Ever been told that caring about how you look makes you shallow? Our next speaker challenges that idea. Tanvi Boddupalli shares how putting effort into your appearance isn’t about vanity—it’s about self-expression, confidence, and owning your identity. This talk is about how something as small as getting ready in the morning can create powerful ripples in how we think, feel, and connect with the world. Tanvi is currently a junior at IMSA who is involved with groups like the debate team and serves as the director of a national nonprofit called Project Save Our Skin. She is passionate about challenging the stereotypes surrounding physical appearance. Coming from a school where looks were heavily emphasized, she was taken aback by the judgment she faced at IMSA for something she used to be praised for. In her talk, Tanvi will discuss how taking pride in your appearance isn’t shallow—it’s a form of self-expression that can have meaningful impacts. 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