Exeter student wins place on TEDxExeter stage

A long-term fan of TED Talks has won a place on the Northcott stage at this month's TEDxExeter Conference.

In the face of tough competition from fellow members of the College debating society, Abbie McGregor (16) who is in her first year at Exeter College wowed the judges from TEDxExeter with her talk Remember to DREAM.

Abbie was introduced to TED Talks by an inspiring teacher at primary school when she was 10 or 11. “I really liked the idea that people stood there telling us what they thought,” she says. “I watched as many as I could. Through TED Talks I learned about the inequalities in the world. I love the ones about justice. They made me want to be a lawyer, to stand up for justice, to stand up for people who are misrepresented.”

She lives in Torquay and attended Torquay Girls Grammar before moving to Exeter College for A levels. A keen singer, dancer and actor, Abbie is now also an active member of the Exeter College debating society.

“The idea of joining it came out of critical thinking classes. It’s like drama, but more meaningful as it’s changing something. It’s so entertaining to watch and to be part of it. Exeter College puts a lot of effort into it, and we enter into lots of competitions.

“I’ve always loved English: interested in books, poetry and drama – just saying what you think. Now I’m studying English literature and language. I can’t get enough of it.” She hopes to study law at university.  

Abbie follows Beth Barnes onto the TEDxExeter stage. Beth won the Exeter College competition last year. Her talk on Effective altruism has been watched by nearly 11,000 people.

“We are tremendously proud as a college to have one of our exceptional young people speaking at TEDxExeter 2016,” says Exeter College assistant principal Emma Fielding. “I have no doubt that Abbie’s thought provoking and insightful reflections will challenge those listening to reflect on  how we can best support future generations to turn their dreams into realities.”

TEDxExeter is keen to reach as wide an audience as possible, and that includes young people. This year, as well as filling the Exeter Northcott Theatre (tickets sold out in just 22 minutes), it is livestreaming to Exeter University’s Alumni Auditorium where groups from local schools and colleges will be in the audience. Tickets are now available for livestreams at Exeter Central Library and the Pavillions, Teignmouth. Seats at RAMM are available on a first come basis.