonstrate empowerment through overcoming challenges. She emphasized that potentialities extend beyond academic achievements to creativity, skills, and personal interests. Noting that we should all be determined in our own passions and stop comparing ourselves to an unrealistic standard.

Harrison Tang

The last speaker, the rising senior Harrison reflected on his journey in food science. His own experiences with allergies inspired him to create an app that would clearly mark out any allergens in food. He called for others to find their cause, dream big, and take action to make a difference in the world. His advice to future entrepreneurs was if you see problem, find a solution.

The event concluded with a sense of collective inspiration and community spirit. TEDx SHSID 2024 not only highlighted innovative ideas but also motivated attendees to pursue their paths with determination and passion. The success of this year’s event has left the community eagerly anticipating next year’s TEDx SHSID, where more stories of perseverance and vision will undoubtedly be shared.

(Written and Photos by TEDx Media Group)