Interview with the Elgin News (School Newspaper)

TEDxElgin Park Secondary School

Interview with Organizer Andrea Liu

Mia Luo, Jayce Y. Editor

        Are you excited to finally be able to cast your own voices in a globally recognized forum hosted at our school? Check out Elgin Park Secondary’s inaugural collaboration with TED in the spring of 2024. TEDxElgin Park Secondary School provides you with the opportunity to share your messages on an internationally recognized platform BUT in the comforts of your school!

Since June 2023, our organizers toiled through long exchanges with the TED organization to make TEDxElgin Park Secondary School a reality in the coming spring. Despite numerous setbacks, the blood, sweat, and tears they put in finally came to fruition as the tentative date is set for Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024.

        We were able to schedule an interview with the leading student organizer, Andrea Liu, to discuss and explain more about TEDx and how the event will take shape at our school.

Q:  So, what exactly is a TEDxElgin Park Secondary School event?

Andrea: Well, in short, it’s a local gathering where TED-like talks are conducted by student speakers. They come together to spread meaningful ideas and profound observations of their own choosing. 

Q:  What is the theme for in 2024?

Andrea: This year, we are centered around the message: Creating the Future Blueprint. It is a wonderfully broad theme that allows for vast interpretations that are suitable to a wide audience. Think big! Whether the speakers and audiences are 8th graders or seniors, a definite future awaits for all to ponder through as they attend the event and connect with the speakers.

Q:  What kinds of students can become speakers?

Andrea: Do you have an imaginative or innovative idea that can impact the community?

All students are welcome to apply, and no prior public speaking experience is required. There’s no harm in applying! Selected speakers, if needed, will also receive multiple speaking workshops leading up to the event to provide further assistance in crafting their speeches. Furthermore, the event is a unique, eye-catching element on your resume that can open doors to countless future endeavors.

In addition, the organizers are looking forward to accompanying Elgin Park alumni as guest speakers to share the pathways they have chosen.

Q:  Are there plans for any sorts of volunteer opportunities?

Andrea: Be sure to keep an eye out for more posts on instagram on ways to help out! Volunteer opportunities will be available in late December to early January.

CONTACT INFORMATION regarding of the event

        Be sure to follow tedx.elginparksecondary on Instagram for the latest updates, and for any questions you’ve got, DM the account or email tedxelginpark@gmail.com!

QR codes to our official webpage and application portal are available in the Careers Center. 

Disclaimer: All of the interviews have been altered and are NOT directly from Andrea.

Addendum:

I personally declare Jayce – our fearless editor – takes personal responsibility for any and every spelling or grammar mistake I make in this article. 

Cheerfully yours,

Mia