Puunene Reunion 2007 Documentary

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

4 Things I Learned from Maui's First Student-Led TEDxYouth Event


What a privilege it was to be involved with "Imagining a Better Tomorrow", the first student-led TEDxYouth event for Maui students! 

The event was held on April 6, 2014 at Seabury Hall's `A`ali`ikuhonua Creative Arts Center.


I learned 4 things during the planning and the event itself:


1. A TEDxYouth event on Maui works.

There were a few doubters. Could an event of this kind draw an audience on Maui? Would students come up with talks that were TEDx quality? Could kids actually plan and execute this gargantuan project on their own?

The answers to all three questions? A resounding YES!



The students' talks will be posted on the TEDx site shortly. I will add them here for your enjoyment.

2. Kids work hard.

Got a project that kids believe in and that excites them? Just get out of the way and let them at it.

Planning for the event started at the beginning of the school year, continued with regular meetings and training, and culminated with a "hell week" of rehearsal and loose-end tying. All student-run.

Taking notes during rehearsal.

3. Kids on Maui dream big.

I didn't know there were so many kids who do, until now.


"Imagining a better tomorrow" dream board

4.  An #eventofhope provides real-world opportunities for students to continue dreaming.
  • Some of the students who organized the event have leads for summer jobs and internships.
  • Speakers are being asked to present elsewhere.
  • Members of the student film production team that trained under AKAKU are now employable.
  • The non-profit make-a-difference booths attracted many interested students who will now pursue new dreams.
"Everyone is a Maker." -- Jerry Isdale of Maui Makers

Maui students give me hope for the future!

A big MAHALO to Jasmine Doan, founder of the event, who directed the core team of organizers from small start to spectacular finish.

Learn more about TEDxYouth@SeaburyHall on their website, as well as on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.


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