[applause] Like many of you in the audience, I come from a pretty international background with my mom being Mexican and my dad being German. That being said, I've never actually lived in either country. I spent the majority of my life in the US. My entire childhood was spent in the US and the US has shaped who I am today in many ways.Now, while there were other people of international background like myself there, the grand majority of my peers were culturally American. While living in the US, I subconscio ...

Core Idea - The speech explores the complex identity of a Third Culture Kid (TCK), someone raised in a culture different from their parents', and the challenges and benefits of such a life [5][8] - It emphasizes the importance of self-definition and not being confined by labels or others' perceptions [17][18] Experiences and Challenges - The speaker has moved 12 times and lived in nine different cities across multiple countries, leading to a sense of cultural detachment and difficulty in identifying with a single nationality [1] - The speaker describes a feeling of loneliness and being an outsider due to the lack of a traditional hometown and shared cultural experiences [12] - The speaker initially struggled with the metric and imperial systems of measurement, highlighting the practical challenges of a globally mobile life [5] - The speaker expresses difficulty in answering the question "Where are you from?" due to feeling neither fully American nor fully connected to their other nationalities [8] Growth and Perspective - The speaker has learned to value gratitude and appreciate opportunities before they pass by, recognizing the unique experiences their lifestyle has afforded [4] - Attending international schools and forming friendships with other TCKs has been a valuable source of support and understanding [9][10] - Spending time in a small town in America helped the speaker realize they don't need to be defined by any single label and can embrace their unique identity [15][17]

Cultural Identity and Language - Names reflect cultural values, with Chinese culture prioritizing family and the collective [4], while Western cultures emphasize individualism [5] - Language shapes thoughts and builds the world we live in [6] - Living between two cultures allows for noticing things and feeling emotions previously unknown [24] - Exploring different cultures requires curiosity, non-judgment, and willingness to learn about oneself from a different perspective [27] Intercultural Communication and Family Dynamics - The speaker's family experienced challenges during a 14-month stay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting cultural differences in expressing emotions [7][10] - The "five love languages" concept was used to improve family communication and address conflicts arising from unacknowledged emotions [11][12] - Rituals like daily gratitude sharing and creating TikTok videos helped bridge communication gaps and strengthen family relationships [13][15][16] Cultural Nuances and Ethical Dilemmas - The speaker faced a cultural dilemma regarding whether to disclose the death of her grandfather to her grandmother, reflecting the Chinese value of obedience to elders and prioritizing family well-being [20][22] - The decision to withhold the truth was based on the belief that it was in the grandmother's best interest, despite the speaker's initial feelings of outrage [21]

Cultural Impact & Personal Expression - The speaker reflects on the vibrant colors of their childhood in Pakistan, contrasting it with the perceived lack of color in Australia [1][2][3][4] - The speaker's family adopted a "color challenge" to reconnect with their Pakistani roots and express themselves [13] - Color is presented as a means of expressing beliefs, values, and cultural identity [14][19] Psychological & Physiological Effects of Color - Research suggests that bright-colored environments can help people, especially children and older adults, stay active and socially connected [7] - Colors can stimulate the body's serotonin production, leading to improved mood [16] - Specific colors are associated with certain effects, such as red boosting appetite and energy, and blue creating a sense of trust and calmness [15] Practical Application & Recommendation - The speaker advocates for incorporating color into daily life through a "color ritual," such as wearing colorful clothing or decorating one's home [17][18] - Removing color from daily life can diminish one's unique cultural identity [19]

Storytelling & Partnership - The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaborative storytelling across global connections and differences, particularly with marginalized communities [1][2] - The speaker partners with African Jewish communities to amplify their stories, fostering cross-cultural understanding and connection [2][3] - The speaker's work involves a feedback loop, sharing pictures and films with the communities and building global relationships that provide spiritual and material benefits [5][6] Community Focus - The report highlights the existence and growth of African Jewish communities across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda [3][4][15] - The Ethiopian Jewish community in Gander faces economic hardship and challenges related to immigration to Israel [7][8][9] - The Abu Dhaya Jews of Uganda have a unique history, including resilience in the face of persecution and a commitment to community building [15][16][17][18] Cultural & Religious Identity - The speaker's personal journey of reconnecting with their Jewish heritage is intertwined with their work with African Jewish communities [2][3] - The report showcases the diversity of Jewish experiences and practices in Africa, challenging preconceived notions of what it means to be Jewish [3][4] - The communities maintain their religious practices, sometimes prioritizing them over other activities, such as the soccer team observing Shabbat [12] Global Connection & Impact - The speaker's projects aim to connect these communities with each other and with global Jewish communities [5] - Technology, such as WhatsApp, facilitates ongoing communication and support between the speaker and community members [14] - The speaker emphasizes the responsibility involved in telling someone else's story accurately and respectfully [25][26]

[Music] [Applause] My name is Admiad Kun, an English teacher, and you will never guess where I grew up. Shakespeare walk. So, I'm sure we can all agree that I was destined for literary greatness.Now, despite my loud proclamation of my name this evening, admittedly, it was once a source of embarrassment. I was born and raised in London to a Nigerian father and a Cameroonian mother who migrated to the United Kingdom in the 1980s. This makes me a first generation British individual.My parents were proud of the ...

