Contributed/ETSU

TEDxETSU is returning for its fifth year, continuing its mission of bringing student ideas to the stage through independently organized talks under TEDx Conferences.

This year’s theme, “belonging,” was intentionally chosen to reflect the current needs of the campus community.

“We’ve worked on rebuilding after Hurricane Helene structurally, which encouraged last year’s theme, but we’re still rebuilding community-wise and with relationships,” said Macy Strader, the event organizer. “That’s where the belonging idea came in.”

According to Strader, TEDx is designed to give people a platform to share ideas they might not otherwise have the chance to express.

“It’s an opportunity for people to talk about their passion projects and topics they think need to be shared,” she said.

The event is organized by a team responsible for selecting speakers, coaching them and planning the event from start to finish.

This year’s lineup includes seven speakers: Ipinoluwa Akintola, Holly Eaves, Skylar Mittelsteadt, Lindsay Burns, Noah Snyder, Savannah Shaw and Ameerat Bello.

Each of them will approach the idea of belonging from a personal perspective.

Several talks focus on major life changes. One speaker will reflect on moving thousands of miles from home as an international student, while another will share how a chronic illness changed his future plans. Speakers will also touch on what belonging means to them and how their experiences shaped their understanding of identity and connection.

Speakers are chosen by a committee using TED-style criteria, focusing on both originality and storytelling.

“A TED Talk is meant to inspire or educate,” Strader said. “It’s more conversational than a traditional speech.”

She added that the team also looks for students who may not have had a platform before.

“We want people who have something very different to share that they couldn’t otherwise,” she said.

Over the years, TEDxETSU has gained significant popularity.

“A lot of students want to participate, and there are many who just want to come every year to listen and hear others’ stories,” Strader said.

With attendance capped at around 100 people, seating is first-come, first-served, and demand has even led to livestream options in past years.

One of Strader’s favorite moments comes after the talks conclude.

“Everyone in the crowd just gathers around the speakers because they want to ask questions,” she said. “I think that’s really incredible.”

The event will take place Monday at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to arrive early due to limited seating.

As TEDxETSU continues to grow, Strader hopes more students will get involved in the future.

“It’s really special to see people grow and be changed by the experience,” she said.

Author