Youth Forum 2009
Download Recordings from Last Year's 2009 TJEd Forum Presentations
“The Youth Forum is an excellent place to find inspiration . . . The presenters motivated me and gave me important guidelines and ideas that have helped me past the walls I've hit, both in my social life and in my education. The subjects they address are very pertinent to the changes in our world and in our lives as home-schooling teenagers.” S.M. ~ Utah
Youth Forum Presenters |
||
|
Keynote Address:
No, 'Embracing Our Humanity' doesn't mean giving your current crush a squeeze, nor does it mean giving yourself a pat on the back, although both of those might be good things to do. Unfortunately, learning about being human is a little more difficult and has a lot more implications. Once you know, your view of the world and those around you will never be the same. Your path to this knowledge will require you to face embarrassment, pain, doubt and challenges. You will need more inspiration than you've ever needed before. But if you are serious about a liberal arts education and leadership, it's an awareness you absolutely must have. What does 'Embracing Our Humanity' mean? Come with an open heart, open eyes, a sense of humor and a small comfort zone and you'll begin to find the answer. Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Keynote Speaker:
James is an Owner and Mentor at Williamsburg academy, a private school in Cedar City, UT. He graduated from BYU in English and from Southern Texas College of Law. He has served as a George Wythe University Mentor. He loves animals and the outdoors, and enjoys spending time with his wife Angela, his daughter Bethany, and his son Joshua.James Ure |
 |
|
Workshops for Ages 12-13
|
Presenters for 12-13 Ages
|
|
|
Leadership Boot Camp:
Recording coming soon |
Lem Harsh Lemuel Harsh IV is a full time Distance Mentor at George Wythe University. When he finishes his schooling at GWU, Lem plans on going into International Small Business, specializing in LDC's (Lesser Developed Countries). Lem has a great love for South America and the people there; in the two years he lived there he came to understand the importance of a society’s education and financial freedom. Lem enjoys reading, learning languages and all sports. He especially loves spending time with his wife Chiya, and their daughter Faith.
|
 |
|
Got Power? Self Mastery for Success in Life
Every one of us wants certain things. We want happiness at home with our siblings and parents. We want to be good at talking to people. We want to know how to get the things we want and need. We want happiness. We want relationships. We want intelligence. We want success. What do you REALLY want? Did you know you can get whatever you want? Getting what you want in life is a skill. There is a kind of language that has to be learned and practiced in order to get what you want. Leaders know this language. Come find your POWER for success by learning the keys to communication, which are the keys to getting what you want in life and in learning. |
Nicholeen Peck Nicholeen Peck dances around her house in her pajamas, sings in the shower at the top of her lungs, and talks to adults and youth all over the country about how to build strong relationships and become people of virtue and courage. She is passionate about communication and feels the key to making a great person a great leader is communication. Nicholeen is most known for her Teaching Self Government Seminars and website. She is currently working on a book on the subject. Nicholeen reads every classic she can get her hands on. Her favorite pastimes include studying, writing, teaching Shakespeare, dancing, laughing out loud, baking, astronomy and her adult discussion group. Nicholeen has completed the Five Pillar Certified from George Wythe University. |
 |
|
Ascending to your Throne:
Becoming the Natural Aristocracy "… There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents. .. The natural aristocracy I consider as the most precious gift of nature for the instruction, the trusts, and government of society." Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson believed that a natural aristocracy existed that would rise to the top of American society and be the leaders. Who are these people and how do they come into being? How can you put yourself on the red carpet leading to your own throne? In this class we hope to answer these questions and have fun in the process. Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Cyndi Hampton Cyndi Hampton and her husband, Steve, reside in North Ogden where they enjoy raising their 7 delightful children, aged 7-20, whom she has lovingly and happily homeschooled for the past 16 years - with only a few minor lapses in the afore mentioned adjectives. She is a Co-founder of Polar Star Youth Education Association and has had the wonderful opportunity to work with many other homeschool families as they have built a educational community. She has a B.A. from the University of Utah, with a double major, Mathematics and English Literature. The greatest pleasure in her life has been to see her own children take off in their education - especially when it involves acting like a real leader, followed closely by seeing others' children and her own friends doing the same. She encourages her children to do funny things that aren't too dangerous and hopes they will make their mark on the world with minimal damage to others’ property. She is on the 30-year plan to get her master's degree from GWU and hopes that she can finish it before she dies. |
 |
|
Exceeding Your Grasp
"Ah, but man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a Heaven for?"
