Theme: Pushing Boundaries

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Geoffrey Alan Laverty Center
26800 S Academy Dr
Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, 90274
United States

Andrew Buchanan

My name is Andrew Buchanan. More than anything, I want to contribute positively to the world through science and business while staying happy. I live by Walter Hagen's quote: "You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way." Whether I am climbing Mayan ruins with a broken leg or representing Egypt in a Model African Union conference, I am always looking to learn something new and enjoy the experience. Club soccer, Improv, MUN, and programming are just some of the ways I find a balance in life.

Harini Shah

Harini is currently a senior in high school. She was born in the silent suburbia of San Jose, California, where she developed her passion for science and healthcare as a young child, observing her mother, a physician, treat her patients. At about twelve years old, Harini began to write spoken word as well as rhyme and reason poetry in her free time and found a connection between sharing scientific ideas and expressing thoughts through art. She enjoys finding simplicity in complicated things. Through her own research, observations among peers, and quite a few late nights, Harini became fascinated with sleep. She strives to discover both the societal and scientific implications that come with a lack of sleep in our world. Harini hopes to continue sharing her research through artistic expression, like poetry.

Lauren Park

Lauren Park is a senior in high school. Strangely enough, up until this year, she has actively chosen to be a member of the rare group: humans without social media. Because she heard of endless negatives that come with social media, after she made her first account, she was determined to find the most beneficial ways to use social media accounts. She has always loved a challenge. Although I guess it's too late for her to be a child prodigy, she does hope to make some kind of impact (big or small) on the world.

Madeline (Maddie) Bowen

Maddie Bowen is a senior at Chadwick School. She first embraced activism at 15, when she founded a club to discuss feminist issues at her school. Since, her club has expanded to multiple chapters nationwide, each involved with local lectures, protests, and service. During her junior year, Maddie attended an academic program, CITYterm, where she began to think critically and productively about privilege. There, she incorporated making connections, starting conversations, and listening deeply into her perception of activism. Defining activism for herself allowed her to apply its elements to the rest of her life. Aside from activism, Maddie enjoys weaving, embroidering, and exploring cities. Maddie strives to continue evolving as an activist and a person and hopes that she moves other people to define activism for themselves. Maddie’s favorite TED Talks include: “The Power of Introverts”: Susan Cain and "How To Make Stress Your Friend": Kelly McGonigal

Robert Mack

Robert Mack, a junior at Chadwick School, is an editor and political and cultural/film columnist for The Mainsheet, the school's official student publication. He is also a contributor to the Los Angeles Times High School Insider. Robert loves travelling and is an avid reader, theatre and museum-goer, and connoisseur of classic films.

Taesun Shim

Tyson is very outgoing. Tyson's real name is Taesun, but you would have pronounced it "Tyson" anyway, so it was left misspelled. But now that you have realized what his real name is, Taesun is a sophomore at Chadwick School. His favorite sport is writing essays, and his hobby is getting A's on tests. His favorite subject is, with no doubt, math. He plays the piano. He has a very prominent accent as he is probably from China. If you thought this bio was being serious, shame on you. Taesun's favorite sport is actually soccer, and his hobby is not getting A's on tests: he likes photography. His favorite subject is history, and he does, in fact, have a prominent accent but probably not the one you are imagining right now; once again, shame on you. He is not from China; he is from Korea. No, not North Korea. And yes, he wrote his speech by himself. No tutor involved.