It takes a villager | McKenna Findley | TEDxCNU

We’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village.” It’s a comforting idea: the notion that a community naturally rises up around us, supporting our growth and shaping who we become. But somewhere along the way, that phrase has become a little passive. We wait for the village. We assume it will just appear. And when it doesn’t, many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, or convinced that we’re supposed to navigate adversity alone. This talks compels us to reframe the focus. We all want a village of support during hard times, but how often do we show up as villagers for other people?
McKenna is a current student at Christopher Newport University studying Political Science with minors in Communication and Leadership Studies. She is deeply committed to building community, amplifying student voices, and fostering meaningful dialogue. McKenna aims to create environments where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. She is passionate about advocacy, service, and using leadership as a tool for positive and lasting impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx