USC will be hosting its first TEDx conference this October, and among the speakers is third-year sport and entertainment student Lyric Swinton, the only student in the lineup.
“I grew up always watching TED talks when I got to high school, of course I never thought I would be in the situation to give one,” said Swinton. “If I thought that I would ever be able to give one, I thought I’d be 45; I’m only 20. It's literally not only just a dream come true ... it’s really surreal.”
The selection process was difficult, because so many people were interested in presenting at the event, according to USC's director of public relations Jeff Stensland.
“There are so many talented and engaging individuals right here in the Midlands that narrowing the list down to only a few was excruciating for those tasked with making the selections,” Stensland said. “It was a long process, but ultimately will make for a great event.”
A TEDx talk is a showcase where speakers are able to present ideas or philosophies in under 18 minutes, and USC's event will include the theme "create."
“Creativity is at the heart of what we do and who we are as a university; in how we share knowledge, devise new ways to approach problems and celebrate artistic pursuits,” Stensland said.
The theme also complements a new initiative brought to USC in May called USCreativity, which celebrates the many forms of creativity at USC.
“Everybody is talking about something different, an idea that we learned through our life experiences or our jobs, professions or areas of study that we feel would be beneficial for us to share with the rest of the world,” Swinton said.
Swinton will be sharing a written piece that explores her past experience with stereotypes at the conference.
“I’m just excited to represent for my community, represent the poor, the opportunity scholars program, representing the student government, all these programs that gave so much to me,” Swinton said. “I’m just really excited to just represent for all these people that made me who I am.”
In her presentation, Swinton hopes to urge the audience to learn more about looking past stereotypes and to become more transparent with how people want to be viewed as well as how they view others.
“We should look deeper than what we see on the surface because at the end of the day, we share two colors, we share garnet and black,” Swinton said.
TEDxUofSC will take place on Oct. 9 at USC’s Alumni Center. A total of 12 speakers, including Swinton, will be presenting at the event.
“A lot of effort went into the planning of this event, but it will be well worth it if attendees walk away feeling inspired,” Stensland said. “The conversations that take place and connections people make at the event is how ideas can germinate and lead to real change. That would be a tremendous legacy.”