Theme: Changing Perspective

TEDxCushingAcademy is an opportunity created to let the students of Cushing Academy speak their minds about topics that are revolving around youth today. The purpose of the speaker's talks is to change perspective, and whether that be through personal accounts, factual evidence, or simply a convincing image, their goal was to change at least one mind in the audience the night of the conference.

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Ashburnham, Massachusetts, 01430
United States

Chyna Christman

Chyna Christman is a junior at Cushing Academy. Though she was once faced with anxiety that prohibited her from public speaking, she has recently been able to overcome this in order to spread awareness about a variety of critical social issues and was able to perform her TEDx Talk on the Slut/Virgin Mentality. Among various leadership positions at her school, she also runs the sexual education program. Chyna is currently working on a book that covers the sociology behind the sex industry, which she hopes to have completed by fall 2015.

Jack Chau

Gia Nghi Jack Chau is a sophomore at Cushing Academy. He chose to get involved in TEDxCushingAcademy because he believed it would be a great chance to open himself and say what he really wanted to say. He believes this experience gained him confidence, in the same way that he mentioned it in his talk. Jack has learned a lot from working with the TEDx Committee throughout the whole process. He is proud that, with their help, he has got over the fear of public speaking. He acknowledges that participating in this event was one of the best experiences in his high school life.

Jessica Kinsley

Jessica Kinsley is a junior at Cushing Academy, and she was the main organizer for TEDx Cushing Academy. She is a hard worker and she knew she had the ambition needed to create this event.

Kylie Caouette

Kylie Caouette is a senior at Cushing Academy. An active TED talk listener, and an even more active member in her school's community, Kylie was very excited to partake in this conference. Her experience with football, high school life, and a feminist advocate lead to the inspiration for her TED talk.

Zara Tarter

Zara Tarter has always been an avid watcher of Ted talks and was elated to take part in one herself. The idea of problem solving through perspective changed stemmed from the constant challenges she faces in day to day life. Zara has always been a strong believer in spreading knowledge and ideas, which most likely developed from a love of learning instilled in her from a young age. She is so thankful for the opportunity to have taken part in an organization known for educating and inspiring people around the world and hopes that these talks can will continue to guide that trend.