Simon McDonald

Educator/Teacher, Writer/Editor

I emigrated from the UK to Australia at twelve and spent my early adulthood working as a writer-director in the Australian film industry. Since 2007, I’ve lived in Indonesia, where I teach English and write fiction. My life across three continents shapes my understanding of identity, ambition, and dislocation—core themes in both my teaching and writing. With over 17 years of classroom experience, I’m passionate about empowering students to express themselves, think critically, and share their ideas with confidence. As a mentor for student TEDx talks, I would like to help young people find their voices—and believe in them.

I’m passionate about American literature. Many years ago, someone recommended The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, saying Huck and Jim’s journey captured the meaning of true friendship. That was the moment I fell in love with American literature. At university, I was fortunate to study a unit on American writing with an inspirational lecturer. We read everything from Melville to Pynchon, and I knew even then that once university was over, I’d return to those authors and dive deeper. Later, I was lucky to work with a mentor who guided me on my own American literary odyssey. Through their kindness, encouragement, and shared love of stories, I’ve kept that passion alive.

Stories are metaphors for life. They teach us how to live—and how not to. Whether it's preparing us for the moment a mentor lets us down, or reminding us to rest midway through a journey because the hardest part is still to come, stories equip us with the wisdom to face life head-on. But they also train us emotionally. By spending time with characters who can do the things we can’t—yet—we grow. When Rick puts Ilsa on the plane in Casablanca, he chooses selflessness over desire. That moment matters because he does what many of us might not be ready to do ourselves. Stories are like drinking from a healing spring. That’s why we need them—now more than ever.

Creative writing, Education, Screenwriting

My TED story began a year ago, when the school I work for changed companies. The new leadership encouraged me to become a facilitator for TED Student Talks. I signed up and was genuinely impressed by the quality of the material provided. I ran a course—but honestly, it didn’t go well. Looking back, I don’t think I had the experience yet to truly inspire my students. I followed the lesson plans and hoped the magic would just happen. When it didn’t, I quietly shelved the idea. Then, two students approached me with the idea of hosting a TEDx Youth event. Working with them to visualize and shape our upcoming TEDx has reignited my enthusiasm. This time, I feel more grounded—my earlier failure has become a valuable lesson, helping me balance excitement with realism.

Many people don’t know I’m good at acting. Years ago, when I was working as a writer-director, I took a Meisner acting workshop to build confidence directing actors. Surprisingly—despite being introverted—I was quite good at being vulnerable. Although I haven’t had many chances to use this talent (except, perhaps, when I need to act like a competent teacher), it’s had a lasting impact on my work. It sharpened my ear for dialogue and helped me access my fictional characters on a deeper level. Without even that limited experience as an actor, I doubt I’d write the way I do now.