Tuesday 19 January 2016

TEDxTeen



For as long as I can remember, every night before going to bed, I will watch a Ted Talk. It's my way of relaxing and winding down for the night. I normally favour this to reading, especially when my eyes are tired after a full day at sixthform.

I am very thankful to my NCS group for letting me come with them on the trip to London. Early Saturday morning, we met in the BCHA center at 4am (it had been a long time since I've seen such time), hopped in the minibus, and set the O2 Arena as our destination. We arrived just in time for the first talk at 10am, which in all fairness was in good time as we stopped for a McBreakfast along the way.

As we scurried onto the balcony, I observed my surroundings. My heart was racing as I saw the TED sign on stage - it was all like a dream come true. I took my seat next to Kassety*, and sat mesmerised for the next 1h30. The talks, hosted by a very enthusiastic presenter, ranged from Mukunda's 'How Imagination Set Me Free' to Rob Greenfield's 'How To End the Food Waste Fiasco'. During the hour break, whilst my friends mingled with the speakers in the Purple lounge, I went to a seperate room where I learnt all about Adobe Voice. After being pleasantly surprised by a brown bag filled with all types of snacks, I met two young boys who were just as interested in Ted Talks as I was. We sat and spoke for a while, and it was a feeling of relief to find people who share common interests with you. In a way, I feel that that is what Ted Talks is all about: the sharing of common interests and the spreading of new ideas.

There were two other 'sessions' of talks which lasted 1h30 each, and the whole day ended with Rudimental playing live for us. I found that a really great experience and it ended the day on a high note. I regret not auditioning to become a TEDxTeen speaker, but hopefully I'll be given the opportunity to in a few years' time.



Before heading back to Bournemouth, the NCS team grabbed a quick go-to meal. I opted for Five Guys since there isn't one where I live, and spent a whooping five pounds on a milkshake. If you think Shakeways were expensive, then think again. All my friends thought I was crazy, but they quickly changed their minds once they tasted it. I asked the guy behind the counter what he'd recommend, as, he worked there, and I would assume they would try everything on offer, and so he recommended the Vanilla and Oreo Milkshake. I posted a picture above, which gives it no credit to the fluffiness of the cream, nor the freshness of the vanilla, nor the crunchy Oreo bits found at the bottom. I could not recommend a drink more, even if you'll be poor after buying it!





All names in this blog are fake in order to ensure the privacy of my friends and conceal their identities. However, the characters are all real people and the events actually happened