Speaking Topics

For Middle School, High School, and College Students

Belonging in Our School Community
What does it mean to truly see and value others? Do young people understand the importance of appreciating different perspectives? In the context of your school, how do students learn to recognize the worth in others’ experiences that may be different from their own? How well do they listen? Are their friendships inclusive of those who may look, believe, or think differently? While these questions can be complex, young people are more than capable of exploring them with honesty, curiosity, and empathy.

Student Leadership
Yes, the adults are encouraging students to be leaders, but what does that mean to a developing teen’s brain?   This talk explores the difference between popularity and leadership, in the context of powerful peer pressure, and shows students how to see the difference between leading through power, fear, and bullying versus mutual respect, dignity, and friendship.

Wellness, or Who will sit with me at lunch?
Sensible decision-making, positive body image, and thoughtful friendships are the keys to wellness in the still-developing teen mind, for both boys and girls, middle schoolers, high school, and college students, and yet for so many young people, issues surrounding popularity and peer pressure are overwhelming.  Shanterra presents better options.

Middle School, High School or College Freshmen – Surviving the Transition
For the newest, youngest students at a given school, the new beginning is often a difficult one.  In this talk, Shanterra encourages students to think about themselves, how and with whom they make friends, and what sort of student they want to be, while acknowledging that what is probably top of mind is “Who will sit with me at lunch?”

For Parents, Teachers, Coaches, and Other Adults in the Lives of Young People

The reality of peer pressure, or Who is going to sit with me at lunch?
Adults who work with kids want every one of them to be liked, to be seen, to be heard.  But without a positive sense of self and a sense of connection and commitment to others, no young person can shine.  Unfortunately, peer pressure, negative body image (for everyone), and fear of making decisions overwhelm many students.  Shanterra helps adults understand how to give young people the tools and skills, and the bravery to overcome peer pressure and negative thoughts, and to be successful in spite of the constant question that nags at so many:  Who is going to sit with me at lunch?

With a global reach spanning schools, colleges, camps, and youth programs, Shanterra has impacted the lives of more than 20,000 students—encouraging personal dignity, inner strength, and meaningful action. To view where she has spoken, click here.