A Life Between Cultures | Hona Vaioleti | TEDxUArizona

Whenever immigration is the topic of conversation or debate, we tend to focus only on the impact for first-generation immigrants. But what are the cultural effects of immigration on the children of immigrants? What does life look like for those who are connected to multiple cultures, and how can they learn to thrive in the in between? In this talk, Hona speaks of his own experience and the stories of others who have lived in this cultural middle, and shares the answer he believes he has found. Liahona Vaioleti is a current Freshman at the University of Arizona, where he is pursuing a Major in Engineering and a Minor in Spanish. Throughout high school, he competed in Speech & Debate and was named a State Champion, National Semi-Finalist, and the highest-ranked competitor in Duo Interpretation in Arizona upon graduation. He served as a Captain on his team, becoming the first in his Speech team’s history to reach 1000 NSDA Points while simultaneously training his underclassmen. Today, he continues to serve the Speech & Debate community as Tournament Judge, and he looks forward to maximizing every opportunity to use his background in Public Speaking to help others grow more confident on and off of the stage. He hopes to find more opportunities like TEDx to speak on ideas and issues throughout his community, and he looks forward to growing as both a speaker and student in the years to come. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@m.t.35]

I'm so amazed!! He hit this subject on the nail! This really hits home. I'm so proud of Hona !!

[@tyrannostrike46]

YOOOO EXCELLENT JOB HONA

[@iscentgeorge39]

So proud of you Hona! You're incredible :)

[@mirukuizzy6164]

ABSOLUTELY SLAYED HONA!!

[@cjmadsen3343]

WOW! So so good. Love Hona's perspective on multiple cultures. I saw myself analyzing the various cultures I belong to and seeing how I can make a positive impact in each one where I'm at right now rather than blazing rashly forward and becoming a fake in one or more of my cultural backgrounds.

[@ellergradstudent]

Could someone correct his last name so it is spelled correctly? Love you Hona!

[@victorialopez1092]

Viaoleti 🤩🤩

[@honavaioleti8663]

*Vaioleti