June 28, 2024
Surrey Arts Centre
‘Re.Think’ a call to challenge our assumptions, broaden our perspectives, and reimagine what’s possible. It invites you to question the status quo and discover
Through inspiring talks and creative performances, we’ll dive deep into fresh ideas and innovative solutions that can shape a better future.
Be ready to be inspired, to reflect, and to take action as we embark on a journey to rethink the way we live, connect, and impact the world.
Watch Michelle's Land Acknowledgement here
Land Acknowledgement
In many cultures, it is customary to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land.
This practice is more than just a formality, it’s a way of showing respect. It's also a way of saying that we understand and appreciate their history.
This beautiful place where we are gathered today is the shared unceded traditional territory of the Katzie, Semiahmoo, Kwantlen, and other Coast Salish Peoples.
We stand here today with respect for the soil beneath our feet and the people who have made, and continue to make their homes here. We honour their deep connection to this land, past, present, and future.
And as we move forward, we commit to fostering respectful relationships, learning from their knowledge and traditions, and working together towards a shared, harmonious future.
challenges of chess and enjoys swimming and playing soccer in his free time. Larry’s passion for both learning and physical activity keeps him engaged and enthusiastic, always eager to take on new challenges.
Grandview Heights Youth
In the maze of our thoughts, a puzzle of wonder, we find ourselves at the crossroads of reflection and hesitation.
'Re.Think', a whisper in the wind, a call to the mind, to search the depths of our knowledge, to see what truths we find.
In the echoes of our past, the shadows of our beliefs, lies the power to challenge, to plant a new seed.
Re.Think, not just a theme, but a shift in our core, a chance to unlearn the myths, to open a new door.
With every step back, we see a path that’s new, questioning the 'always', the 'never', the 'true'. each opportunity is a blank canvas, ready to be painted, with bold strokes of curiosity, not faded, not tainted.
'Re.Think', it's more than a moment, it's a lifelong quest, to view the world through different eyes, to put old notions to rest. In the silence of introspection, the noise of the world fades. Here we find clarity, as the old dogma degrades.
So here's to the thinkers, the dreamers, the ones who dare, To always question the given, to be aware. In the space of new thoughts, where bright futures shine We find our true selves, in the power to 'Re.Think', to redefine.
1 - Re.Think
Rethinking community means nurturing environments that empower us and realizing that every voice plays a part in our shared story.
This session is about reshaping how we connect, support, and grow together as individuals within a larger collective.
By embracing new ways of creating belonging, our speakers challenge us to redefine what a community can be.
Together, we can foster a sense of unity that transcends barriers.
Music as a Bridge to Community Change
Annie Qi
Every one of us has something special that we can share with the world. It’s time to transform our talents into powerful tools that can inspire, heal, and bring our community together. Watch Annie's talk here
Annie Qi is a 12-year-old musician with a special gift for playing the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument known for its enchanting melodies.
Driven by a spirit of generosity, she is dedicated to helping her community and is passionate about using her talents for philanthropy.
Bridging Divides: Overcoming External and Internal Biases
Lucas Wang
We can either choose to remain trapped within the chains of our own limited knowledge, or we can be open-minded, seeking to understand from one another to build a harmonious community. Let’s choose wisely…
Watch Lucas' talk here
Lucas is a dedicated student-athlete with a passion for track and field, specializing in mid-distance running. He has a keen interest in international relations fostered by his diverse experiences at boarding school.
How Creativity Can Be Empowering and Impactful
Cecilia Song
I believe that creativity can spark change. I started by making art for fun, but realized we could use our talents to support important causes. Join us and make a difference. Together, we can turn our passions into powerful actions for the community.
Watch Cecilia's talk here
Cecilia is a creative and determined 11-year-old who co-founded the Prosper Art Club, where she uses her passion for art to inspire positive change. She believes in the power of creativity to bring people together and make a difference in her community.
2 - Re.Think
Exploration isn’t only about crossing physical frontiers, it’s about breaking boundaries of the mind, society, and imagination.
Our speakers inspire us to question, to seek out the unknown, and to embrace uncertainty as an essential part of our human journey.
Rethinking exploration is an invitation to expand not just our world, but our perspectives, challenging what we think we know, and daring to discover more.
The Wonder of Art: A Universal Language for All
Art is a language that all of us can speak… a way we can make our thoughts, hopes and dreams visible to the world.
So pick up your pencils, your instruments, your words… And make your voice heard.
Watch Sarah's talk here
Sarah is a creative and adventurous young artist who enjoys exploring the world both on and off the canvas.
As a dedicated girl guide, she’s passionate about survival skills and camping. She also loves expressing herself through modelling, jazz dancing, golfing, and skiing.
