zhi zhou

Educator/Teacher

Hello, I'm Sarah. I'm a teacher at TEDxASJFoshan, which is at the ASJ Foshan school for students from Hong Kong and Macau. But first, I'm a mom. At home, my life is full of energy with my 10-year-old son and my 7-year-old daughter. They teach me something new every day about being curious and seeing the world in a creative way. I use these lessons from my family in my work. In the classroom, I try to create a space where my students feel safe and brave enough to share their own ideas, just like I encourage my own children to do. I believe that when young people feel heard, their ideas can grow into something amazing.

As a teacher, I see students every day with amazing ideas, but sometimes they are too shy or unsure to speak up. As a mom, I watch my own children grow and discover what they care about. My passion is to create spaces—in the classroom, on the TEDx stage, and at home—where young minds feel safe, encouraged, and excited to express themselves. I believe that when a student shares their idea, it doesn’t just change them—it can inspire friends, teachers, and even a whole community. My passion is to be that person who listens, supports, and says, "I believe in what you have to say." It’s not just about speeches or grades. It’s about confidence, kindness, and connection. When we help a young person speak up, we help them become who they are meant to be. And that is what truly matters to me.

In our fast-paced world, we often think the smartest person is the one talking the most. But real learning starts when we listen — to others, to new ideas, and even to quiet voices we usually overlook. As a teacher and a mom, I see every day how young people have deep thoughts and creative ideas, but they need someone to listen before they feel brave enough to speak. And true leadership isn’t about being at the front alone — it’s about lifting others up with you. When we help someone else share their idea, or give them the courage to speak, we all grow stronger together. This idea is simple but powerful: if we listen more and lift each other up, we can build a kinder, smarter, and more connected world — starting in our classrooms, our homes, and our community.

education, students development

My journey with TED started not on stage, but behind the scenes. Before joining ASJ Foshan, I volunteered for a TEDx event at my previous school. My role was small — I helped students rehearse their talks, organized speaker notes, and even managed timing backstage during the live event. But that experience changed how I see the power of ideas. I watched a shy student share a personal story about learning through failure, and saw the audience lean in, laugh, and even cry. In that moment, I realized something: TED isn’t just about big names or perfect speeches. It’s about real people, brave enough to be vulnerable, and listeners open enough to be moved. Now, as a teacher and a mom, I carry that belief with me. Every day, I see "TED moments" — in a student’s thoughtful question, in my children’s curious stories, in quiet conversations that spark something new. I may not be the one giving the talk, but I’ve found my purpose: to help others find their spotlight, and to remind them that their voice — however soft — deserves to be heard.

At home, with two active kids, surprises happen all the time — a spilled drink before school, a sudden fever at night, or last-minute homework panic. In class, plans sometimes change quickly when a student has a big idea or a technical problem pops up before an event. I’ve learned that staying calm isn’t about being silent or doing nothing. It’s about breathing, thinking clearly, and helping others feel safe when things feel messy. When people around me are stressed, I try to be the quiet strength that helps them focus and find a solution. It’s a simple skill, but it makes a big difference — whether I’m helping my daughter with a broken toy or guiding a student through a nervous moment before going on stage.