BISS Students Take the Stage at TEDx Youth: Exploring Unity and Belonging
On 10 January, nine students from BISS proudly represented the school at their first-ever TEDx Youth event, hosted by the British School Beijing, Shunyi Nord Anglia School in Beijing. The theme of this year’s event, Unity and Belonging, provided a powerful platform for our students to share their personal stories, thoughts, and experiences with a wider audience.
Over the past few weeks, our very own BISS TEDx speakers - Braxton, Charlie, Moneshka, Arnold, Svea, Melis, Adrian, Swan and Asmi - worked tirelessly to craft and rehearse their speeches based on their own personal experiences around the theme, sacrificing much of their winter break in the process. Each talk reflected a unique perspective, touching on topics such as the ripple effect of kindness, the challenges of code-switching, the pressures of perfectionism, and the importance of community. From deeply personal journeys of self-acceptance to reflections on the power of friendships and individuality, the students captivated their audience with authenticity and passion.
What stood out most was the courage and vulnerability each student demonstrated in sharing their stories. Whether it was Charlie exploring national identity as a third-culture child, Arnold opening up about the pressure to be perfect, or Swan reflecting on her path to self-acceptance, every speaker brought something meaningful to the stage. Their talks not only highlighted their personal growth but also resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations about kindness, connection, and the shared human experience.
Here’s what some of our students had to say about their experience:
Swan said the most inspiring part was “confronting my fear of public speaking,” while Braxton shared that “participating in the workshops and delivering my talk on stage for the first time was an unforgettable experience.” Moneshka reflected on the support she received, saying, “Presenting my speech and receiving feedback from fellow speakers was incredibly impactful.”
The event also had a lasting personal impact on the students. Swan shared, “I felt braver and kind of proud, it was rewarding to give my speech and hear others’ inspiring talks” while Moneshka said, “It allowed me to share my story in a professional setting and gain valuable feedback. It was for me about fulfilling my dream of presenting a TED talk while making new friends” Braxton reflected, “This talk taught me to speak publicly with confidence and share my ideas with the world. The preparation workshops gave me confidence, and on the day of the talk, I felt ready and proud of what I accomplished.”
The event was a celebration of creativity, diversity and the power of young voices as our youth shared the TEDx platform with other students from Nord Anglia schools across the region, making lifelong friends along the way. It also served as a reminder of the values we hold dear at BISS - empathy, inclusivity and the courage to embrace challenges.
We are incredibly proud of Braxton, Charlie, Moneshka, Arnold, Svea, Melis, Adrian, Swan and Asmi for representing our school with such confidence and grace. This experience has not only been a milestone for them but also an inspiration for our entire school community.
As we look ahead, we know this is just the beginning for these remarkable students. Their passion, positivity and willingness to share their voices will undoubtedly continue to inspire those around them.
Congratulations to all our speakers for this outstanding achievement in speaking on a global stage! If you want to watch their talks, please click on this link: TEDXBSB Shunyi Youth.