Nephtalie Demei’s personal mission is to “make education cool.” Together with Jessika Lynch, she co-founded TEDxAmsterdamED, a side-event that sets about doing exactly that. Held this past September, it brought together a range of speakers for a day of laughter and tears, all in the name of learning.
“I think education needs an image boost,” says Nephtalie. “It’s the coolest thing to be an educator in front of all those opens minds. It’s a cliché to say, but children and youth of the world are the future – and education is key in that.”
Nephtalie has 3 favourite TEDTalks – OK, one of them isn’t strictly a TEDTalk, but it does count as an idea worth spreading – and it counts as that other ‘i’ word – ‘inspiration.’
Steve Jobs: “How to live before you die”
“I really like Steve Jobs’ talk – it’s not an official TEDTalk – but his commencement speech for Stanford University, ‘How to live before you die’ has been a real source of inspiration for me for years. I watch it every now and then and try to think that down the road it will all make sense. He talks about the dots connecting along the way and in the end. It’s all about believing in yourself and being a bit stubborn.”
What’s inspiration to Nephtalie? “That’s a tough question to answer, because it means so much,” says Nephtalie. “To me, inspiration is hope, beauty, optimism – feeling that you’re alive. That’s why it’s so important to me, and I guess other people too. You have to keep yourself inspired and find things that are inspiring.”
Brene Brown: “The power of vulnerability”
“I really like the talk by Brene Brown about the power of vulnerabilty,” says Nephtalie. “That really touched me because you realize how hard people try to keep up appearances their whole life. She breaks that all down and shows that it’s about showing who you really are without being afraid of showing it – but how you can remain strong in doing so. Being able to practice what she says has only brought me good things.”
Poet Rives: “4am mystery”
“Finally, I love Poet Rives’ ‘4am mystery’ – just because it’s important to have a little fun in life. He rants about the 4am mystery in books and songs and conspiracy theories. It’s connected to mysterious history, creepy coincidences and it’s all random. It’s really funny and light.”
“An idea worth spreading is one that must have a positive impact on your life – and the lives of others too.” Well said, Nephtalie.
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