Theme: Growing Up Internationally in China

As we thought about the years we’ve spent with our classmates and friends, the more TED's mission -- research and discover "ideas worth spreading" -- resonated with us. We thought about the myriad experiences and stories we’ve heard over the years – from meeting and befriending students from across the globe to discovering unique cultures and languages within China. Everyone we meet seems to bring their own story, their own perspective, and their own understanding of the human condition to the table that is BASIS.

So when we sat down to discuss what the theme for our TEDxYouth event should be, we decided to celebrate our different experiences and our shared identity by choosing the theme of “Growing Up Internationally… in China.” As the theme for this year’s event, growing up internationally in China sparks countless stories that engross, enthrall, and empower.

Our different cultures and beliefs challenge one another, our unique hometowns and dialects characterize our diversity, and our shared home on the BASIS campus brings us together and transforms us into global citizens. While here on campus, we speak English (with varying degrees of consistency and stamps); while at home, the majority of us speak a different language. Something native. Something special.

Among us, there are those who once sat in a Chinese classroom and are now reading and writing in English in an American one. Among us, there are those who have traveled from faraway countries who have never uttered a single Chinese syllable before stepping into a Chinese class. Among us, there are those who resisted our shared experience and need to be reminded of the beauty of China. But in each of us, there is a tangible longing to share our experiences with the world and leave a mark on it.

As young adults, we are constantly in a state of transition — our lives change, change, change, evolve. By engaging with new philosophies, new people, new cultures, we learn, we feel, we grow.

We are here to celebrate our diversity by sharing our stories. Thank you for joining our journeys of growing up internationally in China.

BASIS International School Shenzhen
Tower C. Wanlian Building, No.28 Yanshan Road, Nanshan District
Second floor
Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000
China

Andrew Cheng

Student

10th grade. I do programming, not coding.

Edward Wu

Student

An eighth grader with a passion for photography, philosophy, and poetry.

Jianing Yang

Student

Has technically graduated but likes Splatoon 2 more than college.

Ken Zheng

Student

11th grade student who grasps every chance to expand his ken, allegedly.

Rhythm Singhal

Student

I am Rhythm from New Delhi. I am currently about to enter 10th grade, and I absolutely love listening to music and playing basketball during my free time. I love making films and dream to be an entrepreneur one day.

Symphony Shi

Student

A ninth grade student who officially announces herself as a piano lover but actually does more cooking.

Wendy Wang

Student

Sophomore. One book a day keeps reality away :D