Following a wildly successful TEDx SemesteratSea in San Diego in January, the next TEDx SemesteratSea takes place on the MV Explorer August 5 while the ship is docked in Helsinki. To gear up for the event, whose theme is “Anchors Away: From Ideas to Action,” a smaller TEDx salon gathering in the Union was held just before we reached St. Petersburg, Russia.
This event included the viewing of Sarah Kay’s TED Talk, “If I should have a daughter…” Also, two members of the shipboard community shared their personal journeys. Assistant Field Director Julie Engerran, who spoke about “The Bug,” detailed her reactions — and the support from her local community — after being diagnosed with cancer a year ago. During her talk “The Recipe,” student Brittani Brown referenced the scholarship she founded in memory of her friend Kianna Thomas, a dancer who passed away at a young age; Brittani encouraged listeners to always follow their passions.
Listen to these gutsy speakers as they tell their stories about overcoming adversity and making things happen.
