Our incredible students will take the stage to share their ideas on the theme "Discover & Develop"!

Inspired by the visionary words of Mrs. Margaret Chadwick, our school "strives earnestly to discover and develop the special gifts which each individual possesses." This event will showcase the unique talents, passions, and ideas of our youth as they explore their potential and inspire others to do the same.

Head of School, Chadwick International

With over three decades of experience in education, Mr. Hill is passionate about nurturing student potential and fostering a love of learning. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Chadwick’s mission of holistic development, inspiring students to discover and develop their unique gifts. Mr. Hill’s talk promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of education, leadership, and the importance of growth in today’s ever-evolving world. With the ideals laid forth by Mrs. Chadwick, the talk shares our vision and our promise as a community. Don’t miss this exciting session!

Director of Athletics and Community Programs, Chadwick International

With a wealth of experience in sports leadership and community engagement, Mr. Snipes has been instrumental in fostering a culture of teamwork, perseverance, and holistic development within the Chadwick community. His dedication to promoting physical education and character development through athletics has inspired countless students to excel both on and off the field. Mr. Snipes is passionate about empowering students to build lifelong skills through sports, fitness, and community involvement. Be inspired by his talk, "Dispositions for Peacemaking", based on his experiences as a teenager and the Ulster Project, a moving testimony of the power of human connections. 

Faculty

With a passion for fostering connections and challenging cultural barriers, Ms. Abdelhaleem brings her rich experience as a teacher at CI to her talk, "Airports Are the Best Places to Make New Friends." Through a personal story of an unexpected and meaningful encounter with a stranger during a long wait at the airport, she challenges cultural prejudices and explores what inclusion truly means. Ms. Abdelhaleem’s talk promises to inspire the audience to embrace kindness, love, and acceptance, while highlighting the importance of truly seeing others. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking session!

Faculty

Ms. Mendez’s journey into cultural appreciation began in the most unexpected of places—the New York City subway system. At just nine years old, during a family trip to Chinatown, she was mesmerized by the hauntingly beautiful sound of an Erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, played by an elderly man. This encounter sparked a lifelong curiosity and passion for exploring diverse cultures. In her talk, Ms. Mendez will reflect on how this powerful moment shaped her understanding of diversity, connection, and the beauty of unexpected experiences. Don’t miss this inspiring and heartfelt exploration!

Foundation Officer at the EAAFP Secretariat

Ms. Jisun’s talk promises to be an inspiring exploration of conservation and environmental stewardship. Titled "Wings of Change: Discovering and Developing Conservation Efforts for Migratory Water Birds," her presentation will delve into the critical role that migratory water birds play in symbolizing the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. By examining the work of the East Asian-Australasia Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), Ms. Jisun will highlight the ecological significance of these species and the collaborative efforts of governments, NGOs, and communities in safeguarding them. Her talk will emphasize how our collective actions are crucial for maintaining the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Don’t miss this insightful journey into the world of conservation!

Assistant Professor of History at Yonsei University's Underwood International College

Dr. Thomas Quartermain, Assistant Professor of History at Yonsei University's Underwood International College in Songdo, brings extensive expertise in East Asian history and Korean studies. Holding a D.Phil. in Oriental Studies from The University of Oxford, his research focuses on the political and societal changes in Joseon Korea and pre-modern identity in Northeast Asia. His talk, Convergence: The Five Elements of Discovery, will explore the intersection of historical inquiry and cross-cultural understanding, offering insights into how these elements shape our view of the past. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a distinguished scholar whose engaging approach continues to inspire curiosity and exploration in East Asian history.

Student G11

Suah’s talk will delve into the uniquely Korean concept of "정" (jeong), which represents deep emotional bonds and connections formed through shared experiences. Initially, she believed this bond was exclusive to her culture, but her time in New Zealand revealed that this sense of connection transcends cultural boundaries. In her talk, Suah will share her journey of finding traces of "정" across different cultures, offering a profound reflection on our shared humanity. This session promises to inspire the audience by demonstrating that, despite our differences, we are all united by something universal. Don’t miss this enlightening exploration!

Student G10

Lauren’s experience living in New York City, with its dynamic spontaneity and cultural richness, has profoundly shaped her perspective on life. In her talk, she presents the “Empire State of Mind,” a collection of practical traits aimed at helping individuals step out of their routines and embrace living more fully in the present. Encouraging habits like trying something new daily, appreciating small details, and exploring one’s city with the curiosity of a tourist, Lauren believes these practices can broaden anyone’s worldview. Her talk will provide fresh insights on how to make everyday life more exciting and fulfilling. Be sure to join this thought-provoking session!