Have you got Big Dreams? Do you dare to "disturb the Universe"? Are you interested in ways of helping all your wildest dreams come true -- even if you didn't vote for Pedro?Come journey with us through fact and fable for a lively discussion of how a mountain, a mouse, a convicted thief (not the speaker!) and chocolate cake can get you closer to the wishes that your heart makes. You too can uncover the S.M.A.R.T., S.M.A.R.T.E.R. and S.M.A.R.T.E.S.T. ways of reaching beyond your grasp -- with ALL your fingers!! Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Debi Watson Debi has been dreaming for more than twenty years, and has been fortunate (and persistent!) enough to encourage many of these dreams to come true: she has climbed Mount Sinai, cheered thousands of people while dressed as a blue bunny at the world's largest indoor mall, and now she even gets to speak at the Youth Forum in Salt Lake City! She is still actively dreaming of finally being published, swimming with dolphins, and inventing a self-making bed. Maybe next year... |
 |
|
If
Remember little Mowgli in Jungle Book? I can imagine him now, wrestling with his brothers, the wolf cubs, and learning the ways of beasts and men…sometimes hard to tell apart! I feel like a beast myself sometimes, especially when dinner is late (which happens a lot since I am the cook!) Mowgli’s creator, Rudyard Kipling had a lot more to say about that topic. After a life of world-wide adventures, he decided to leave his best thoughts for us in a poem, called, simply: “If.” Join me as together we explore the most awesome jungle of all – the jungle of men – through the eyes of Mr. Kipling. Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Diann Jeppson
Diann Jeppson is the Forum Chairman and Co-Director of TJEd MarketPlace. She is the founder and current President of American Youth Leadership Institute. Her engagement with TJEd led her to co-author A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion . She received a BA in statesmanship from George Wythe College, and is a Masters in Education candidate at that institution. She has presented at numerous education conferences. Jodie Palmer and Diann Jeppson co-own HomeFires.ws, a leadership education seminar and mentoring company. She and her four daughters perform professionally as The Wildflowers, a family bluegrass band. She and her husband Adam live with their daughters in West Valley City, Utah. |
 |
|
Workshop for Ages 14-15
|
Presenters for Ages 14-15 |
|
|
Living Life in the Sweet Spot!
It seems that some of the unavoidable feelings of life include: ackward, clumsy, frumpy, plain, unstylish, overwhelmed, out of place and bored. In "Living Life in the Sweet Spot", I hope to shed some light on how you can bump into your sweet spot, your groove, your niche, your mojo. Well, at least until Friday afternoon, after that you are on your own. I look forward to seeing you there. |
Dan Ralphs Dan Ralphs is a native of Ukiah, California. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education from George Wythe University. A popular speaker Mr. Ralphs has lectured in eleven different states and three different countries on a variety of subjects including education, leadership, personal success and politics. After years of working for George Wythe University, one of the premier leadership schools in the nation. He has returned to his true love of teaching at Williamsburg Academy, a small leadership-focused private school, where he is the primary mentor of 15 “very talented” high school age students. He is married to the former Allison Schnepf and they reside in Enoch, Utah with their three children Jay, Malia and Caleb. |
 |
|
Can You Rephrase That?
Shakespeare, Milton and even scriptural texts are written in old English. Boring, right? Wrong! These texts contain some of the most insightful, hilarious and memorable lines in print. Come and learn 3 secrets for unmasking the meaning of even the most difficult passages. We'll explore (and maybe even act out) some of my favorite passages from Shakespeare for a few great laughs and poignant insights. Reading will never be quite the same again. Join me for some learning and fun! Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Kyla Thomas Kyla Thomas is 21 years old and the oldest of 6 kids. She recently graduated from George Wythe University with a Bachelor's degree, and is looking forward to graduate studies. She is the project head of the Mother House Governess Society, which is designed to strengthen families and prepare single women for competent motherhood. Kyla currently teaches at Clear Horizons Academy, a school for children with Autism, and has also had many opportunities to speak to youth (one of her favorite things to do!). Kyla loves learning, singing with her family, and playing her violin. She's also addicted to the outdoors, and loves writing about them. Kyla believes that the best part of life is the opportunity to make positive change, and she hopes to capitalize on it as much as one person can. She hopes you will join her in the adventure! |
 |
|
Your Passion, Your Power
What makes you come alive? Chances are, what you really want from life is more than nice stuff or a new car. The thing you are looking for involves really making a difference. You want to know that the world is a different place because you were here. Whether your mission involves feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, saving children in Africa or being the world's best brother, sister, and friend; you don't have to wait. The thing you are most passionate about now probably holds a key to what you are really here to do. Come find out how! |
Emily Black
|
 |
|
Am I a Great Soul?