Bhangra: A Lesson in Preserving My Heritage
Komal Sandhu
I invite you to explore and embrace your cultural roots. Share your stories, learn your native language, and more importantly, pass on your traditions to future generations.
Let’s be committed to preserving, presenting, prompting, and protecting the richness of our heritage.
Watch Komal's talk here
Komal is a bhangra dancer and teacher who cherishes her Punjabi roots. After moving to Canada with her family, she became an advocate for preserving cultural traditions and fostering community through dance.
She bridges generations by sharing the richness of her heritage through teaching traditional dance, inspiring others to connect with their cultural roots.
Living in the Moment: Embrace the Present
A 14-year-old poet, Ben channels his emotional insight into his creative works, using poetry as a powerful means of expression.
Navigating the pressures of school, social life, and the ever-present pull of social media, Ben has discovered the importance of balance and the power of being present in the moment.
Candace Lu
How Ballet Prepared Me for Life’s Challenges “
Stories can be life lessons in disguise, They can teach you how to overcome tough situations, and turn any challenge into an opportunity to rise. Watch Candace's talk here
Candace is a dedicated 10-year-old ballerina who has been dancing since she was four years old.
She loves performing, especially in “The Nutcracker," and finds joy in the beautiful costumes and creative choreography that come with being a ballerina.
3 - Re.Think
Growth is not limited to numbers or wealth, it’s about emotional depth, resilience, and the courage to change.
Our speakers explore how redefining success and learning from failure create paths to meaningful and sustainable advancement.
Rethinking growth is understanding that the most important milestones are often internal - those that make us kinder, stronger, and more empathetic.
Discovering Joy in New Experiences
Kayson & Athena Xu
Sometimes the things that scare us can actually be hiding a big surprise
Be curious and open to new possibilities. Take a small step and see where you can go. So the next time you feel unsure, remember that you're braver than you think! And even if it feels a little scary, trying new things can lead to amazing surprises.
Watch Kayson & Athena's talk here
Kayson is a 6-year-old who loves Legos, and robotics. He loves squash, badminton, and jujitsu, thriving in environments where he can
Sophia is a dedicated 9-year-old gymnast and dancer who spends countless hours in the gym, combining hard work with a passion for movement to master her routines and achieve her goals.
Sophia also loves reading
4 - Re.Think
Connection today means more than physical proximity, it’s about emotional resonance, shared experiences, and genuine understanding.
Our speakers challenge us to reexamine how we relate to each other - whether through technology, social interactions, or within ourselves.
It is a call to embrace vulnerability, celebrate our shared humanity, and nurture the links that hold us together in a fragmented world.
Overcoming Challenges: How Positivity Transforms Adversity
Find friends who can support you, and remember to stay positive!
Watch Hunter's talk here
Own Your Expectations: How to Set Your Personal Goals
Ryan Yang
It's not about having less or more, It’s about having what's right for you.
Own your expectations so you can create your own journey, your own experiences, and your own amazing story!
Watch Ryan's talk here
Ryan is an avid basketball enthusiast with a deep interest in human behaviour. He has a passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind and is inspired to study psychology in the future.
Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys spending time with his dog and staying active through sports. Grandview
Sunnie Zhao
Sunnie is a bright and gifted 10-year-old singer with a remarkable talent for a wide range of musical genres. Her passion for music radiates in every joyful performance, captivating audiences wherever she sings. Whether on stage or at home, Sunnie uses her voice to spread happiness and connect with people from all walks of life.
Entertainer
Annie Qi
Annie Qi is a 12-year-old musician with a special gift for playing the guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument known for its enchanting melodies.
Jackie Zhen Entertainer
Tiffany Huang Entertainer
Entertainers
Folk Star Arts Academy
Folk Star Arts Academy teaches traditional Punjabi dance such as Bhangra, Giddha, and folk songs and dhol training. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the vibrant cultural heritage of Punjab through passionate teachings in dance.
Watch their performance here
Liner is a Grade 7 student who captivates audiences with her diverse talents - from tap dancing to gymnastics. Here she performed a tap dance to C’est Magnifique!
Watch her performance here
Meet The Team
Hanakiyomi Ando
Hanakiyomi is a passionate advocate for the arts and a talented dancer. A former speaker at our TEDx event, she shared her journey of learning and practicing dance, highlighting its profound impact on her life. She remains committed to promoting artistic extracurricular activities to students around the world, believing that these experiences cultivate essential qualities such as creativity, self-expression, and perseverance.
Maggan, George, Annabelle, Howard, Danny & Danika
Larry, Karl & Jim
Thank you for being a part of TEDxYouth at Grandview Heights.
See you next year!
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A heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors who made ‘Re.Think’ possible.
Your invaluable support not only makes this platform possible, but also empowers our inspiring speakers to share their transformative ideas. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
