Junior Remy Shaw organized a TEDx event focusing on student opportunity on June 12 after school in the commons. The event featured two student speakers, juniors Windsor Kiang and Anushkka Shukla.

Students and staff had the opportunity to attend. Junior Aditya Parashar listened and said he enjoyed hearing what his peers chose to present about.

“It was very interesting to learn about topics that aren’t usually discussed in school,” Parashar said. “I liked the variety of how one student spoke about finance while the other spoke about personal struggles.” 

The TED Foundation created TEDx in 2009 to bring the core motto of TED, “ideas worth spreading,” to a local, independently organized level. TED Talks hosts global figures who speak on universal topics, while TEDx focuses on the voices of lesser-known advocates. 

Kiang gave a talk advocating for the importance and benefits of financial education. Kiang said the lack of nationwide financial literacy can leave young adults unprepared when they enter the world. 

“It was a great experience speaking at the TEDx event,” Kiang said. “I’m glad I was able to do it and share my thoughts with peers about something I find very important.”

Shukla also spoke, discussing her personal experience with chronic illness while balancing high school. She emphasized the importance of not letting struggle surpass ambition and focusing on what gives life meaning.

Shaw organized the event after securing an official license from TED. Shaw said that local and student issues would rarely be represented if smaller presentations like these didn’t occur.

“I’m very glad we were able to have this event here at Whitman,” Shaw said. “Not just for the sake of having the event, but for the value that the speakers brought with their speeches.”