Why You Should Choose the Long Road | Advika Choudhury | TEDxGIIS Abu Dhabi
From Nothing—that’s what Ex Nihilo means.
But do we really start from nothing?In this talk, I unpack the myth of starting from zero.
Blending humour, heartbreak, and honesty, I share my journey—from a shy little girl with two left feet to becoming Head Girl, a dance performer, and the founder of a social impact initiative.Along the way, I reflect on what it really means to “earn” success, share the lessons rejection taught me, and explore the idea that we don’t begin with nothing—we start with potential, support, and the courage to try again.That's our head start. Something millions only strive for.This talk is for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, and for every young person learning to rise—and help others rise too. It's to shed light that - everyone's journey matters. Hi, I am Advika Choudhury, a seventeen-year-old girl navigating through the uncertainties of life. Ex-nihilo, from nothing, but do we start from nothing, was my question? I answer this question through my talk. We live in a world of eight billion people, many of whom lack the basic necessities of life, but I have those basic amenities. So, that's my headstart, right? I start from a position of opportunity, strength and passion.Six years of constant rejections, not being that gifted dancer, nor being that confident girl. But hey, now that little girl would be proud to see herself on a global stage, talking and inspiring people around her. From being the two left feet, from listening to the ‘No’s’ and the ‘You're almost there!’. She has paved her way, brick by brick.
Earlier this year, I was accepted into Morgan Stanley’s Women in STEM – Step In, Step Up program, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of finance, from research and analysis to understanding the financial needs of global clients. In parallel, I’ve worked on a social impact initiative based in India, sharing my passion for economics, math, and dance with the youth, and serving as a volunteer on social media to share the stories of women who create beautiful handicrafts. And after six years of constant rejection, I am proud to be appointed as the Head Girl of my school, a role that has deepened my passion for leadership and community building.
A saying I keep close to me is, ‘ Trust the process and wait for the bigger picture.’ 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
More from TED
- 11:11What is the future of obesity care? | Melanie Jay, MD, MS | TEDxNYU Langone HealthOprah asked Dr. Jay a simple question, sparking a deep reflection on her 20 years as a physician-scientist, with insights on GLP-1 medications, weight stigma, and how to transform obesity care. Obesity medicine physician and research Melanie Jay discusses the current state of obesity research and how we can improve treatment.Melanie Jay, MD, MS, is a Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Population Health 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
- 10:59The view from 40 metres below | Salam Atallah | TEDxPOWIIS YouthAt 40 metres below, the ocean is a different world. Everything contained within it exists in a delicate balance. However, over the past two decades, qualified diver and teacher of Geography and Marine Science, Salam Atallah, has witnessed the adverse changes that have happened both below and above the surface of the oceans, in great part due to human activities that damage our climate. Here, she aims to inspire global community to think about their actions towards the ocean before the greater damage to this fragile ecosystem brings irreversible adversities. A qualified diver for twenty years, Salam has dived in almost every ocean and has studied the changes of the marine ecosystem with a passion towards inspiring people to think and act sustainably.She teaches Geography and Marine Science at Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS) in Penang, Malaysia and has successfully produced achievers in both subjects at international schools across Asia, Europe and North Africa over the past two decades.She believes that every child should be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the wider world, hence her keen involvement in extra-curricular and student enrichment leadership. Presently, she is the Coordinator for the POWIIS Project, an innovative whole-school student enrichment program centred around activities aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) while developing essential life skills among the 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
- 11:08How Women Can Overcome Their Fears? | Manoela Wunder | TEDxAlmansorParkWomenHow often have we allowed our fears to get in the way of accomplishing our #goals? Recent research shows #women are more naturally fearful and anxious than men. Drawing from Manoela's personal struggles and unique upbringing, she hopes to inspire women to use physical #challenges to overcome mental blocks and fulfill their unlimited potential. