Student-created decorations for the event displayed at the entrance of the Parliament.
Students at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) joined the fifth installment of TUJ Talks, Temple’s version of “TED Talks,” on November 8, 2024. Held as the finale of the week-long “Spirit Week,” the event brought a vibrant atmosphere to the packed Parliament student lounge, featuring live music, dance and inspiring speeches from students that left a lasting impression on the audience.
This year’s theme was “Once Upon A Time…,” inspired by bedtime stories read by parents to their children. The event opened with a video message from TUJ Dean Matthew Wilson, who said, “You should be very excited to hear the stories, listen to experiences and witness the creativity that our talented TUJ students will share with us tonight.” True to his words, the speakers delivered stories that deeply resonated with the audience.
The first speaker, TUJ Senior Librarian Drew Damron, spoke on the theme of lessons learned from climbing mountains. He shared his experiences of hiking during the pandemic, reflecting on how it taught him resilience, the importance of camaraderie and the value of gratitude. Accompanied by breathtaking images of nature displayed on the large screen, his vivid storytelling captivated the audience.
Another standout was Sara Al Haffar, a senior and study-abroad student from Temple University’s Main Campus in Philadelphia. She delivered a heartfelt speech and poem about her journey to find her identity as a Syrian-American. Speaking with candor and power, she shared her experiences through the poem, leaving a profound impact on the audience.
The stories shared through speeches and performances evoked laughter and thoughtful nods from students, fostering a warm and meaningful unity among attendees. This dynamic interaction captured the essence of Spirit Week, fostering school pride and camaraderie among students. The many stories shared that evening deepened the bonds within the TUJ community and left a lasting sense of inspiration on this autumn night.
Alongside the speeches, TUJ Talks featured various performances, including live music and dance performances by students and a guest band from the nearby Kunitachi Music Academy in Setagaya City. The energetic rhythm of the performances drew spontaneous applause from the audience, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere.
Take a glimpse at the photos below from the TUJ Talks:
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