Rezhwan Nariman’s speech tackles the common but challenging dilemma of choosing high school subjects and how these decisions shape one’s future. With humor and honesty, he reflects on the pressure students face to pick a fixed career path at a young age, often influenced by peers or family expectations. Rezhwan encourages students and parents alike to rethink this mindset—suggesting that subject choices should be viewed as flexible steps rather than permanent commitments. He shares his own experience of switching from biology to math after realizing his true interests, emphasizing the importance of exploring strengths and passions instead of following trends or societal pressure. He also highlights that even if the right time to pursue a dream doesn’t come immediately, it’s never too late to revisit it. Ultimately, Rezhwan’s message is one of exploration, adaptability, and support, reminding everyone that early choices don’t define a lifetime and that self-discovery is an ongoing journey. Rezhwan, is as a top-tier academic talent, consistently demonstrating a remarkable commitment to his studies. He is now poised to join the esteemed ranks of the graduating Class of 2025. 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

Mohammad Ismail’s speech is a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and courage. Initially dreaming of becoming a doctor, he realized over time that his true passions lay elsewhere—especially in politics and international relations. Despite facing criticism for prioritizing experiences like Model UN over exams, Mohammad embraced these opportunities, driven by a strong sense of responsibility to his homeland. Balancing his university studies with managing a carpentry business, he highlights the importance of passion and accountability in overcoming challenges. His story encourages others to break free from conventional expectations and create their own unique path to success. Founder and CEO OF CEDRO Decors in Erbil, Mohammad is CESK alumni and an inspiring entrepreneur. 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

Bawan Omar shares his powerful journey from a Kurdish childhood marked by loss and displacement, through struggles with cultural adaptation, bullying, and academic challenges in England. Despite setbacks and tough choices, including dropping out and changing career paths, he persevered—finding success and purpose as a teacher and mentor. Bawn’s story highlights the strength it takes to break old shells, embrace vulnerability, and grow through adversity. His message inspires us to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles or where we come from. As a respected leader in education with nine years of experience working with secondary students in Kurdistan, Mr. Bawan offers unique insights into the development of today's Kurdish youth. 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

Seventeen-year-old Baran Shahram shares her journey of overcoming the pressure to constantly say yes and achieve, at the cost of her own well-being. She reveals how the “invisible curriculum” pushes students to prioritize success over self-care, leading to burnout and guilt. Baran encourages us to recognize when we’re saying yes out of fear or obligation, and to find the courage to say no and prioritize ourselves. A powerful reminder that you are enough just as you are. Currently in Grade 11 at CISK, Baran's leadership shines as an elected member of the Cambridge International Student Council, actively shaping the student 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

In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Alaa Sharif challenges the conventional notion of mistakes. Drawing from her own journey—from facing the heartbreak of failing her university thesis to overcoming burnout and cultural identity struggles—Alaa shares how she transformed setbacks into powerful lessons by owning her decisions. She explores the pressure of perfectionism, the importance of seeking help, and the courage it takes to embrace life’s uncertainties. Alaa invites us all to shift our mindset from blaming mistakes to recognizing choices as valuable teachers, empowering us to take responsibility and find meaning in every outcome. Her story is a testament to resilience, self-compassion, and the strength found in vulnerability. Alaa is a graduate of Cyber security and advocates for mental health awareness in Kurdistan. She works with Kurdish youth on a daily basis 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

Anil Chhikara had spent years chasing the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, when the pandemic hit, and everything stopped. Behind the pitch decks, the passion and the hustle, he was facing traumatic personal losses and struggling through depression and panic attacks.In this deeply personal talk, Anil talks about how he unexpectedly found guidance by Bhagavad Gita using AI to explore its teachings and sought wisdom, not from the world around him, but from within. What followed was inner engineering, healing and discovering. His story serves as an unfiltered reminder that success in the world means nothing if you lose yourself along the way and resilience thrives when you stop running from the chaos and start learning from it. Anil Chhikara is a spirited serial entrepreneur , emerging OTT actor , and a true testament to the power of following one's passion. Anil's journey has been a rich tapestry of diverse experiences, from founding EdTech startups to mentoring and consulting on a $100M+ startup portfolio , and now returning to entrepreneurship and guiding early-stage startups to 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