We trust our memories to be accurate recordings of the past, but studies reveal that they are more fragile and malleable than we may think. Our brains tend to reconstruct our memories and fill in information with what they think are plausible details, but aren’t. This talk explores the psychology behind memory distortions, from common individual experiences like déjà vu to widespread collective illusions like the Mandela Effect, as well as the implications of false memory. Understanding the inherent unreliability of memory makes us reconsider the certainty of our recollections, since it raises important questions about how much trust we should put in what we remember. If memory can be that easily influenced, then its role in shaping identity and decisions becomes far more complicated. By acknowledging how memory works, we start to see it as an adaptive process that constantly changes the past in order to help us live in the present and prepare for the future. Elaine Huang is a junior from Hamilton High School whose passions include behavioral science, education, and art. She actively explores these interests through leading her school’s Science Bowl team, being a teacher and tutor for many kids, and participating in art competitions. She has also been involved in her town’s mayor’s advisory committee, where she enjoys contributing to community initiatives. Furthermore, she competed in Academic Decathlon and secured both team and individual recognition on the regional, state, and national levels. Elaine plans to work on projects regarding behavioral development in children and eventually hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry, with a goal of further exploring the complexities of the human mind. 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

As our upcoming generations move away from learning about money and become more increasingly isolated in the financial world, it's become more critical than ever to address the lack of financial literacy in high schools and classrooms. By analyzing the issues that come with this weak personal finance education and the educational structures that cause it, we look at ways that every person, especially the younger generation, can get the resources and tools they need in our ever-changing world. Using Monopoly as a metaphor to explore it, Shubham puts the issue of personal finance in perspective, through the lens of children stepping into adulthood and the real world. However, understanding the reason that most people end up unprepared or in a troublesome system of going paycheck to paycheck comes back to how financial education isn't reinforced, tailored to what students need the most, or evolving fast enough. Thus, it's key to break down our financial literacy and roll the dice with the right tools with us. Shubham Gupta is a senior at Arizona College Prep High School. He’s currently involved with a variety of communities, like Arizona DECA, Speech and Debate, volunteering, and more, which have all helped him build upon my skills in public speaking and allowed him to contribute back to them as a motivated advocate for the issues he deeply cares about. From different conferences, competitions, and events, he’s had the privilege to promote education and its growing significance amidst global issues of any scale. His goal is to eventually keep growing and sharing knowledge with key concepts like financial literacy, and ultimately spread that social impact to corporate America as well. 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

What happens when a generation inherits democracy, but never learns how it works? In this talk, Shreya Raman tackles one of the most overlooked crises in America today: the decline of civic education. Despite being the most connected and outspoken generation in history, young people are graduating without the knowledge or tools to truly participate in government. They care about climate change, racial justice, and human rights, but too often lack the civic roadmap to turn passion into policy. The result is a dangerous gap: a generation engaged with issues, but vulnerable to misinformation, manipulation, and polarization. Through compelling stories, research, and personal experience, Shreya Raman shows how civic education can change that. This talk demonstrates how teaching civics builds habits of voting, advocacy, and accountability that strengthen democracy itself. Civic education is about giving every young person the skills to navigate power, debate respectfully, and create real change. Because democracy doesn’t protect itself. We do. And it all starts in the classroom. Shreya Raman is a junior at BASIS Ahwatukee here in Arizona. In school, she is the captain of Speech and Debate, a member of mock trial, and the President of theater. Outside of school, she is very involved in public policy and civics, and mainly focuses on education policy reform and civic education. Currently, she is a part of many youth initiatives across the state, such as the Governor’s Youth Commission, the Arizona State Board of Education Student Advisory Council, and the Charter School Student Board. On the policy side, she is on the executive board for the Arizona High School Democrats, and has worked at many congressional offices, such as being the social media director for Brandy Reese’s state house campaign, and most recently a community ambassador for Congresswoman Ansari. In the future she hopes to pursue a degree in public policy and international relations, and go to law school for constitutional law. 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

What if success wasn’t about racing to the top, but about finding the deeper reason behind why you strive at all? In this inspiring talk, Cherry takes us backstage into the often-hidden pressures of student life, sharing her journey from chasing achievements to discovering what truly drives her. It’s a fresh perspective on redefining success, one that might just change the way you see your own goals. Cherry is a dedicated student, passionate violinist, energetic dancer, and competitive badminton player. But beyond her many talents, she’s someone who has learned to question what it really means to succeed. Inspired by her family’s sacrifices and her own inner drive, Cherry invites others to rethink perfection and embrace a more meaningful, personal definition of growth. 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

What if the secret to getting better isn’t about talent, but about having a growth mindset, and a little word called “yet”? In this inspiring talk, an 8-year-old skier, harpist, and runner shares her real journey of falling, learning, and discovering that progress is messy but magical. Find out how embracing “yet” can help you face any challenge with courage and keep moving forward. Eva Young is a Grade 3 student in Vancouver. Beyond the classroom, she’s happiest skiing down snowy slopes, running on the track, and playing classical pieces on her harp. Always curious to explore new adventures, she embraces each challenge with energy and heart, reminding us all what it really means to keep growing. 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

Um simples gloss pode revelar camadas invisíveis de significado. Nesta palestra, Bruna Tavares mostra como fragmentar o óbvio abre novas formas de contato e criação. É sobre enxergar as entrelinhas - e descobrir o extraordinário no comum. De jornalista a uma das maiores referências em beleza da América Latina, Bruna Tavares construiu um império que transcende cosméticos. Tudo começou com um blog, que virou referência nacional, até o lançamento da sua própria marca - sinônimo de inovação, ciência e criatividade. Sua trajetória é feita de escolhas ousadas, empreendedorismo e muita autenticidade. Suas fórmulas combinam com tecnologia de ponta, ativos de skincare e pigmentos de última geração, criando produtos que contam histórias e realçam a beleza de milhões. Bruna não parou no Brasil - levou a força da beleza brasileira ao mundo, sem abrir mão da sua essência. Reconhecida por gigantes como Vogue, Forbes, Elle e Glamour, hoje integra um dos maiores grupos internacionais de beleza, com sede em Nova York. Quer entender como ela uniu ciência, design e storytelling para construir uma marca que impacta pessoas no mundo todo? Essa é sua chance. Prepare-se para se inspirar, se emocionar e repensar seus próprios limites. 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