Every year, TEDxConnecticutCollege (of which I am an executive board member) holds a TED-affiliated local conference with speakers from our campus, the New London community and the world (by way of webcast). The event lasts several hours and includes a breakfast snack, lunch, and a wine and cheese reception afterward. As such, it is not very accessible to children, so this year we joined with the greater TED organization and held TEDxYouthDay2015.

As a chance for local elementary and middle school students to voice their ideas and visions for the world, YouthDay2015 was a rousing success. There were more than 20 kids from nearby Clark Lane Middle School, The Country School and The Williams School who participated by giving talks to an audience comprised of teachers, parents and Conn students. Their talks ranged from "Rectangulum," a vision of an alternate universe, to the difficulties of discrimination. Some were hilarious, others were incredibly moving. Audience members were seeing a clear and unimpeded view of the future because they were hearing the innocent thoughts and beliefs of those not yet influenced by society. Far too often, we forget that unchecked ambition that we too held tightly as children.

After their talks, the kids got involved in a variety of activities, from flower pot painting to storytelling. One station gave them the chance to imagine their future selves. It was a fantastic morning of activities, great ideas and friendships. We will continue holding YouthDay conferences in the coming years, but, in the meantime, you can get a sense of this moment with the community by visiting TedXConnecticutCollege to see the inspiring talks from this year’s event.