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TEDxKids@BC Inspires Youth

TEDxKids@BC was one of the most empowering days of my life.

On September 17, 2011, 14 youth speakers from across North America came together to share revolutionary ideas with the world; I was fortunate enough to have been selected as one of them!

I spoke at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver about how sustainability begins with a smile. I believe that most times in life it's not about the skills you have, it's about having the right mindset.

A 12-year-old boy named Derek spoke about his battles with cancer. His optimism was absolutely refreshing.

Nineteen-year-old Dale Stephens spoke about his global UnCollege movement, saying that the traditional college path is not necessarily the best or only path to take.

An 11-year-old boy named Andrew told us about a revolutionary lost-and-found device he invented for his school - and perhaps continent, in the future.

A 17-year-old girl named Zoya spoke about body image and how true beauty lies within.

Sarah Jamieson, a superhuman-itarian, spoke about her RUN4CAUSE goal to raise one million dollars before the age 35. At $800,000 raised, the question is no longer whether or not she will meet her goal, but whether or not she will surpass it.

The day was clearly filled with a range of topics, each one filled with a new idea worth sharing. As a speaker, it was interesting for me to see the transformation from rehearsal mode to show mode. There is something magical about how each speaker rose to the occasion when the real thing rolled around. Let's just say that the event was never short of smiles.

Of course, behind every great event lies an even better organizing team. The minds behind TEDxKids@BC were not just minds - they were also hearts and souls, and they were dedicated towards making the world a little brighter for each and every person graced by their event. They succeeded.

The videos from the event should be online in the next month or so - check back for a link or two in the near future. Until then, keep spreading ideas worth sharing!