Student G9

Elinette, an Upper School student, will present key psychological insights that can help you achieve your goals while managing stress effectively. She will explore concepts like the self-fulfilling prophecy, where beliefs about the future become reality, and how interpreting stress as a positive stimulation can improve performance. Elinette will also discuss the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which shows that moderate levels of stress lead to optimal performance. Her talk encourages living with optimism and self-belief, driving home the message: “What you believe is what you achieve!” Don’t miss this insightful and empowering session!

Student G9

Emily’s talk will challenge the negative stigma surrounding failure in our competitive society. She will explore how failure is not a setback, but a valuable experience that leads to personal growth and success. Drawing from her own life, Emily will share stories of her repeated failures and how they helped her discover a better version of herself. Her speech aims to inspire the audience to embrace failure and seize every opportunity without fear. Don’t miss this empowering session, where Emily will remind us all that failure is simply part of the journey to success.

Student G8

Isabella’s talk will focus on the endless journey of discovery and development, particularly in our youth. Using her own experience with the violin, she will share five essential steps to finding and nurturing passions: reflect, familiarize, set goals, reflect again, and refine. These steps, which are adaptable and can overlap, serve as a flexible guide to transforming passions into lasting accomplishments. Isabella’s presentation promises to provide valuable insights into cultivating passion and achieving personal success. Don’t miss this motivating and insightful session!

Student G7

Rahee’s talk will share a personal story of perseverance and self-discovery that began during the pandemic. While stuck indoors, she stumbled upon a cartwheel tutorial on YouTube, sparking her determination to learn the skill, despite her mother’s concerns. After secretly practicing for months, she finally mastered it, inspired by the phrase “Just do it.” This mindset, Rahee realized, could be applied not only to physical challenges but also to schoolwork and personal struggles. Her talk will encourage the audience to stop overthinking and embrace action, showing how a moment of courage can lead to unexpected success. Don’t miss this empowering session!

Student G6

Blair, a sixth-grade student at Chadwick, will explore the global phenomenon of mukbang and its stark contrast with the reality of world hunger. In her talk, she discusses how mukbang videos, where people eat large quantities of food for entertainment, can be used to raise awareness about hunger. Blair suggests incorporating hunger relief ads into these videos to encourage donations and proposes a universal symbol of world hunger. Her talk promises to inspire action and highlight the importance of addressing global food insecurity. Don’t miss this eye-opening session!

Student G6

Chowon’s talk will share her experiences as a Third-Culture Kid, navigating the complexities of identity while growing up in China as a Korean. Facing stereotypes and questions about where she belonged, she ultimately learned to embrace both cultures and take pride in her unique identity. Chowon’s journey of self-discovery has led her to help others, especially students struggling with cultural identity, by encouraging them to be brave and define their own paths. Don’t miss this inspiring session on finding strength in cultural diversity!

Student G6

Mata’s talk, "Listening to Your Inner Voice," will focus on the transformative power of self-reflection and embracing one's true desires. As a new student, Mata experienced loneliness, but through introspection, she realized that she wasn’t allowing herself to fully express her passions. By listening to her inner voice, she found a deeper sense of purpose and connected with others who shared her interests. Mata’s inspiring session will encourage others to trust their inner voice and pursue what truly matters to them. Don’t miss this uplifting talk!

Student G6

Chloe’s talk will address the often-overlooked realities of animal testing, shedding light on what animals endure in labs. Her presentation will not only raise awareness but also highlight simple alternatives to this controversial practice. Through her speech, Chloe aims to inspire the audience to take action and make a difference in stopping animal testing. This session promises to be both eye-opening and motivating. Don’t miss it!

Student G5

Ethan’s talk will explore the impact of dopamine on behavior, drawing from his experience training his new puppy, Dalgu. He connects this to how social media and video games use dopamine to create addictive behaviors. However, Ethan discovered that the joy and love he felt with Dalgu offered a much deeper form of happiness. His talk will encourage the audience to seek meaningful connections, whether with family, pets, or loved ones, as a way to overcome digital media addiction. Don’t miss this heartfelt and insightful session!