Real Voices, Real Impact: Guest Speakers Who Inspire the Next Generation

Let’s Talk: An Inspiring Afternoon of TED Style Talks
The Power of Motivation and Resilience
In today’s fast-paced world, the concepts of motivation and resilience have never been more critical, especially for students navigating the complexities of academic and personal challenges. At FIS we believe that fostering these qualities can empower students to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.
Last Friday afternoon, the TKO auditorium buzzed with excitement as a section of our French Stream secondary students gathered for an inspiring and uplifting event titled Let’s Talk. This initiative, designed and executed by students for students, focused on the powerful themes of motivation and resilience. The afternoon was particularly vibrant, with Seconde students attending alongside TKO Troisième students. The event featured six inspiring speakers from various sectors of the Hong Kong community, each sharing their unique perspectives and experiences.

The lineup included:
Michael Maniska: Our Head of School in residence, who offered wisdom from his diverse education career, from classroom teaching to school leadership.
Fan Yan: A talented artist and musician who captivated the audience with her journey in the creative arts.
Lisa Glasgow: A trauma and stress therapist who provided valuable insights into mental health and well-being.
Christopher Price: An accomplished actor who discussed the importance of perseverance in the performing arts.
Leticia Bishop: A freelance model and makeup artist who shared her experiences navigating the fashion industry and building her business online.
John Rowley: CEO of Wallem and former British Army officer, who engaged students with tales of leadership and resilience.
The diverse backgrounds of our speakers enriched the discussions, allowing students to gain wisdom and inspiration from various fields. The atmosphere was one of encouragement, with students actively participating in the exchange of ideas and experiences. Thank you to Madame Desgouttes and Madame Rowley for their unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of this project. Their guidance was instrumental in bringing Let’s Talk to life. We also thank Madame Chatrain for graciously hosting the event at TKO.
We look forward to more initiatives that empower our students and foster community within the French International school and the broader society of Hong Kong.