Theme: Innovation

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxYouth@RMSST, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxYouth@RMSST event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology
930 Rowland Rd
Conyers, Georgia, 30012
United States

Abigail Buchanan

Research Student-Rockdale Magnet School

I am Abigail Buchanan: a sixteen-year-old student, tennis player, wordsmith, and self-proclaimed movie critic. But behind the scenes, I’m a public speaking enthusiast and all-around advocate for underrepresented minorities like myself. I discovered my passion for speaking on progressive topics during the summer of 2020 when I was confined to the constraints of my room during the COVID-19 pandemic. I marveled at the activists I saw in videos, reposts, and movies. And now, I finally have the opportunity to do more than just aspire to be these brave advocates I see online. I used my platform to give a self-written speech on intergenerational trauma in the black community in February of 2022 at a state speech competition. I am now using my voice and this TEDx platform to bring light to the massive progress our society has made in making underrepresented voices heard. My hope is to also use this speech to contribute to the ongoing fight for equality and dismantling the patriarchy.

Destiny Smith-Sarter

Research Student-Rockdale Magnet School

Destiny Smith-Sarter, a junior at the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, is an avid reader, writer, and talker. She enjoys recording episodes for her podcast, Melanated and Educated, watching television with her mother, and spending time with her dog, Chloe. At a young age, Destiny realized she loved storytelling and presenting. She’s performed in oratorical contests, talent shows, and musical productions. Being outspoken has helped her greatly throughout high school, especially regarding leadership. Destiny is a Georgia Certified Student Leader who hopes to also become a National Distinguished Student leader. Growing up, she noticed the differences in the treatment of people who looked like her and those who did not. As she got older, she started getting more involved and spreading awareness. She now talks about it on her podcast, with her youth organization, Color of Youth, and in her TEDX presentation.

Jin Lin

Research Student-Rockdale Magnet School

I am a sixteen-year-old student born in Conyers, Georgia where I have lived here all my life. My parents, on other hand, immigrated to America at the age of 18 from Fujian, China, where they founded their successful business. Growing up in a very hard-working mindset of a household, my parents always tried to push me to do more. This lead me to attend f Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. I have always been motivated to become the best version of myself. Unlike many other people who are attending Rockdale Magnet, my interest are not STEM-related. I want to do work in the film industry as a cinematographer. I always enjoy expressing my ideas and expressing them in an artistic way.

Stewart Oser

Research Student-Rockdale Magnet School

My name is Stewart Oser, and one day, I will go into the field of robotics. I am currently a junior at the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, and I plan on studying mechanical engineering with a computer science minor in college. My whole life I have loved the field of robotics. Even when I was in elementary school, I remember missing the deadline to apply for the robotics team and my mom actually asked a few favors and got me in anyway. That was back in 4th grade. At that time, I knew that I wanted to be an engineer, because I loved thinking about future inventions and innovations and working with my hands and head. It was when I joined the robotics team, though, that I realized my true passion was robotics.