We are very excited to introduce the fourth annual TEDxPhillipsExeterAcademy Event, "The Edge." You will have the opportunity to hear nine incredible student speakers share their personal stories, ranging from Thai kickboxing to journaling. Join us on Friday evening to learn, discover, and get inspired!
How to watch:
In person: Sign up for limited seating here: Register
Do NOT sign up, if you are unable to stay for the entire program (60 minutes +). If you sign up but are not at The Bowld by 7:50 pm, your seat may be given away.
Please arrive at The Bowld by 7:50 pm. If registered attendees are not present by 7:50 pm, their seat will be given to a member on the waitlist.
In the past, we have had students speak about being a cultural outsider, Asian identity and Mulan, as well as race and genetics.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxPhillipsExeterAcademy, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxPhillipsExeterAcademy event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
Jaansi Patel (she/her) is a prep from New Jersey and lives in McConnell Hall at Exeter. She enjoys debate, playing flute, reading about neuroscience, and recording episodes for her project LearnOn Podcast.
To me, "The Edge" means the borders of our current understanding of the world around us. An especially prominent factor governing the way we interact with this world and the people in it is empathy, which is a key characteristic of emotional intelligence in humans. In my Talk, I hope to push past this Edge and demonstrate a way of better understanding ourselves through a holistic interpretation of neuroscience and psychology.
I was born in South America, immigrated to the United States in 2011, and grew up in the streets of New York City. Allow me to take you on this losing journey.
My story originates in the pacific coastal city of Quibdó, develops in the projects of LeFrack City, and prevails in the suburbs of Glen Cove, NY. Therefore, to me, "The Edge" encompasses engaging in life with a relentless approach to risk-taking and thus, tapping into discomfort as an element that necessitates growth.
I’m a returning lower living in Wheelwright Hall from Singapore! In my free time, I love to bake, play music and go on runs.
The Edge represents our collective experiences with eating disorders - the insecurity and constant anxiety we have felt from merely looking at our reflection or eating a proper meal. We spent most of our lives so far never understanding how to view food and our bodies; never knowing when to starve or binge. Whether you struggle from bulimia or binge eating, we hope our talk will speak to you and encourage you to prioritise your well-being.
Originally from the UK, Phe (she/her) is a three year upper and day student affiliated with Lamont Hall. She's passionate about climate action and immigration reform, and loves to debate, read, and run on the track team in her free time.
When I think about "the Edge," I think about the crisis that our species is teetering on the edge of: the climate crisis, and its twin immigration crisis. The intersection of these two topics is not only one of the most important issues of our time, but a heartbreaking example of what happens when our society forgets about those living on the edges.
I am Atishay, a lower in Ewald, and am originally from New Jersey. I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing around on different instruments, and everything bio-related! Super excited to share my personal experiences of what it means to live life on the edge!
We come across tipping points in our life, every, single day. Sometimes when I face a decision, I imagine myself on a mountain, ready to go down either side by weighing all the pros and cons. But indeed, for that moment, even if we are satisfied with our actions the impact of them can be everlasting. Learning to deal with never giving up even in the hardest of times and the having the confidence of expressing parts your identity––that is what "The Edge" means to me.
Zander is a Senior from Webster Hall with an interest in neuroscience and combat sports. He's from Samut Prakan, a province located near Bangkok.
When you look past the fluff, to live on "The Edge" is to live life enshrouded by danger. Every child that competes in Thai kickboxing embodies this spirit. Their bodies and minds are honed for combat with an inconsistent source of income in the form of prize money if they win fights; this extends beyond the prospect of being physically and neurologically damaged, as, for many, their parent’s next meal may depend on the outcome of their match. Some people adopt dangerous lifestyles to lead a thrilling life, but these children are born into them.
Toby is a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy. He lives in Connecticut and enjoys running, Latin, dogs, cats and turtles.
Writing gives us a glimpse into the past and helps us preserve the present. We all write to some degree. I want to share with you the edge that writing brings you to.
Anvi is a returning lower from Lexington, Massachusetts, who lives in Merrill on campus. She is very interested in biology and business, and enjoys playing her guitar or running in her free time.
The Edge represents our collective experiences with eating disorders - the insecurity and constant anxiety we have felt from merely looking at our reflection or eating a proper meal. We spent most of our lives so far never understanding how to view food and our bodies; never knowing when to starve or binge, and so many people at Exeter and around the world face the same struggles. We hope our talk will speak to you and encourage you to prioritise your well-being - you are not alone.
International Student hailing from Oaxaca, Mexico. Oldest of her four siblings. FC Barcelona and soccer fanatic. Believes in education and community as a driving force for change.
The edge describes the feeling of fear I experience when my family comments on my body and my heating habits. It’s the constant frustration of whether or not my physical appearance will be approved. I’m still recovering from falling back into my unhealthy eating habits, but I am so proud of my journey to self love and acceptance.