TEDxETSU made its return to ETSU on Monday for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing a lineup of six speakers and a poet under the theme “Rooted in Resilience.”
This year’s theme was a reflection of the devastation that Hurricane Helene left behind last fall. The event provided a platform for students to share stories of insight, strength and personal growth.
Speakers included Gracee DeJarnette, Abdulqoyyum Abolaji Aderoju, Madison Haithcock, Eliza Smith, Tobey Tolar, Rachel Aiken and Trent White.
“I have grown up watching TED Talks, and then getting into this opportunity as a college student was great,” said DeJarnette. “I was hoping to share a story of hope, and overcoming the fear of failure has been a big thing for me. I hope it inspired someone else.”
DeJarnette said preparing a speech was challenging and took months of preparation.
“It was tedious, but it was worth it,” DeJarnette shared, noting the support of faculty advisors and speech coaches.
White also reflected on the impact of the event as a graduating senior.
“It’s an honor to be able to talk about the things that have changed my life, meaning ETSU, and as I leave college, to share that with others,” he said, encouraging other students to consider applying to speak at future events.
While TEDx primarily features general speaking presentations, some speakers go beyond to share their ideas in engaging ways. Past speakers have composed poems and original songs or utilized lyrics to illustrate insights.
Smith added a unique twist to her talk by performing it through poetry, sharing her journey with an eating disorder and the importance of community support.
“I felt a little more detached doing it in poetry, and it was easier for me to tell the story and separate myself from it while also making it relevant to a small audience,” Smith shared.
She credited the rhythm of her poetry for helping with memorization, likening it to the style of Dr. Seuss.
TEDx Talks showcase speakers who present powerful, well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes. TEDxETSU is independently organized by ETSU’s Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement, with support from SGA.
Next year’s event has been set for April 13, 2026.
The full livestream can be viewed on ETSU’s official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@etsu_official.
