In this inspiring talk, 13-year-old Riana shares her journey of learning to stop cutting off pieces of herself just to fit in. From pretending to love soccer in a debate to hiding her true self in middle school, she takes us through the pressure teens face to conform socially, academically, and emotionally. Riana reveals how trying to “fit the mold” often means losing what makes us unique. With wisdom well beyond her years, she calls on young people everywhere to choose honesty over perfection and authenticity over approval. This is a rallying cry for every teen to be real, be bold, and truly belong. Riana Kumar is an eighth-grade student at The Overlake School in Redmond, Washington. She is passionate about lacrosse, dance, and debate. She plays on Overlake School’s lacrosse team and competes with her club team in the fall. Riana trains in ethnic dance at PCIPA and will begin learning new styles at the Premier Dance Center. As a member of the Overlake debate team, she regularly participates in tournaments. She also serves as a student ambassador, representing her school at open houses and interviews. Riana is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to grow through every experience. 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
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- 14:39Finding Purpose Beyond Fame | Sanam Saeed | TEDxAzadiStreetIn this heartfelt TEDx talk, Sanam Saeed shares her journey of moving beyond the spotlight to discover deeper meaning and purpose in life. Known for her acclaimed career in acting, she opens up about the realities of fame, the challenges of identity, and the search for fulfillment that goes beyond recognition and applause. Through her story, Sanam highlights the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and choosing paths that align with personal values and impact. Her talk serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to redefine success—not by external validation, but by the purpose they create within. Sanam Saeed is an award-winning actress celebrated for her powerful roles and contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Beyond her artistic achievements, she is an advocate for personal growth, social change, and living with authenticity. At TEDx, she delivers her talk “Finding Purpose Beyond Fame”, sharing her journey of self-discovery and reminding audiences that true success lies not in fame, but in finding meaning, impact, and purpose. 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
- 12:21Courage to Change: My Path from Acting to Finance | Mashal Khan | TEDxAzadiStreetIn this deeply personal TEDx talk, Mashal Khan shares her journey of courage, transformation, and reinvention. Once recognized in the world of acting, she made the bold decision to leave the spotlight and pursue a career as a financial analyst. Her story is one of breaking free from expectations, embracing uncertainty, and choosing a path aligned with passion and purpose. Through her experiences, Mashal highlights the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and the willingness to redefine success on your own terms. Her talk is a reminder that true fulfillment comes not from following the path others set for us, but from having the courage to create our own. Mashal Khan is a financial analyst whose journey reflects courage, resilience, and the power of reinvention. After making her mark in the world of acting, she chose to leave the spotlight behind to pursue her passion for finance. Today, she brings the same dedication and creativity that once defined her artistic career into her professional life, inspiring others to embrace change with confidence. At TEDx, Mashal shares her powerful story of transformation—“Courage to Change: My Path from Acting to Finance”—encouraging audiences to redefine success, follow their inner calling, and have the strength to begin again. 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
