There is something life-changing about being in a room when one listens to an idea that alters their perception entirely. This is exactly what TEDx hopes to achieve in their events: gatherings where people are brought together to discuss ideas, experiences, research, stories, and perspectives that are worth sharing. And now, it is back at UNB Saint John!

TEDx events are independent events which have been licensed by TED. This event helps spread the message of TED through various locations in different ways. The participants are able to share their great thoughts on the stage. In UNB Saint John, this will help create an environment where all kinds of people from different walks of life can gather under one roof and learn from one another.

Himanshu Sharma/Canva

Hosting TEDx on our Saint John campus again has been an endeavour I am very excited about. In my time here at UNBSJ, I have been able to participate in many aspects of campus life, and one thing that I have come to realize is that there are so many amazing people and great ideas in such a small community that we are in. There are many students working on innovative projects, many professors working on groundbreaking research, and people in Saint John who have great stories and experiences to share. Working for Orientation for two consecutive years made me realize the stories and enthusiasm our community has.

I wanted TEDxUNB Saint John to become one of those platforms.

It is also quite thrilling to host such an event again after so many years, because it allows us to not only make something new but also be a part of something bigger. My wish is that this event does not just remain a daylong affair. That it not only sparks discussions, but also introduces viewers to things that they never thought about and provides members of our campus and Saint John community at large a chance to meet each other.

What’s truly exciting about this time is that I have begun to put together the team who will make it possible. TEDx UNB Saint John is accepting applications from students interested in being a part of our executive team, with spots open in various aspects of planning and organizing our event. Applications for the executive team close on October 9, and I would really like to encourage students to apply.

Speaker applications are also officially open until October 31.

You don’t have to be a professional speaker to give the world a good idea. TEDx is all about ideas, be they derived from scientific investigation, personal experience, invention, social activism, business, science, culture, technology, or even something else entirely surprising. That is what makes this event so exciting.

TEDx UNB Saint John could be the platform where we bring out the creativity, expertise, diversity, and ambitions that exist here at UNB Saint John. This is an opportunity for us to bring together the students of UNBSJ and all of Saint John and create something that will live long after our classes end.

This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what comes out of it. Please reach out to me with any questions: himanshu.sharma@unb.ca

Himanshu Sharma/Canva