Last month I and fellow ‘Burnian writer Michael Troutt attended the TedXGateway event held in St. Louis, Missouri, where several people gave talks on a range of ideas and performers demonstrated their talents. Ted talks are short talks all about ideas. They last about 18 minutes and typically represent one of the three themes: technology, entertainment or design. This event was an excellent learning experience that broadened my horizons.
Before the speakers or performers began, the hosting school, Chaminade High School, was full of exhibitions from many local businesses, local artists and even a cup stacking table. Some of the exhibitors included the St. Louis Public Library, a beekeeping group, a small art gallery and TinySuperheroes, a group dedicated to helping kids with disabilities. I appreciated the event for keeping their business almost entirely local. I was able to learn a lot about St. Louis just from these exhibitors. For example, the St. Louis Public Library has a recording studio that is accessible for free if you have a library card.
Everyone was given a nametag that said “Ask me about” and a blank line to fill in. This was an incredibly unique way to promote conversation and networking. Mine said ask me about herpetology. During the presentations the organizers also requested that when returning from a break everyone take a new seat next to new people. I found this opportunity to meet new people fun and made a few friends myself, including a person who knew about Blackburn.
The topics included childhood obesity, concussion damage, climate change, food science and others. There were performances by Show Me Arts Academy, Letter to Memphis and Afriky Loco from the West African Dance Company. Raven Fox not only gave a talk but also showed off his artwork throughout the day in the presentation room. Cheeraz Gorman, a poetic storyteller, brought members of the audience to tears with her poem about middle children and violence in the St. Louis area. Each speaker and performance was enticing and informative.The speakers were passionate and knowledgeable about their topics and came from a wide variety of backgrounds, but all of their talks related to the local area. I was most impressed with the sense of community here – it reminded me of our own community at Blackburn. Everyone builds off one another, but still has the opportunity to showcase their individuality.
The speakers were passionate and knowledgeable about their topics and came from a wide variety of backgrounds, but all of their talks related to the local area. I was most impressed with the sense of community here – it reminded me of our own community at Blackburn. Everyone builds off one another, but still has the opportunity to showcase their individuality.