Theme: Dare to Be Different

We are very proud the present the first ever TEDx event at the American School of The Hague. Picking a theme is an extremely important first step to ensure the success of the event. We wanted the theme to incorporate the identity of the ASH student body from the very small to the very tall. However, finding something that unites all students from such diverse backgrounds is very difficult, until we realized that our inherent differences is what unite us at the American School of the Hague. Hence the theme “Dare to be Different” was selected as it allows students to celebrate what makes them unique at a time in their lives where they are primarily focused on fitting in. We hope that you enjoy the various speakers and performers that will share their experiences of how they dared to be different and will encourage you to do the same.

American School of the Hague
Rijksstraatweg 200
Rijksstraatweg 200
Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland, 2241BX
Netherlands

Brooklyn Button

The Not So Sweet Truth

My name is Brooklyn Button and I am in 10th grade at the American School of the Hague. I first became aware of our society's sugar addiction when one of my good friends was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I realized how common cultural celebrations are laced with sugar and I became aware of just how much hidden sugar we were actually consuming. This sparked research and a realization of how our society has a positive connotation of sugar.

Camilla Monssen

The Secret Side to Health

Camilla Monssen is a senior at the American School of the Hauge and hopes to become a psychologist. By conducting her own research, she explores the nature of mental health at her school, her community and the world at large. 1 in 4 people will develop a mental disorder, but many will suppress those feelings in fear of the stigma associated with it. Camilla proposes ideas on what individuals can do in order to create a safer atmosphere for students to openly discuss their issues as well as how schools can facilitate this discussion in order to teach students that this shouldn't be a taboo topic.

Claude Pertuit

Acceptance: equality, equity, and the story of us all

As an American at a young age I was thrusted from my home in Louisiana into the international world. I have lived in both Europe and Asia and have witnessed the world of the wealthy and the day to day life of those in poverty. In all my travels and the international schools I have gone to, I have met and befriended people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe. I have seen the great accomplishments of the world, but also the nasty truth that lurks in the shadows. Discrimination, whether it be conscious or subconscious is a very big problem even in this day and age,

Hope Chow

There's no such thing as being different.

Growing up as a diplomat's child, Hope Chow has learned first hand how hard it is to fit in a be 'normal'. However, after realizing that people are more alike than they are different, being different is nothing to be ashamed of.

Kennedy Lister

Sustainable Development

Kennedy Lister is a 17-year-old high school senior who wants to see a change in the way development work is done and the perspectives surrounding it. After traveling to Kenya and Rwanda during her sophomore year and spending a month in Uganda last summer, she has developed a unique perspective concerning how to best help those in developing countries. Through a variety of both amusing and moving stories, she shares her guidelines to making development work sustainable far into the future.

Neil Postal

Vexology

Neil Postal is a high school student and hobby vexillologist. He really likes flags and has a lot to say about them.

Ola Oduola

Sustainability

I have been able to design and come up with so many ideas that could benefit many . This talk covers areas that could benefit everyone in general .

Victoria Puglia

Why do we care?

When I first moved to the American School of the Hague, I would barely speak because I was scared I wouldn't fit in and that I'd be judged. Shyness took over me. From personal experience, I have gained insight that has made me much happier and more comfortable in my own skin today. These experiences, alongside my views of "caring" and of "fitting in", are ones I would like to share with the world, in hopes that people can connect and possibly learn from them.