Theme: Amplifying Youth Voices-Empowering Personal Narratives and Passionate Pursuits.

Prepare to embark on a journey of personal discovery and impassioned expression at TEDxMerristWoodCollegeYouth2024. This unique event is a celebration of the diverse experiences and fervent interests of students, where each talk is a window into the soul of the speaker.

Set against the backdrop of Merrist Wood College, our speakers will take the stage to share intimate stories of triumph, adversity, and everything in between. From tales of resilience to reflections on identity, each narrative promises to be a powerful testament to the human spirit

Woodys Student Union
Holly Lane, Worplesdon
Merrist Wood College
Surrey, Surrey, Guildford
United Kingdom

Alice Taylor

Student

Alice is a passionate advocate for transgender rights and an inspiring voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Having navigated the complex and often challenging path of growing up as a trans woman, Alice brings a deeply personal perspective to her talks. Her journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Through sharing her experiences, Alice aims to foster understanding, empathy, and acceptance, offering hope and guidance to those who may be facing similar challenges. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of living authentically. Join Alice as she sheds light on the realities of trans womanhood and advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Alisha Moore

Student

In this deeply personal and courageous talk, Alisha addresses the harrowing topic of sexual assault and its profound impact on victims. Drawing from her own experiences, she explores the varied ways individuals cope with the trauma, highlighting the mental health challenges that often follow such incidents. Alisha also sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of sexual assault against men, advocating for greater awareness and understanding. With sensitivity and honesty, she encourages us all to reconsider our judgments and to offer support and empathy to those who are suffering. This talk promises to be both moving and thought-provoking, challenging societal norms and urging us to be kinder to those around us.

Elizabeth Green

Student

Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and healthy relationships. At just 17 years old, they bravely share their personal journey of navigating a toxic relationship, shedding light on the subtle signs of toxicity, its impact on mental health, and the challenges of rebuilding after leaving. Through their candid storytelling and insightful reflections, Elizabeth offers valuable insights into recognising toxic behaviours and prioritising self-care. Their resilience and determination to foster healthier connections inspire audiences to prioritise their well-being and seek positive, fulfilling relationships.

Ethan Lewis Quirk

Student

Ethan shares a deeply personal journey of grappling with Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder (DPDR), shedding light on its origins and the profound impact it had on his life. After an unexpected and harrowing experience triggered by unwittingly consuming an incredibly potent strain of marijuana, Ethan found himself navigating a world of unreality and detachment from his own body and surroundings. Struggling with panic attacks, depression, and a sense of disconnection, Ethan embarked on a quest for understanding and healing.

Georgie Lewis

Student

In this poignant and enlightening TED talk, Georgie takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through the intricacies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Georgie sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of living with autism, advocating for greater empathy and acceptance.

Harry Hudson

Student

With a fresh perspective and a keen interest in forestry management, Harry embarked on his career journey with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm. However, as he delved deeper into the world of tree care and maintenance, Harry was startled to realise the inherent risks and hazards faced by arborists on a daily basis. Through his growing awareness of the potential dangers of arboriculture, Harry has become increasingly passionate about advocating for safety measures and best practices within the industry. With a commitment to promoting worker well-being and environmental sustainability, Harry is determined to use his platform to raise awareness about the importance of prioritising safety in tree care operations.

Henry Chandler

Student

In this thought-provoking TED talk, Henry delves into the prevalent reactionary and right-wing political views often observed among workers in tradesman businesses. Drawing from personal experiences within the arboriculture industry, they analyse the influence of the class structure and individual dynamics within these businesses, shedding light on the factors contributing to workers' alignment with conservative and fascist ideologies.

Jess Arias Ball

Meet Jess, an incredibly bubbly and lovely young girl with a heart bigger than the world. Jess brings joy and warmth to everyone she meets, and her compassionate nature shines through in all she does. Despite the significant challenges she faces at home due to her mum's diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Jess has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. Jess balances her responsibilities at home and college with grace, always putting others before herself. Her unwavering support for her family and friends is a testament to her character and the immense love she carries within her. She finds light even in the darkest of times and has a unique ability to lift others up with her positivity and kindness.

Koda Eyre

Student

In an emotionally charged TED talk, Koda shares their powerful story of resilience and self-discovery in the face of anorexia. From the tender age of 11, Koda grappled with the complexities of adolescence and the realisation of being transgender, all while battling the insidious grip of an eating disorder.

Matthew Pullen

I am a mature/ higher education student at Merrist Wood College and have been studying Wildlife and Conservation for the past 2 years completing my level 5 this year. Having never experienced higher academic study (beyond A-levels in Sixth form) I was at first slightly tentative of how well I would manage retuning to study after a career change particularly in the scientific field. But the fantastic teaching staff were on hand to put my mind at ease to help me interpret and build my confidence with the course content. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Merrist Wood College. In my previous working life, I have spent 12 years working as a swimming instructor and lifeguard for various different companies. When the pandemic hit in 2019 this completely shock up the leisure industry it seemed like these roles didn't have sustainable futures. I have always disclosed to the people closest to me that if I ever went to university (like many of my friends had done so) I would only want to study marine science or conservation, protecting animals and the environment. When I was 18 there were very few places offering these kinds of courses and it also felt like a highly competitive and slim job market to find work at the time. Nowadays things couldn't be further away from how they were all those years ago. In 2024 Green jobs have skyrocketed, I am frequently notified each week of employers advertising vacancies for environmental, conservation and sustainability roles. I will forever be thankful to Merrsit Wood for enrolling me onto their Wildlife and Conservation programme and providing me with the kickstart into finding my dream role in conserving the environment and helping to recover the natural world.

Soline Duffield

Student

Soline brings a unique perspective to discussions on topics such as de-powering, gender dynamics, and women's empowerment. Through their engaging and insightful presentations, they aim to provoke critical thinking, inspire action, and drive positive change in society. As a dedicated advocate for women's rights, Soline is committed to amplifying marginalised voices, challenging systemic inequalities, and creating a more equitable world for all.

Tyler Mertin

Student

With a keen interest in dark humor, Tyler brings a unique lens to the discussion of cancel culture and its widespread impact. In his TED talk, he delves into the origins of cancel culture, examining how it has evolved with the rise of social media and the digital age. Tyler also explores the power and peril of dark humor in today's sensitive climate, highlighting its role as a coping mechanism and a tool for resilience.