What if the most powerful tool you have isn't a degree or a title—but your story?In this vibrant and compelling talk, Brandon Williamson reminds us that storytelling isn't just for authors or performers—it's the heartbeat of human connection. From ancient traditions to modern-day moments, storytelling shapes how we understand the world and each other.Brandon isn’t just a storyteller—he’s a poet, an actor, a professional wrestler. But more than that, he’s a firm believer that you are a storyteller too. Whether you're in a job interview, on a first date, or presenting in front of a crowd, you're telling your story. The real question is: are you telling it well?With humor, wisdom, and insight, Brandon breaks down what makes a story fall flat—and what makes one come alive. He challenges us to raise the stakes, embrace conflict, and know our audience. Because when you craft a story that shows where you’ve been—and where you’re going—people will listen.As an educator, Brandon empowers students to take ownership of their narratives. The beauty of storytelling, he says, is that you get to choose how it unfolds. And the best stories? They’re the ones still being written.What will yours say? Brandon Williamson is a Storyteller, Creativity Consultant, Innovation Specialist, and founder of the internationally recognized Pure Ink Poetry organization in Buffalo, NY. With experience serving as a school administrator, college admissions counselor, high school teacher, college advisor, minister, poet, actor, musician, author, athlete, producer, community activist, professional wrestler, and innovator, Brandon has a great understanding of the complexities of perspective in the world of business. He is passionate about the study of creativity and its necessity for businesses and educational institutions to sustain and thrive in the constantly changing world we live in. He is the recipient of an Excellence in Education nomination as a School Administrator, and he is a recipient of the Buffalo Business First’s 40 under 40 award.If you’re ready for a great time of storytelling, performance, and play with a purpose, then come and join the poetry experience that is Brandon Williamson. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

"Where do you come from?" It’s a simple question—but the answer can carry generations of resilience, sacrifice, and pride. In this deeply personal and powerful talk, Susanna unpacks the weight of shame that too often clings to identity, language, and culture. From her mother’s decision to give her an English name to avoid the ridicule of mispronunciation, to the school lunches quietly swapped in hopes of blending in, Susanna reveals how the desire to protect can sometimes come at the cost of being seen. But everything shifts when her mother, inspired by online cooking videos, decides to share their traditional dishes with the world—only to be met with cruel comments and casual mockery. In that moment, Susanna finds her voice—not just in defense of her mother, but of every story that’s been silenced by shame. Through vulnerability and strength, Susanna invites us to reconsider what we call “normal” and reminds us that shame only thrives in silence. Her message is both a tribute and a call: Never be ashamed of where you come from. Susanna Noh is a 13-year-old student from Clinton Middle School who enjoys reading, doing sports, arts, and listening to music. As she grows older, she wishes to be a judge who will do great things and protect the law and people. She takes her education seriously and always tries her best to accomplish her goals. She has always been fond of science fairs and sports, seeing what people can come up with or informing other people about relevant knowledge or seeing people do incredible athletic moves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, Christopher shares the story of a buzzer-beater basketball game that didn’t just end in a win—it revealed a deeper victory. What started as a proud coaching moment turned into a life-changing lesson in emotional intelligence when Christopher witnessed his young son extend a hand to help an opponent in defeat. Through personal stories and powerful insights, Christopher explores the two pillars of emotional intelligence—self-awareness and empathy—and how they shape who we are, how we lead, and how we lift others. He offers a framework for developing our inner game so we can serve our communities with confidence, clarity, and compassion. This talk is a reminder that our greatest influence isn’t in what we achieve—it’s in how we show up for others. Especially in moments that matter. Christopher D. Connors is a keynote speaker, executive coach and bestselling author of three books on leadership and personal development: The Champion Leader, Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader and The Value of You. He is the creator of the LinkedIn Learning course, Leading with Emotional Intelligence, one of the top leadership courses on the site. Christopher helps leaders, managers, professionals and students increase their emotional intelligence, prioritize results and build thriving organizations. He works with Fortune 500 companies such as Northrop Grumman, McKesson and Apple, and he’s worked with schools such as: St. Paul's School, Porter-Gaud, Bullis, Cannon School and Hargrave Military Academy. His writing has appeared in World Economic Forum, CNBC, Thrive Global and many educational publications. Visit him at: chrisdconnors.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Is social media shaping us more than we realize? In this thought-provoking talk, Cameron Alvaro explores the psychological impact of social media and the subtle "mind games" it plays on our behavior and self-image. Blending her passion for psychology with real-world insight, she sheds light on how digital platforms influence the way we think and feel. Her talk encourages us to become more mindful users in a constantly connected world. Cameron Alvaro is a junior currently attending her third year at Saddle River Day School. She enjoys theater, debate, volleyball, and traveling! This is her second TEDx talk and she is ecstatic to be working alongside her faculty mentor Mr. Colin Riley. Her talk is focused on the psychological impact of social media and the importance of understanding its "mind games," which highlights her deep passion for psychology and human behavior. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it really mean to live with dyslexia? In this eye-opening talk, Celine Sawyer shares her journey navigating dyslexia and the challenges that come with it. She challenges common misconceptions and calls for greater understanding and compassion. Her talk aims to raise awareness and reduce judgment around learning differences. Celine Sawyer is a new freshman at SRDS this year. She enjoys playing tennis, horseback riding, skiing, and spending time with friends. Celine was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in 2nd grade and soon after attended Windward, a school focused on teaching kids with language based disorders, for six years. She is excited to give her first TEDx talk, aiming to raise awareness about dyslexia, challenge misconceptions, and reduce judgment, with guidance from her mentor, Roman Paolucci. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What can dogs teach us about living a fulfilled life? In this heartfelt talk, Faith explores the lessons we can learn from our canine companions about joy, loyalty, and presence. Drawing from her own experiences and love for her dog, she reflects on simple ways to find happiness in everyday moments. Her talk invites us to reconnect with the qualities that bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives. Faith is a senior in her fourth year at Saddle River Day. After giving her first TEDx talk about ethics and genetic editing technology, she is excited to give her second talk on the lessons we can learn from dogs about how to live more fulfilled lives. Outside of school, Faith enjoys playing basketball, reading, spending time with her friends and family, and of course, playing with her dog. She is so grateful to be working with her amazing faculty mentor, Ms. Kim. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx