Razeeen Kassam: What is the most exciting part about being on the Encounters TEDEd 2024 Conference Team?

My name is Razeen Kassam. I am a grade 12 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School in Oakville, Ontario. 

When I first joined the conference team I was a little nervous. I wasn’t sure what my responsibilities would be and I only knew a few people. Once I started in my role I felt supported and motivated by all of the other members. The energy, and talent on our team is incredible. Everyone had the same vision: to create an amazing conference by youth for youth. Making an experience that will inspire youth to think about the world from a new perspective. 

For me the most exciting part of the team is that we have members from all over Canada. What I love is being able to meet new people who share different opinions and perspectives. Being able to connect, share and learn from others has been really interesting and exciting. 

Another aspect of the conference team that I enjoy is helping the different portfolios with their goals for the conference. Understanding what visions they have and trying to turn them into a reality. Being able to think outside of the box, and push the boundaries of what a conference should look like has been incredible. 

Being part of ETC and the conference team has allowed me to meet so many across the country. It has also given me a way to develop key leadership skills, start a TEDEd Club at my school and I am running our first conference there!