Join Prof. Lu as she shares her inspiring journey where she learned to undefine her goals and embrace the unexpected opportunities life presents. Prof. Lu challenges the traditional notion of fixed objectives, emphasizing that flexibility opens the door to growth and discovery. Through the inevitable challenges that arise, she reveals how each obstacle signals personal and professional development. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not about rigid plans, but about adapting, evolving, and welcoming the unknown. Mengqian is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST and serves as President of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research. Her research bridges AI, climate science, and water management. She graduated with first-class honors from HKUST in 2009, earned her Ph.D. from Columbia in 2014, and joined HKUST faculty in 2016. A two-time international innovation gold medalist, her work has been featured by Newsweek and the BBC. She is also a serial entrepreneur and former hurdler. 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
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- 12:25Why I refuse to unfriend my dead mom | Cattleya Daub | TEDxAPUWhat happens when the person you’ve lost still lives on, in your notifications?When Cattleya's mother passed away, the grief was swift and isolating. But in the depths of that pain, she found an unexpected lifeline: her mother’s Facebook profile. What began as a source of comfort soon became something more, a digital space where grief, memory, and love could coexist.In this deeply personal and thought-provoking talk, Cattleya explores how social media has transformed the way we mourn. Drawing from her own experience and emerging research, she reveals how platforms like Facebook have become new-age memory vaults where continuing bonds replace closure, and mourning turns into creation. A passionate writer with experience in storytelling across various projects, Cattleya’s talk delves into the evolving nature of grief in the digital age. Through her personal journey, she will explore how love, loss, and remembrance are transformed in an interconnected world.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
- 11:13The case of the missing creativity | Zoey Yu | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeightsJoin 8-year-old Zoey on a lively detective adventure as she tackles one of the biggest mysteries facing kids today. With her signature humor and big imagination, Zoey reveals surprising clues and invites us all to rethink how we keep creativity alive. Zoey is an imaginative and endlessly curious 8-year-old who loves reading mystery books, writing her own detective stories, and doodling out-of-this-world creatures. When she's not solving snack-time mysteries, she enjoys gymnastics, drawing, and inventing hilarious characters with her friends. She believes every kid has a superpower hidden inside their imagination waiting to be unleashed. 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
- 9:37The 90% no one sees makes the 10% everyone remembers | Mohsin Khan | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeightsWe all love a big win - the goal, the trophy, the highlight moment. But what really gets you there? In this inspiring talk, Mohsin unpacks how the quiet, unseen work builds the foundation for success on the field, in school, and beyond. It’s a fresh perspective on effort, mindset, and what it truly means to show up when no one’s watching. Mohsin is a focused student-athlete who brings strategic thinking and dedication to every soccer match. Equally passionate about aviation, he builds FPV drones and spends hours honing his skills on flight simulators. He is curious and driven - always exploring new ways to grow on and off the field. 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
- 11:30What teens really need when they're struggling | Emma Liang | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeightsWhat really happens behind a teen’s “I’m fine”? In this honest and moving talk, Emma invites us into the quiet struggles so many teenagers hide, and reveals what they truly need from the people around them. A heartfelt reminder that listening without judgment can be the first step toward real healing. Emma is a mental health advocate dedicated to helping young people feel understood and supported. As a Grade-7 student, she enjoys photography, reading different genres of books, and writing poems. She hopes to inspire more open, honest conversations about emotional wellness among young people. 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
- 7:25From Grief to Growth: What It Means to Care for a Pet | Thomas Jiang | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeightsMost kids dream of having a pet, but few realize what it really means to be ready for one. In this thoughtful and moving talk, Thomas shares his journey from losing a beloved budgie to discovering what true preparation and responsibility look like. Thomas is a Grade 4 student at St. George’s School who loves strategy games like Go and chess. He also enjoys playing soccer, practicing piano, and creating art. Thomas has a special interest in animals, especially birds, and is always eager to discover new ways to learn about and care for them. 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
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