Voice Up: Voices of Hope and inspiration

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to be inspired and excited by listening to a group of teenagers talk about their dreams. But thats exactly what happened when I went along to the Voice Up event  on Friday 30th january at Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK).

Organised by a Year 12 student at RCHK Phipson Lee Voice up has been inspired by the TEDx talks around the world. For these events, however, it is young people talking about their Dreams and issues close to their heart. Eight teenagers and two adults from schools across Hong Kong and from an environmental organisation.

I heard about: 'Why you should vote', 'Why you should do, and not just dream' , 'What happens when the american and chinese dream collide!' and the 'Why silence is not an option!' These were just 4 of the 10 talks on offer on an evening augmented by some great music from RCHK students.

What struck me was how aware the students were about the issues that faced them. Full of passion and reason, they were talking about what it means to fail academically, the pressure to follow others dreams and not their own, and the pressure to succeed. 

What also struck me is the amount of positive psychology  the students were talking about. Although they didnt use the terminology, there was a lot of discussion of growth vs fixed mindset, character strengths, emotional balance and positivity ratios, grit and resilience and gratitude. Such an awareness of aspects that impact on their wellbeing and success was truly encouraging!

The audience was made up of teachers and students from across Hong Kong schools enthusiatically cheering the speakers they knew and all the other impressive speaches.

I was left energised to think about aspects of my own life, my dreams and actions. As a result I was struck by how inspiring this would be for all teenagers 13 and upwards, to show them that thinking and talking about your dreams and the struggles you face is a good and natural thing, and something everything should pursue.

A great event and one I hope is repeated in years to come, and across different schools. Well done Phipson and the team, and well done RCHK for supporting the event