I'm Tanzanian. I was born here and I am extremely patriotic, right? And I come from a long line of mixed Arabs, Indians, Persians, Iraqis, a whole mix of Uroio. But nevertheless, I am Tanzanian. So are my parents, my grandparents. We have been here for over a hundred years. Arguably, even before Tanzania was Tanzania. However, despite being Tanzanian and spending my formative teenage years here, I actually grew up in the Middle East. Now, has anyone here visited Dubai, Qatar, Oman? Any hands? If you've been ...

Core Argument - Classics, originating from early BCs to the fall of the Roman Empire, are still relevant today because ancient people preserved them for their perceived importance [3] - The survival of classical works is attributed to their relatable human elements, which resonated with audiences and facilitated their transmission and documentation [8][9][10][11] - Modern perceptions of classics have been shaped by interpretations and biases introduced by later works and scholars, necessitating a critical re-evaluation of these works [12][15][16][18] - Teaching classics in the 21st century, with modern technology and perspectives, allows for a deeper understanding of humanity's evolution and diverse cultural pillars [19][20][21] - Popularizing classics can unlock a society that understands and appreciates the pillars of different cultures across the globe [21] Transmission and Preservation - Classical works were initially transmitted orally through performances by bards, musicians, and actors [6] - The documentation of these works by writers ensured their survival into the modern world, although many others were lost [7] - The Iliad and Odyssey survived due to their human elements and cultural impact, leading to their prioritization for documentation and preservation [7][8][10] Modern Relevance and Interpretation - Modern interpretations of classics are influenced by later works, such as Shakespeare's plays, which incorporated classical themes and stories [13][14] - Teaching classics today is crucial to uncover the original meanings and intentions, free from centuries of conjecture and biases [15] - Continued teaching of classics promotes critical examination of established theories and narratives surrounding these works [17][18] Educational and Cultural Impact - Classics has historically been associated with intellectual elites, but broader education can diversify perspectives and understanding [20] - Studying classics provides insights into past societies and the evolution of human thought and culture [19][23] - Classics are inherently engaging and entertaining, offering valuable lessons and enjoyment [21][22]

Career Path & Education - The speaker initially aimed to become an English teacher, planning to pursue studies from 8th grade through PhD [1][2] - Faced questioning for choosing arts after 10th grade but continued, also studying German [2] - Undergraduation involved a combination of English, psychology, and journalism [3] - Worked as a radio jockey during the third year of undergraduation [6][7] - Currently pursuing a PhD [9] Global Experiences & Personal Growth - Experience working on a UN project in Sri Lanka, working in women's shelters [4] - Worked on a project in Romania with people from 10 different countries in the Balcon region [5] - Experience in Czech Republic and Slovakia, visiting villages with small populations (around 200) [11] - Traveled to Turkey and met migrants from Iran and someone from Germany [10] Overcoming Barriers & Community Support - Speaker emphasizes that breaking barriers was made easier with the support of a "village" [9] - Highlights the importance of community support and kindness towards others [15][16] - Stresses the role of strangers and families in providing support and strength [12][11] - Acknowledges the influence of various people in shaping her life and experiences [15]

Historical Context & Challenges - Chinatowns have served as symbols of immigrant strength and cultural hubs for over 160 years [4] - Out of 88 Chinatowns in the US, only half remain active, facing threats like rising rents, gentrification, and cultural erosion [3][4] - Some Chinatowns were intentionally destroyed, such as the one in Reno, Nevada, burned down in 1908 [10][11] - The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated small business closures due to language barriers and lack of access to assistance [14] Community & Internal Dynamics - Chinatowns often face internal political challenges, including politicians making empty promises and community leaders prioritizing personal gain [17] - These broken systems create distrust and division, hindering advocacy for the Asian-American community [18] Preservation & Future - The disappearance of Chinatowns reflects a broader trend of affordable housing loss in urban areas [20] - Preservation efforts should focus on empowering Chinatowns to evolve while staying rooted in their values and traditions [27] - Supporting small businesses, advocating for supportive policies, and documenting history are crucial for preserving Chinatowns [23] - Young Asian-Americans are playing a key role in reimagining and saving their neighborhoods [25]