In his engaging TEDx talk, Jarryd Atkinson explores the profound impact of companionship on our lives, using the simple act of sharing a beverage as a metaphor for deeper connections. He reflects on meaningful moments spent over coffee, tea, or a comforting Milo, emphasizing that it’s not the drink itself but the shared experience that enriches our memories. Atkinson highlights how companionship offers emotional and social nourishment, enabling us to share joys, sorrows, and life’s burdens. Drawing parallels with popular narratives, such as the bonds among characters in Star Wars, he underscores that triumph is often supported by loyal companions.
Through personal anecdotes and observations as a youth ministry coordinator, Jarryd illustrates how communal experiences foster genuine connections and support. He urges us to cultivate this sense of companionship not just among friends and family, but also with strangers, reminding us that authentic relationships have the power to sustain us through life’s challenges. His heartfelt message encourages us to be present, attentive, and open to connecting, transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
Jarryd Atkinson is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education at the ACU, majoring in Religious Education and Geography, he holds the position of Youth Ministry Coordinator at Saint Ignatius College.
Jarryd has a deep fascination with storytelling in all mediums, and believes that the narratives we co-create and share vicariously have the power to totally define who we are, and how we are, in this world.
This talk will explore how companionship – in its rawest, etymological sense – adds necessary depth and meaning to our lives, sets the foundation for richer, more authentic relationships, and provides a blueprint for how we ought to engage with our neighbours and the stranger. Jarryd is a teacher at St Ignatius College Geelong. 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
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “How companionship enriches our lives | Jarryd Atkinson | TEDxSaint Ignatius College Geelong Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks