Every Choice Is a Teacher | Alaa Sharif | TEDxCambridge Intl Kurdistan Youth
In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Alaa Sharif challenges the conventional notion of mistakes. Drawing from her own journey—from facing the heartbreak of failing her university thesis to overcoming burnout and cultural identity struggles—Alaa shares how she transformed setbacks into powerful lessons by owning her decisions. She explores the pressure of perfectionism, the importance of seeking help, and the courage it takes to embrace life’s uncertainties. Alaa invites us all to shift our mindset from blaming mistakes to recognizing choices as valuable teachers, empowering us to take responsibility and find meaning in every outcome. Her story is a testament to resilience, self-compassion, and the strength found in vulnerability. Alaa is a graduate of Cyber security and advocates for mental health awareness in Kurdistan. She works with Kurdish youth on a daily basis 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
- 13:12Why inclusive AI matters | Chenayi Mutambasere | TEDxSt HelierIn this compelling talk, technologist and economist Chenayi Mutambasere explores the urgent need for inclusive intelligence in AI. She highlights three key data gaps that includes Representation, Africa, and Languages that lead to systemic biases in areas like hiring, healthcare, and law enforcement. Chenayi calls for ethical data use, equitable access, and diverse voices in AI development to prevent digital exclusion. Her talk is a powerful call to action for governments, educators, and technologists to address data poverty and build AI systems that reflect the full breadth of human experience.Chenayi Mutambasere is a development economist, enterprise architect, and advocate for equitable economic solutions. With expertise in AI, institutional reform, and economic justice, Chenayi is committed to shaping inclusive and sustainable development. 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
- 13:02Jam today: unleashing the power of meanwhile use | David Warr | TEDxSt HelierWe create so much waste in our society, fast fashion and food waste for example, however we rarely see the consequences as it usually ends up being someone else’s problem. However, homes that have been abandoned and public spaces left unloved and unused plague many jurisdictions and it’s right in front of our very eyes. We need a culture change, we need a new vision, we need to recognise that the NEED is now, we need solutions now, jam today. Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction. A poor physical environment leads to negative health outcomes and increases the cost to our hugely expensive health system. We need to take preventative action and investing in a meanwhile use whilst we wait for a bigger idea should be a default position. We need a culture change Elected to the States Assembly in 2022 and became the islands Housing Minister at a tumultuous time in the housing market. Vacant homes became a passion of mine. Why when we had a housing crisis were so many homes left vacant? That led me to consider all spaces that had been abandoned and what could be done. I am also a business owner and have an MBA with the Open University. I have also represented my Island at tennis over many years. 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