The leader of the rock band Eluvia, Doug McGee incorporates his own love for music and creativity into the idea of community. He discusses how it is possible to build connections through music and art, engaging the audience in an intriguing demonstration of this by leading them to sing different parts and form a rich harmony. He then uses this to make a comparison between harmony and separate parts of a piece of music, and the idea of community and the individual. -Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support the power of music! -Comment: What’s one song that connects you to others? -Speaker bio: Doug McGee is the lead singer and frontman of Eluvia 屹乐队, a band bridging cultures through music. Originally from Hawaii and based in Beijing since 2002, he draws deeply from his musical heritage, blending Western and Eastern influences in his songwriting and performances. A multi-instrumentalist, Doug has written hundreds of original songs. His band has played at major music festivals, China's Central Music Conservatory, and college campuses in cities nationwide. Beyond music, Doug is deeply engaged in creativity, philosophy, and technology, exploring how they intersect in artistic expression and human connection. Passionate about culture and collaboration, he sees music as a bridge between individuals and communities. In both performance and production, he explores co-creation as a living, evolving dialogue. Doug is passionate about the power of creative expression to transcend boundaries, forge new connections, and illuminate the deeper questions of existence. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Experience the electrifying fusion of East and West as Eluvia (屹乐队), Beijing’s groundbreaking acoustic rock band, takes the TEDx stage! In this band, there are soaring yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) with jangly guitars and powerhouse vocals, original songs in both English and Chinese, and unmatched energy, leaving the audience breathless!Featured Songs: -“Melody" -”The Hand of Time”-Subscribe for more TEDx talks and performances from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support the power of music! -Comment below: Which moment gave you chills? -Band bio: Eluvia is a Beijing-based acoustic rock band that blends the rhythmic energy of Western roots music with the unique textures of the yangqin (Chinese hammered dulcimer), layered within a dynamic modern sound. With an international lineup, they craft thought-provoking original songs in both Chinese and English, delivering performances that are both powerful and deeply engaging. Their music flows effortlessly—jangly acoustic guitars, electrifying guitar hooks, rich vocal harmonies, and the intricate resonance of the yangqin—all driven by a tight groove and an undeniable energy. From soaring anthems to intimate ballads, Eluvia bridges cultures, connecting audiences through melody, rhythm, and raw emotion. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Marco Su, a student entrepreneur currently studying business at UC Irvine, shares his firsthand experience on why and how to build startups as a college student. He identified 4 key components of success—selecting a project, understanding the market, clarifying goals, and focusing on execution—and illustrates with vivid personal anecdotes. Finally, he encourages more college students to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship to create more positive changes in the world. -Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support student voices! -Comment: What other factors do you think are key to successful startups? -Speaker bio: Marco is a senior at UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, Western U.S. Market Operations Officer at EasyTransfer, founder of Snowball AI, and co-founder of the 2% College Entrepreneurs Alliance and Chinese Art & Design Students Association. His focus lies in the commercial application of AI technology, youth education, and student entrepreneurship. Marco founded Snowball AI, which integrates generative AI with youth education. It is supported by Amazon Web Services and Apple China and is recognized in Beijing's 2024 University Innovation Program. Another of his initiatives, the 2% College Entrepreneurs Alliance, empowers students to launch viable projects through weekly sessions, mentorship, and collaborations with industry-leading organizations like Wteam. CADSA, an affiliation of the 2% CEA, is an NGO aiming to provide Chinese international students with useful information and resources to support their journey overseas. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The project assistant manager of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Yingxuan Chen shares her ideas and views on volunteer service. She reflects on her own experiences and challenges as she talks about how to find one’s vision and motivation, encouraging everyone to join her in seeking volunteerism, since she believes that small acts of kindness can be catalysts for much greater events and ultimately contribute to a better future for everyone. -Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support student voices! -Comment: What is the most attractive part of volunteering for you? -Speaker bio: Kelly Chen is the founder of the Microcosmos Volunteer Community. With a decade of extensive volunteering experience, she has developed two online databases and shared over 2,500 resources and opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on social media platforms since April 2019. In May 2022, she joined the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as a Programme Assistant. Before this role, she served as a Youth Community Engagement Assistant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she conducted workshops to promote SDGs among hundreds of youths through the Movers Programme. Kelly is also a member of the Global Shapers Community and a fellow of the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform. As an experienced event organizer and passionate project manager, she has launched multiple youth initiatives and provided professional support to several non-governmental organizations and social enterprises in China. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Chong He, a 2008 Olympic Champion in men’s diving, shares his reflections on success through the ups and downs of his legendary diving career. Starting with humble beginnings, then reaching his career’s pinnacle in 2008, and suffering a narrow defeat in London 2012, he highlights the fulfillment from the process, which is what defines a person, rather than the outcome (medal, GPA, salary, or otherwise). A must-watch for sports enthusiasts and hard-working individuals needing inspiration in chasing their dreams! -Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share! -Comment: What does success mean to you? How do you overcome agonizing defeats? -Speaker bio: He Chong is a retired Chinese professional diving athlete and Olympic champion. Renowned for his prowess in the 3-meter springboard, he won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. He is also a 6-time world champion and 3-time Asian Games gold medalist. He Chong played a key role in China's dominance in diving. His dedication and achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Fairy Ren, a junior at Beijing SMIC High School and their current Student Council President, takes the TEDx stage to share her personal guide to making the most of high school. Drawing from her experiences as a member of the volleyball team and student leader, she presents the audience with advice on building connections and embracing the vibrant opportunities these high school years would bring. A must-watch for students seeking inspiration to going through high school with confidence and joy! -Subscribe for more TEDx talks from Beijing SMIC High School -Like, comment, and share to support student voices! -Comment: If you’re an adult watching this, what’s your #1 high school survival tip? -Speaker bio: YiLin Ren is a dynamic high school student at SMIC High School, where she balances her roles as Student Council President, varsity volleyball player, and passionate scholar. With a love for math, finance, and linguistics, she finds joy in the logic of numbers, the thrill of the stock market, and the intricacies of language. As a natural leader, YiLin thrives on bringing people together, maximizing individual strengths, and turning plans into action. Off the court and out of the classroom, she channels her energy into volleyball, a sport she loves with all her heart. YiLin’s enthusiasm for leadership, teamwork, and learning drives her to make meaningful connections and inspire those around her. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx