Captivated by the influence of cultural figures, Maya explores their impact in her TED Talk, “Emotional Ambassadors”. In it, she reflects on how icons shape our society-not as templates to copy, but as sources of inspiration to help us discover and define who we are. With passion and insight, Maya encourages others to look beyond the spotlight and find meaning in the emotional connections we form with the people who inspire us. Maya Huber is a natural performer with a powerful stage presence and a dream of becoming an icon herself one day. Maya graduated from Brown County High School in Nashville, Indiana in 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

This talk, Stuck In The Loop Of Later, by Michelle Nongoh, is a brutally honest, deeply personal, and unexpectedly empowering talk about procrastination, where the speaker spoke about why we keep putting things off and how it’s holding us back from becoming our best selves.With humour, vulnerability, and wisdom beyond her years, Michelle shares the story of how one small act of procrastination turned into a moment she’ll never forget, costing her not only her grade but also a friendship she valued. But this is not a tale of shame. It’s a mirror many of us need to look into.Why do we sabotage our success by doing everything but the one thing we truly need to? Is it laziness—or fear? Is procrastination the problem—or a symptom?Michelle breaks it all down. From present bias and perfectionism to dopamine distractions and emotional avoidance, she explores the psychology behind the delay. But more importantly, she offers clear, actionable ways to break the cycle—without guilt, without shame, and without needing superpowers. Michelle is an enthusiastic and socially intelligent 12-year-old Year 7 learner who brings warmth and joy to every environment. She won first place in cycling during the 2024 inter-house competitions and is recognised for her positive attitude and eagerness to contribute. With a love for people and a curious mind, Michelle is quickly growing into a thoughtful, inclusive young learner who naturally brings others together. 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