Your topic is called ‘What two beaches taught me about belonging’. Can you describe this in more detail and share a bit about what you will be covering in your talk?

I am really excited to share a bit about my talk, What Two Beaches Taught Me About Belonging. It is a very personal story that takes the audience on a 30-year journey between two very different beaches, connected by themes of fear, belonging, community and hope.

Through my experiences, I will explore how the stories we inherit about ourselves and others can shape the way we see the world, and how curiosity and connection can help us see things differently.

What has made you so passionate about this topic? How does it relate to you or your background?

Growing up in Apartheid South Africa and being part of its transition, then moving to the UK, means I have spent much of my life navigating questions of identity, belonging and connection.

As a teacher, one of the greatest privileges is watching young people grow in confidence and discover what they’re capable of. I love those “lightbulb moments” when something suddenly clicks and they begin to see new possibilities for themselves.

My experiences have taught me that we don’t have to be limited by the stories we’ve inherited or the labels we’ve been given. That’s a lesson I try to share every day. Whether in the classroom or in the wider community, I’m passionate about encouraging people to stay curious, challenge assumptions and believe that growth and connection are always possible.

What do you think people will gain from listening to your talk?

I hope people leave with a greater sense of curiosity, connection and hope. Our stories shape us, but they don’t have to define us. Inspired by Ubuntu, the key takeaway is this: it’s not enough to recognise that we belong together; we must also consider how we choose to live because we belong together.

How has your TEDxAberdeen journey been so far? Is there anything you’ve learned that you didn’t expect, or any highlights?

After the first session, my mind was already buzzing with ideas about how I could adapt elements of the experience for my S2 learners as they prepare for their YPI presentations, as well as for the girls I am supporting with their three-minute pitches for Future Assets.

One of the biggest highlights has been the people. I’ve loved hearing everyone’s stories, seeing their confidence grow and watching their talks come together. The sense of community throughout the process has been wonderful and has reinforced something I already believe deeply, we are often better when we learn, grow and create together.

The guidance and feedback from my fellow speakers and the TEDxAberdeen team have challenged me to think more deeply about what I really want to say and why it matters. I am truly grateful for their input.

What are you most looking forward to on this journey? What are you hoping to get out of this?

I’m looking forward to the event itself. I often tell my students that one of the reasons I became a teacher is that I have an audience that can’t run away!

But in all seriousness, what excites me most are the conversations that might happen afterwards.

As a teacher, I’ve always believed that powerful ideas don’t end when a presentation finishes. They continue in discussions, reflections and the small actions people take in their everyday lives.

My hope is that the talk encourages people to look at a situation, a belief or even another person with fresh eyes.

Personally, I’m also looking forward to growing through the experience. TEDx has definitely stretched me and challenged me in ways I wasn’t expecting, but that has been part of the value of the journey.

What does being part of TEDxAberdeen 2026 mean to you?

As someone who grew up in South Africa and later made Scotland my home, my life has been shaped by crossing boundaries, building connections and learning from different communities. TEDxAberdeen feels like a space where those experiences can come together in service of a bigger conversation.

As a teacher and lifelong learner, I’ve always believed in the power of stories to change the way we see ourselves and each other. To have the opportunity to share an idea on a TEDx stage is an enormous privilege.

What I’ve enjoyed most is meeting people with very different experiences but a shared willingness to listen, learn and have honest conversations. That feels increasingly important in the world we live in, and it connects closely with the message of my talk.

If my contribution encourages even one person to look at themselves, their community or someone else’s story with greater understanding, then being part of TEDxAberdeen 2026 will have been truly worthwhile.