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, violinist Manoela Wunder has established herself in Los Angeles as an exceptionally versatile and eclectic artist. Classically trained, she has a strong passion for improvisation in jazz, blues, and rock genres and is an active composer and arranger for string ensembles and jazz bands. Manoela’s chamber music and solo experiences have been extremely prominent. Notable live performances and recordings include Janelle Monae, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, KYGO, Renee Fleming, The Tenors, Common, Deltron 3030, Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra, Frank Ocean, Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and a Quincy Jones benefit with Lang Lang. She founded an electric rock string quartet, the Electric Angels, which regularly perform at private events throughout LA and the entire country. In addition, Manoela has been featured in films, TV shows and commercials such as Will and Grace, Apple, Microsoft, Suburgatory (ABC), Qwerty (best soundtrack at the Nashville Film Festival), Spaghetti Storm, The Composer, and The Monstrosity. She plays as a solo guest violinist with local acts “New Sensations” and “Liquid Blue”. Ms. Wunder has performed with a wide range of orchestras and chamber groups in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles as well as Europe. Her music has been heard in the most prominent halls across the country, including Alice Tully Hall (NY), Symphony Center Chicago, Hollywood Bowl, The Forum, Greek Theatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall (LA). She is a multiple prizewinner of competitions in the United States, Europe and South America and has been a guest at many prominent festivals throughout her career. In Brazil, she has been coaxed back to her hometown to perform as a soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Rio de Janeiro, in the most prestigious halls of the city and on national television. Filmed and edited by - Bobbie Lee A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, violinist Manoela Wunder has established herself in Los Angeles as an exceptionally versatile and eclectic artist. Classically trained, she has a strong passion for improvisation in jazz, blues, and rock genres and is an active composer and arranger for string ensembles and jazz bands.For inquiries, please email admin@manoelawunder.com. 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
- 13:58How Maps Can Help Us Create a More Just World | Clinton Johnson | TEDxMidAtlanticIn this enlightening talk, Clinton Johnson, a National Geographic Explorer, delves into the complex relationship between maps, geography, and racial justice. Johnson explores the historical use of maps as tools of oppression and contemporary efforts to harness their power for racial equity. Through compelling stories and critical insights, he challenges the notion that 'change takes time' and emphasizes the urgency of action in combating racism. Join Johnson as he maps out a path toward a more just and equitable future. Clinton Johnson is an accomplished and dedicated professional passionate about advancing social justice and equity through GIS mapping technology. As the Racial Equity & Social Justice Lead at Esri, he has been instrumental in connecting individuals and organizations across all sectors with geospatial data, technology, and methodologies to drive progress at the intersection of all systems of oppression.In addition to his work at Esri, Clinton is the founder and leader of NorthStar of GIS, a 501c3 nonprofit committed to creating a more racially-just world through more racially-just GIS, geography, and STEM fields. Through this organization, he has leveraged his expertise and leadership skills to champion important causes and make meaningful contributions toward building a better future.Clinton’s unwavering commitment to racial equity, social justice, innovation, collaboration, community-building, and compassion is evident in everything he does. 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
- 9:26What I Learned Walking 100 Miles of Georgia's Coastline | James Marlow | TEDxAtlantaEntrepreneur James Marlow pays homage to the restorative effect of nature with this deeply personal talk about his journey to walk the 100-mile Georgia coast. What started out as an expedition became a reconnection: to self, to others, and to the sacred rhythms of the Earth. James Marlow operates at the intersection of technology, business and sustainability.He is president of Atlanta-based Southface Institute and previously founded two clean energy startups.His career spans roles at Computerland, Lotus Development, IBM and Yahoo!, where he led digital transformation initiatives. With direct experience in engineering, design, construction, and operations, he has contributed to more than 350 solar and energy storage projects.A Georgia Southern University graduate and Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership fellow, James serves as a trustee for The Nature Conservancy of Georgia and is active in environmental and energy policy leadership. 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
- 18:41Smart Systems, Smarter Engineers | Asst. Prof. Jaysern Jia Yew Pang | TEDxPOWIIS YouthThe growing prevalence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives have led to the need for smarter engineers, who design systems that are not only efficient, but also ethical and empathetic to the human needs. Asst.Prof. Pang discusses about the evolving role of the engineer in the age of A.I. as well as the skill sets required to meet these transformations. He drives home the message that while A.I. can improve the efficiency of everyday processes, it is the application of humanistic values from engineers that will enable these systems to enhance the quality of our lives. Jaysern Pang is an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot Watt University Malaysia. He is registered as Professional Technologist (Ts.) under the field of Electrical and Electronics with the Malaysia Board Of Technologists, and is also officially appointed as Technical Panel in the Malaysian Technical Standards Forum Berhad (MTSFB) “Internet of Things and Smart Sustainable City” working group. In addition, he is registered as a Certified Practitioner Energy Measurement & Verification Professional endorsed by Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission of Malaysia). 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
