Why Do Teens Need a Third Parent? Being a teenager is overwhelming. They are dealing with incredible stress in a confusing digital world. While parents are managing emotional drama, teens are battling peer pressure and distraction. Someone has to be the project manager and orchestrator of their lives. Educational Consultant "Coach Jo" introduces the "Third Parent": the calm, unbiased guide who steps in to find clarity in chaos. This role is essential for teens to turn stress into resilience and discover their authentic selves. Jothsna Kethar, affectionately known as “Coach Jo” by her students, is an Educational Consultant, College Counselor, on a mission to demystify the college process. As the founder of Gifted Gabber, she’s led transformative work with thousands of teens, especially those from immigrant families and with learning differences—equipping them to navigate complex admissions, build standout profiles, and secure life-changing scholarships. When she’s not demystifying college applications, building unique "spikes," or securing real-world internships, Coach Jo is leading InspireYouth, a nonprofit fostering leadership and humanitarianism in teens. She is living proof that personalized guidance, unwavering support, and a belief in every student’s unique potential can unlock any door. Coach Jo’s favorite saying on LIFE: Every child has a unique spark; and my mission is to ignite it. 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 built on performance—where we’re taught to measure our worth by grades, followers, and praise—it’s easy to forget who we are beneath the masks. But in those moments of doubt and disconnection, Anya reminds us: go within. When the noise gets loud and the spotlight feels blinding, that’s the time to pause. To breathe. To reconnect with the quiet truth that lives inside you! This talk explores what it means to stop performing for others and finally come home to who you really are! Anya Arora is a senior at Okemos High School who isn’t afraid to chase big ideas and turn them into action. That mindset has shaped everything she does, from leading her peers to creating projects that bring people together. At her core, Anya cares about impact: sparking curiosity, opening doors for others, and showing that even small efforts can ripple outward. She believes growth happens when you take risks, stay curious, and invite others to join you along the way. 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