|
Bonnie Jones
Bonnie Jones lives in Kaysville, Utah, with her husband, Stan, and son, Travis. Her daughter, Valerie, is living in Roanoke, VA, attending Hollins University, a private liberal arts university. Bonnie has a BA in English and French Education from BYU and spent a semester abroad in Paris, where she learned to love the arts. She received an MA in Education from George Wythe University through the GWU Extension program. She has previously mentored others in the GWU Extension classes and Statesmanship Seminars and in a scholar phase mom school using the “Everything is History” approach. This year, she is teaching full-time at Paradigm High School, a TJEd-based charter school. |
 |
|
The Color of Your Genius
There’s a good chance your blood is not red. . . OK not really.
But we are convinced that you have one of 4 colors inside (red, blue, purple or yellow), and that these colors correspond with your gifts or genius. You’ve heard it before, “everyone is a genius”. . . but what does that mean?
You’d be surprised at how much you want to be understood . . .
. . .and how much being understood depends on how well you know your own genius.
We won’t extract blood samples or read your horoscope, but we will help you discover the color of your genius and help you take a huge step toward being understood. It all begins when you can see the genius in the people around you. |
Allen and Martha Levie Allen Levie met Martha Harsh at George Wythe University. After he won her heart they were married and five beautiful children followed. Allen & Martha love reading literature on dates (LOTR being their favorite), playing with their children, traveling and visiting with family & friends. They currently live in Cedar City Utah and life is good. |
  |
|
Workshops for Ages 16-18
|
Presenters for Ages 16-18 |
|
|
Special Double Session
"Somehow the killing of a giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of a wizard or the dwarves or anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder..."
Through a combination of simulation, role-play and directed reading we will help each participant to avoid the tangle of doubt and fear. When you recognize where you are and what you need to do, you will indeed be ready to repair the universe. |
Joint Presentation by: Meghan Muyanja is the Director of Operations at George Wythe University. In this capacity she oversees the university's human resources, facilities and operations activities. Mrs. Muyanja holds two earned degrees from George Wythe University; Statesmanship (B.A., 2005) and Education (M.A., 2008). Meghan has taught youth in both the public and private sectors. Her passion and mission is Educating the Ignorant. Prior to accepting this position she lived in Uganda, Africa, where she founded the Leadership Education Uganda project (LEU), a program that mentors Ugandan educators in the Leadership Education Model. Her personal motto is “be the change you wish to see in the world”. Meghan resides in Cedar City with her husband Michael Muyanja. Dr. Elizabeth Smailes is a Mentor at George Wythe University. One of our more experienced mentors, Liz has traveled the Southwestern United States extensively with her husband Joe during their 30 years of marriage. Beginning as a nursery school teacher, Liz put Joe through school and then moved with him to Texas after he graduated where she worked on an exotic game ranch. Her next educational experience was a nursing program in Northern California followed by 10 years as a certified sign language interpreter. During this same time she also taught a high school level religious studies course for 5 years. Mrs. Smailes has owned and operated her own business for the last 17 years. Liz holds three earned degrees from George Wythe; Statesmanship (B.A., 2002), Education (M.A., 2004) and Constitutional Law (Ph.D., 2008). Although she is grateful for all of her life’s experiences, her greatest claim to fame is her 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Mrs. Smailes resided in Cedar City, Utah with her husband Joe. |
  |
|
Special Double Session
Everywhere you turn people are talking about the economy. Some say that we are entering the worst depression since the 1930s; others say that this is but a minor hiccough in our otherwise robust economy. Who’s right? Today’s economic debate has been discussed for the last 100 years by great economic thinkers. The problem is that few (including the pundits in the media) have ever read these great classics. Come and discuss the various theories of why were are in this mess, and how we can get out of it. Maybe more importantly, learn how you can prepare yourself to prosper in the challenges ahead, regardless of the future. Add this recording to your shopping cart ($4) |
Shane Schulthies
Shane S. Schulthies received his PhD in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University where he subsequently taught for 13 years. He also has degrees in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. He is widely published and has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. He has a broad background in academics, consulting, business, and government. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Constitutional Law. He is married to the former Kimberly Hanson. They have 10 children. |
 |