English teacher Aderemi Adekunle reflects on identity, belonging, and the delicate balance between heritage and modern life. Drawing from his own cross-cultural upbringing, he explores how embracing our origins can strengthen self-worth and connection. A heartfelt reminder that cultural pride is not inherited - it’s chosen, spoken, and lived. Aderemi Adekunle is a dedicated educator and Head of English, passionate about inspiring students to think critically and express themselves confidently through language and literature. 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 a world obsessed with optimization and peak performance, we are drowning in the pressure to be our "best selves." But what if this relentless pursuit is the very thing holding us back?With raw honesty, Lina challenges this modern dogma. She invites us into a transformative conversation about the hidden costs of ambition and the quiet power of embracing our human limitations. This talk is not a checklist for productivity, but a compelling case for a different way to live. Lina argues that true clarity and meaning are found not in pushing harder, but in the courageous act of pause, making space to listen to our inner voice and redefine what a "successful" life actually means. Prepare to question the noise and discover the profound strength in stillness. Lina is a global travel entrepreneur and online wellness coach dedicated to creating transformational spaces for women. She runs international retreats, guiding people through holistic health, empowerment, and trauma healing work. As the founder of several health and conscious living brands, Lina integrates ancient wisdom with modern modalities to support mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical vitality.Her work centers on self-liberation, inner peace, and community connection, using wellness as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. Lina helps others reconnect to their inner wisdom, live with intention, and create peace from within. 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

The speaker explores how true connection takes many forms—some loud and visible, others quiet and unexpected. From the simple bond forged through shared art to surprising moments of comfort found in conversations with AI, the talk reveals that connection isn’t limited by words or even humanity. Through curiosity, empathy, and openness, every small act of noticing can become a thread that transforms and connects lives. Diya Jiang is a student and storyteller who believes in the power of connection in all its forms. From sharing her sketches in seventh grade to finding unexpected support through conversations with AI, she has discovered that connection doesn’t always follow the paths we expect. Through her public speaking, she hopes to inspire both teachers and students to notice the invisible threads that link us together, whether through art, technology, or simple human presence. Her work reflects her passion for encouraging curiosity, empathy, and openness in the next generation. 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

The speaker explores how real connection isn’t defined by family ties but by shared moments and genuine openness. Through a heartfelt and humorous story—from sibling duties at home to forming unexpected friendships at the Yale Economic Forum—she discovers that connection is built through curiosity, laughter, and authenticity. It’s not just about DNA or duty, but about choosing to reach out, listen, and truly belong. Vesta is a passionate youth speaker from Cambridge Center of NAS Nantong who explores the meaning of human connection beyond traditional bonds. Through engaging storytelling and reflective inquiry, she shares how diverse cultural and collaborative experiences—such as her participation in the Yale Economic Forum—can build meaningful, cross-border relationships. Vesta believes in the power of openness, authenticity, and chosen connections to create a more understanding and 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

The speaker shares her journey from a small-town girl bound by stereotypes to a young woman who dares to define herself. Moving abroad shattered her ideas of what a “good girl” should be and inspired her to fight expectations with courage and action. Through failure, determination, and self-discovery, she learned that true connection begins when we stop fitting in—and start becoming who we truly are. Julia Jin is a passionate debater and speaker, known for her sharp intellect and creative approach to complex issues. Through the power of persuasive discourse, she seeks to challenge conventional thinking, introduce new ideas, and inspire meaningful dialogue among her peers and the wider community. She has got in the final of WSC and will be participating in debates held by Yale University later this year. Her analytical mind finds harmony in her artistic expression as an accomplished pianist, where discipline and emotion converge at the keyboard. This unique blend of logical reasoning and artistic sensibility enables her to approach problems with both clarity and originality. 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

The speaker humorously redefines failure—not as a shameful weakness, but as a wise, nagging teacher that pushes us to grow. Through personal stories and sharp insights, the talk reveals how fear of failure limits our courage, creativity, and joy. By learning to face mistakes with honesty and resilience, we transform failure from a burden into a powerful force that shapes confidence, strength, and true growth. Sarah Shen is a reflective young voice dedicated to reshaping how people see failure. She’s passionate about challenging the unspoken pressure to “pretend success” and the shame that lingers around missteps—believing these norms steal vital chances to grow. Sarah shares a fresh take: failure isn’t something to hide, but a natural, valuable part of progress. Her goal is clear: to help peers let go of the fear of imperfection and recognize that resilience grows from facing, not avoiding, setbacks. 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