TA Talks: Face Your Fears, Urges Daniello

Doing something for the first time is often an experience riddled with fear and anxiety, but that didn’t stop Cole Daniello ’26 from kicking off the TA Talks series for the new school year.

In fact, it was kind of the point. 

“I’m shaking, but at least I’m doing it,” the senior told his Upper School audience Sept. 10 in the CFA’s Hale Theater to open the Wednesday morning speaker series. 

The TA Talks format allows a student, faculty member, or staff member to deliver a 10- to 15-minute talk on a topic of personal significance. The speaker’s words are supported by images from their own collection as well as from student photographers, filmmakers, or artists whose work is sought specifically for the occasion. Upper School English Faculty Kate Hayman, a member of the TA Talks team, said Daniello worked with the team members during an August workshop and impressed them with both his topic and his message to classmates, especially underclassmen. 

“We knew he’d be a great first speaker — funny, encouraging to younger and new students, and thematically resonant with the new school year,” said Hayman. “Yes, his topic was personal, but I think the topics almost always are. The best talks are drawn from the experiences our speakers have.” 

Daniello chose the topic of facing one’s fears in order to chase one’s passions. More specifically, he explained how watching his older brother Max overcome adversity to live life authentically inspired him to do the same. 

“My brother dealt with a lot when he was younger,” said Daniello, “but he always stayed true to himself.” 

By “a lot,” he explained, Daniello meant teasing, backbiting, and even straight-up bullying as his older brother pursued a variety of interests, from theater to tap dance to drums to hip hop. Despite such hardships, Max persevered and now studies film at the University of Southern California. 

“These performances showed me that doing what you love is cool,” Daniello said. 

At one point Daniello referenced a survey in which 50 percent of young people admitted to playing down a talent for fear of being ridiculed. Doing some quick math, Daniello said that meant that roughly 265 members of his audience were hiding their real selves out of fear of other people’s judgement. This, he told the crowd, was about 265 too many. 

“Take it from Max,” said Daniello. “Don’t worry about what other people think or say. Just be you and do you. Do what makes you happy because this is your life, and other people's opinions shouldn’t hold you back.” 

One highlight occurred when Daniello played a short video of Max engaging in a real-time conversation with his former self from 2019. This was possible because 2019 Max had had the creativity and foresight to record a series of questions for his future self. The discussion included talk of hairstyles, music, beloved pets, and a common love for movies. 

“You will watch [Avengers:] Endgame three times,” 2025 Max told 2019 Max. “You will cry each time.” 

A little later 2025 Max had a word of warning for his previous self. 

“COVID-19,” the older and wiser Max said. “You don’t even know what that is. There’s going to be a pandemic.” 

But 2019 Max also had some words of wisdom for his future self. 

“Don’t worry about it,” said 2019 Max, referring to whatever problem might be vexing 2025 Max. “It will get better, and I know you will handle it perfectly.” 

Daniello, who flashed a broad smile seconds after his talk concluded, admitted that those pre-talk butterflies may have felt more like bowling balls, but he said he wouldn’t have done anything differently. 

“After my talk was over, I felt amazing,” he said. “I felt so happy that I got my and my brother’s story across.” 

And he had a word of advice for any members of the Thayer community on the fence about giving their own talks this year. 

“Why not?” Daniello asked before adding: “Don’t worry about what other people think. If you want to do it, do it!” 

The TA Talks series began in the fall of 2023 and was soon embraced by the Upper School community. Hayman said she’s looking forward to another great year. 

“We’ve got some fun talks in the works,” she said, “but I’m mostly looking forward to seeing how things develop from small seeds to full stories. There’s magic in the process.” 

There are also plans, Hayman added, to expand the TA Talks program to the Middle School this spring. While logistics are still being worked out, she said, a core component of the expansion will be talented Upper School students — those who’ve given their own TA Talks — supporting Middle School students in the drafting and delivery of their own mini-talks.