TEDxChengdu International School: Inspiring Youth for the Future
March 26, 2026
Last month, we held a TEDx event on campus. TEDx is a grassroots initiative inspired by TED's mission to research and discover "ideas worth spreading." It brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the world through various TEDx events.
Our high school students presented their unique perspectives on how being "In Between" affects mental health, teenage development, and cross-cultural identity. They delved into the complexities of neuroscience, adolescence, and culture.
The brain | Esther Hale
What is the brain? Esther, a senior, strives to answer this question as she explores the various mental health disorders around the world. She hoped to communicate that there is no single model of the brain that is applied to everyone.
Growth Begins with Change | Josiah Jones
Change may be uncomfortable at first, but can it lead to personal growth? If so, how? Josiah Jones, a freshman, explores these questions as he reflects on his experiences growing up as a third culture kid (TCK). Josiah communicates how living across different cultures has impacted his personal development over time.
Universe 25: Reclaiming Humanity in the In-Between | Steven Zeng
What is the Universe 25, and how is it related to humanity in the 21st century? Steven Zeng, a senior, relates his understanding of Universe 25 to humans who live in the in-between. Steven explored how the Universe 25 experiment reflects trends in contemporary society.
Each presentation provided a distinct perspective on the complexities of adolescence and cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of community discussions surrounding mental health and personal growth. By exploring these varied insights, we celebrate the spirit of innovation and curiosity while fostering an environment where students can connect, learn, and inspire each other.
Thank you to Mr. Jeff Birdsong and Kaylyn,
an 11th grader who organized the event, aiming to uncover new ideas and share the latest research that sparks conversations in our community. We are proud to contribute to TEDx, which hosts more than 4,000 events annually.
CDIS students edited the video, which is available on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TEDx.