How Walking the Harder Paths Boldly Changed My Life | Evan Shi | TEDxLeadways School
What if the harder path in life is the one that makes it truly worth living? Drawing lessons from the classic game Oregon Trail, history, and Evan's own journey overcoming silence and self-doubt, his talk reveals a simple but powerful message. When faced with uncertainty, choose the harder path. Once on it, walk boldly. From finding a voice after a childhood speech impediment to unexpected leadership and personal growth, this talk challenges us to rethink comfort, risk, and what it means to live fully. Evan Shi is a senior at 7EDU Global Academy who lives in Houston, TX. As captain of a top-ranked varsity hockey team in the state of Texas, he has worked to shape its culture and spirit, and as a filmmaker, he directs films that explore history, culture, and community, from dying traditional martial arts to the story and growth of hockey in Houston. In his free time, Evan enjoys penpalling, coaching youth Ice hockey, building businesses, and meeting new people. Through his TEDx talk, Evan hopes to share his reflections on choosing the harder path and walking it boldly. 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
- 11:01Roots to Remedies: My Path in Ayurveda | Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra | TEDxModern School Noida YouthFrom a small village in Sitapur to the global stage, Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra’s journey is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and vision. In this talk, he shares how Ayurveda—often overlooked in modern medicine—can transform healthcare when approached with scientific rigor and innovation. Drawing from his two decades of research and global collaborations, Dr. Mishra explores how integrative medicine can tackle pressing health challenges, including drug-resistant infections, and create a sustainable, patient-centric future for healthcare. His story is not just about medicine—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and embracing the power of combining tradition with technology. Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician and Chief Consultant at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. A Gold Medalist in BAMS and a PhD scholar specializing in herbal solutions for drug-resistant infections, he has been a pioneer in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mishra has shared his research on prestigious platforms across Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering a global dialogue that bridges ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific innovation. He has led over 30 interdisciplinary research projects, published extensively in reputed journals, and is currently spearheading the establishment of a National AYUSH Research Centre at KGMU.Recipient of honors like the Health Icon Award and the Dhanwantari Award, Dr. Mishra continues to redefine the future of integrative medicine in India and beyond. 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
- 12:28Winning Beyond Age: Lessons From Field to Life | Dr. Richa Sood | TEDxModern School Noida YouthDr. Richa Sood’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, humility, and human values. From excelling as an athlete to becoming a respected educationist and author, her path has been defined by perseverance and purpose. In this inspiring talk, she shares how resilience in the face of challenges not only shaped her success but also ignited her drive to empower others. Through real-life experiences and lessons learned, Dr. Sood emphasizes the importance of staying grounded while striving for growth, proving that true leadership is built on values and service. Her story is a call to action for everyone to embrace grit, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Dr. Richa Sood is a distinguished Indian athlete in track and field, excelling in discus, shot put, and hammer throw in the Masters division. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is an accomplished educationist, author, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder and director of the Royal Kids Group of Schools and the former principal of Dehradun Public School, where her leadership earned her the prestigious CBSE National Award for Best Principal in 2011. A prolific writer with over 130 books to her credit, Dr. Sood also serves as the brand ambassador for the Indian Red Cross Society, championing menstrual hygiene awareness for women. Her multifaceted journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and social impact. 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
