What if the quietest places in our towns held the loudest lessons? In this moving and deeply personal talk, Megan Barnes invites us on a journey that begins in an old cemetery—and leads to a powerful revelation about legacy, memory, and the people who shaped the very ground we walk on. While exploring headstones and histories, one name stood out: Myrtilla Miner. A forgotten educator who defied the norms of her time. Through Myrtilla’s life, and the lives of countless others buried beneath our feet, Megan reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling, and that the best way to honor the past is to live a life worth remembering. “Live like someone is going to tell your story someday.” Megan Barnes never expected to go viral when she started cleaning headstones in Central New York’s cemeteries, but her passion for preservation has now introduced millions of people to the forgotten histories of surrounding tiny towns. An Earth Science teacher at Madison Central School, Megan began documenting her work—restoring graves and uncovering the stories behind them—on TikTok. What started as a small project quickly gained traction, with her most-watched video surpassing 20 million views.Using meticulous research and careful restoration techniques, Megan has revitalized nearly 500 headstones, ensuring that the early settlers and everyday people who shaped her community are not lost to time. Her work not only honors the past but also sparks conversations about history, memory, and the way we care for those who came before us. 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

What if pollution could be transformed into profit—and climate action into a trillion-dollar economy?In this bold talk, Shuvasish Bhowmick unveils the untapped potential of carbon credits, where every ton of CO₂ reduced sparks financial and environmental value. From Tesla’s $1.6 billion carbon windfall to startups like ATEC’s Cook-to-Earn model, he reveals how businesses are turning emissions into opportunity—projecting the market to explode from $2B today to $250B by 2030.Discover how:Climate action fuels capitalism: Companies like Microsoft and Delta buy credits to meet net-zero goals while strengthening brands.Innovation thrives: Blockchain, apps, and community projects monetize "spare carbon" like Airbnb monetized spare rooms.You can participate: Whether by tracking household emissions or training farmers in methane-reducing techniques, billion-dollar ideas start small.Shuvasish’s vision? A world where profit and purpose collide, proving that saving the planet isn’t just ethical—it’s exceptionally good business. Shuvasish Bhowmick is a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the energy sector, known for driving innovation, sustainability, and social impact. He serves as Managing Director of ATEC Australia International Ltd (Bangladesh), leading clean cooking solutions through patented biodigesters and IoT-enabled stoves. His “Cook to Earn” model helps rural households reduce indoor air pollution while earning carbon credits. Shuvasish holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Renewable Energy) and an MBA in Marketing, along with certifications in supply chain, carbon management, and project leadership. He was named “Most Influential Marketing Leader” by CMO Asia and is the only Bangladeshi recipient of the 2025 CHIEF Scholarship from WMI Singapore. Beyond his corporate role, he is a content creator with 1M+ followers and the author of Cockroach Startup, a book promoting resilient, impact-driven entrepreneurship. 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

AI is fast, precise, and data-driven—but lacks common sense. Humans have empathy and intuition, but we're flawed. Dr. Petrilli explores why together, we're better. Christopher Petrilli, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Senior Director of Revenue Cycle Operations Management at NYU Langone Health. 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

Today, our attention is constantly under attack. Phones, notifications, and social media make it harder than ever to stay focused. The problem isn’t within us, but around us. Focus means giving your full attention to one thing, and it can be trained. By putting the phone aside, creating a simple workspace, and practicing short periods of deep work, we can start to rebuild it. We don’t need to reject technology, but we must take control of how we use it. In a world full of noise and distraction, the real power lies in being able to think clearly and focus deeply. Hüsnü Alper is a dedicated and multi-talented 10th-grade student with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and the arts. As a key member of the mechanical team in the VEX Robotics Competition held in Turkey, he has demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a keen interest in engineering. His global outlook was further enriched through his participation in a student exchange program between Türkiye and Latvia, where he engaged in cross-cultural dialogue and academic exchange.Beyond academics, Hüsnü is an active contributor to his school community. He is a committed athlete on the school’s basketball team and a proud member of the school marching band, balancing both intellectual and creative pursuits. His diverse experiences reflect a well-rounded individual driven by curiosity, discipline, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. 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

In today’s digital age, staying focused is challenging due to constant distractions like phones and social media. To improve focus, it’s important to set digital boundaries by turning off notifications and limiting phone use. Practicing single-tasking, such as using the Pomodoro technique, can boost productivity and reduce stress. Taking care of your physical and mental health through proper sleep, nutrition, hydration, and exercise also supports concentration. Though distractions are everywhere, building healthy habits and self-discipline can help us stay focused and use our time more effectively. Gözde Gülerler is a 10th-grade student at Yaşam Tasarım Science High School and a nationally awarded young mathematician, having placed 3rd in Turkey with a TÜBİTAK math project in 8th grade. She is currently working on a TEKNOFEST project with her friend focused on reducing the carbon footprint in polar regions. 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

In a world evolving faster than ever, with artificial intelligence and machines taking over many traditional roles, one human trait stands out as irreplaceable: creativity. It’s not just another subject—it’s a crucial life skill that empowers students to navigate uncertainty, imagine new possibilities, and shape a better future.Unfortunately, many schools remain focused on outdated methods—emphasizing memorization over imagination, conformity over curiosity. In this system, students are often discouraged from failing, questioning, or experimenting, even though these are the very traits that fuel innovation.Creativity isn’t limited to artists or inventors—it’s the foundation of problem-solving, empathy, and visionary leadership. From young individuals around the world defying norms and building solutions with limited resources, to global changemakers reimagining industries At 15, Fatma Naz Toksöz is a freshman at Özel Yaşam Tasarım Fen Lisesi in Alanya, Turkey. She is a talented volleyball and tennis player, embodying an active and sportive lifestyle. Her determination has led her to play significant roles in TEKNOFEST, Turkey’s premier aviation, space, and technology festival, and in the FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), an international program that encourages youth engagement in science and technology. These experiences have enhanced her skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. Fatma Naz’s passion and diligence in both sports and technology position her as a promising young individual poised for future success. 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