Silvana Junguito is a High School Senior from CNG's Class of 2017 who decided to bring TEDx to Colegio Nueva Granada es her Senior Independant Study Project (SIS). This project consists of a year-long effort from the students to research and create something that will endure in the CNG community as well as help them grow before their graduation. Silvana's project started from making contact with TED in order to get the license for this event and went all the way to planning the event and finding the speakers.
Dear reader,
TED's mission is: “We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. On TED.com, we're building a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world's most inspired thinkers — and a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other” (https://www.ted.com/about/our-
TED is a very special and diverse company, that's what inspired me to bring it to CNG. It has ideas that have the power to move, encourage, inform, motivate people, open minds, and make hearts race. For TEDxColegioNuevaGranada, I believe that the theme which is “breaking out of your shell” contributed in such a way that the students experienced the factors mentioned previously, because it sounds empowering, and encourages people to step out of their comfort zones, and live life to the fullest.
After all of the months dedicating time to make this project a reality, I realized it taught me a lot. First, with all of the responsibilities that I added to my to-do list, daily I have an idea of how much hard work is expected of grown-ups. Second, I learned the importance of time management, passion, dedication and perseverance. Third, thanks to my experience organizing this event, I learned that confidence is not just gained right away; in order to get it, you need to learn how to embrace the insecurities and doubt that are caused by the tough obstacles along the way.
After the event occurred I reflected on various things. I'm very thankful for the people who helped me organize it as well as those who attended it. It wouldn't have been the same without them. I feel very proud of all the hard work and passion the speakers and I put into TEDxColegioNuevaGranada because it payed off. Leaving a mark like this on the school is very meaningful to me. Not only because it is my senior year, but because CNG gave me so many opportunities, it is only fair I return the favor. Other than that, I am glad of how it turned out considering it was my first time being the boss. Of course it wasn't perfect, but it was amazing enough that audience members have spoken complimentary words about it, and it ranked a high score on the survey. Finally, I can only hope that students keep it as a tradition for years to come.
Sincerely,
Silvana Junguito Mejía
Silvana's sponsors, who have stood by her throughout the organization and progression of this project are Patricia Escobar (left) and Jose Miguel Sokoloff (right). Patricia Escobar works at CNG in the Learning Center and is working as Silvana's Teacher Sponsor for the SIS. Jose Miguel Sokoloff is Silvana's Professional Sponsor.
