Five speakers gathered Sunday evening underneath the Loyd Archway to share their thoughts on the ever-changing world around us at a semi-annual event held in partnership with TEDxSMU.

“I’m excited to see all the varying speakers and get an idea of the different perspectives here on campus,” said sophomore Mushfequr Rahman.

The speeches were variations on the theme “the essence of a changing world.” The speakers were a diverse group of people uniquely qualified to offer insight into their points of view.

Nathan DeVera–president of the rugby club, SMU’s male a cappella group and student body vice president–was the only student speaker. He spoke on how everything changes with time, and how math helped him to realize that it’s alright to put things in a form that better suits you.

Coordinator for the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (OSCIE) and Residential Community Director of the Service House Micah Johnson covered the shift from traditional to servant-based leadership.

Assistant Director of OSCIE Erica Zamora discussed the importance of the media’s strides toward inclusivity.

“My speech is called Crazy Mixed Asian, a play off Crazy Rich Asians,” said Zamora before the event, “and I’ll be talking about what representation has looked like for me as a biracial person, and some recent things in pop culture that have really got me thinking.”

Dr. Sydney Gardner ushered in her sixth week as the director of SMU’s Women and LGBT Center with her speech on transitioning the categorization of the word “ally” from a label to an action.

Associate Dean of Student Life Dr. Evelyn Ashley emphasized the importance of allowing some things to be constant despite the whirlwind of change we’re all surrounded by.

“I think my favorite one was Micah,” said Chase Drexler, sophomore and Residential Assistant in Loyd Commons. “He spoke about servant leadership, which was really cool because he brought in a different perspective.”