Not a PowerPoint on how to get into your dream school, not a senior bashing the admissions process to compensate for their rejections, this is an appreciation for the beauty in preparing for college applications. You can sacrifice and work your hardest, just to get rejected from your dream colleges. But the system works, just not the way society thinks.Shaurya Gulani is a junior at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California. His hobbies include weightlifting, learning about wristwatch mechanics, 10k obstacle runs, hiking, charity marathons, and shoe designing. With a passion for sports medicine, he hopes to bring innovation to the field through biomedical engineering and philanthropy.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

Cary Wright is working to transform public education. He argues the most important seat for determining the future of our economy isn't found in a boardroom, but an elementary school classroom. Cary Wright is the CEO of Good Reason Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to improving public education through collaboration with families, educators, policymakers, and philanthropists. Before becoming CEO in 2023, he served as Chief External Affairs Officer and spent nearly a decade with Teach For America, including as Executive Director of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. His 15+ years in education and public affairs include roles as a press secretary in the U.S. House and a teacher in rural Mississippi. Cary serves on the boards of Houstonians for Great Public Schools, the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill Executive Committee, and the Davidson College Alumni Association. A proud Texas public school graduate, Cary earned his degree in English and Art History from Davidson College. He lives in the Houston Heights with his boyfriend, Nick, and their dogs, Memphis and Finn. In his free time, he enjoys travel, fitness, and exploring Houston’s food scene. 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

After experiencing homelessness and personal loss, Amber Robertson turned her pain into purpose. She shares solutions for ending domestic violence in the Black community through healing, advocacy, and collective empowerment. Amber S. Robertson is a Brazos Valley native, passionate community advocate, public speaker, and author. She is the founder of Brazos Valley Blessings, a nonprofit supporting local families in their version of poverty. Inspired by generations of strong women and supported by her late husband, Patrick D. Robertson, Amber has devoted herself to service through fundraising, Juneteenth celebrations, and church outreach. Recognized by the Brazos Valley African American Museum, the City of Bryan, and Texas A&M University, Amber uses her platform to uplift marginalized voices and promote mental health awareness. She is currently pursuing a BA in Social Work from Tarelton State University . She’s a children’s book author and aspiring memoirist, Amber shares her experiences with grief, healing, and resilience through storytelling. 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

Dr. Jessica Hylton fuses activism with art in raw, unforgettable verse. Through poetry reading, she shares how feminist poetry can rewrite dominant narratives and why language is a tool for both liberation and resistance. Jessica K. Hylton holds a Ph.D. from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has published two collections, Gag Order—a collection of protest poetry in erasure form based on Trump’s speeches, and The Great Scissor Hunt—a collection based on the complexities of what happens after coming out of the closet. She current works at Kansas State University Salina and remains politically active, though she does have to get approval on her escapades from her beloved dog, Goose, who is arguably just as intense as she is. 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

Hassan “MVP” Assad brings his powerhouse presence to the stage to challenge misconceptions about masculinity. Drawing from his own journey from abuse to incarceration to stardom, he argues that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Hassan Assad, known worldwide as Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), is an American professional wrestler, manager, and submission grappler. He is currently signed to AEW, managing The Hurt Syndicate, and is best known for his work with WWE and NJPW. A two-time WWE United States Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion (with Matt Hardy), and the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion, MVP began wrestling in the early 2000s after training with Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley. He debuted in WWE in 2006, where he held the U.S. Title for 343 days—the longest reign in SmackDown history. After stints in NJPW, TNA, and ROH, he returned to WWE in 2020 before joining AEW in 2024. Off the mat, MVP’s journey is one of resilience: tried as an adult at 16 for armed robbery and kidnapping, he served 9½ years of an 18½-year sentence. Today, he’s a respected veteran, motivational speaker, and social media influencer with over half a million followers. 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