The Trap of Approval: Why Validation Isn’t the Answer | Aryaman Solanki | TEDxYouth@SVIS
In a world obsessed with opinions, how much of ourselves do we sacrifice just to fit in? Aryaman Solanki reflects on his school years, where body-shaming and judgment pushed him to constantly reinvent himself for others’ approval. But when acceptance finally came, he realized it was too late, because the real problem wasn’t him at all. With honesty and courage, Aryaman shares why chasing validation is a battle we can never win. His talk is a call to embrace authenticity, reminding us that true freedom begins when we stop needing permission to be ourselves. Mr. Aryaman Solanki is an aspiring entrepreneur with a strong drive to innovate and create meaningful impact. As part of a generation unafraid to question norms and forge new paths, he brings with him a spirit of exploration and bold curiosity. At TEDxYouth@SVIS, he joins the stage not with certainty, but with the courage to spark conversations; ones that challenge expectations and open space for new ideas. Aryaman reminds us that change isn’t just about creating something new, but about stepping into uncertainty, asking better questions, and daring to dream beyond the obvious. 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
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- 15:11Why you should play video games with your kids | Hannah Boquet | TEDxSioux FallsIn a world full of digital-native youth, parents often feel their children slipping away into online spaces they don’t understand. But what if we met them there? When Hannah finally caved to the constant pressure from her children to play Fortnite with them, she discovered more than just a game—she found a new way to connect. Esports offer an inclusive, engaging platform where kids develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. This talk explores the power of gaming to strengthen family bonds, support youth development, and even prepare them for future careers. Join Hannah in redefining quality time—one victory royale at a time.Dipping just a toe in has never been Hannah’s life strategy, so it came as no surprise when she started her career in marketing over 15 years ago it was with a deep dive into entrepreneurship. Now, as the Marketing Manager at a tech communications company, Hannah harnesses her passion for learning and connection in a multitude of ways including as an organizer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota's first free, all ages, community-wide esports competition, SoDak Circuit. This adventure all began with the insistence of her kids to play Fortnite with them. As it turns out, she loves to connect with her kids in the wild and wonderful world of esports. Beyond playing video games with her three incredible sons, you can find Hannah cycling, rock climbing, baking and foraging.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
- 4:49How losing my hair revealed my real power | Kat Marenzi | TEDxPacific AvenueKat Marenzi wore masks for 20 years ~ the perfectionist mask, the “I’m fine” mask, the social media mask, and when alopecia arrived, the physical one too. She spent those years abandoning herself to avoid being abandoned by others.What if the thing you’ve been most ashamed of is actually the key to your freedom?Then came the moment everything changed. One terrifying night revealed a truth so profound it transformed her life: being unmasked wasn’t her greatest vulnerability ~ it was her greatest superpower.You’ll discover:• How your deepest shame might become your strength• Why authenticity is your most magnetic quality• The moment Kat realized her difference was her gift• The freedom that flows when you stop performing your lifeBecause when you stop performing, what’s left is eternal ~ untouched by shame and fear.So I’ll ask you: what mask are you wearing ~ and what might freedom look like without it?Let this be your permission slip to unmask, magnetize your truth & reclaim your joy. Kat is a Soul Realignment Guide who helps leaders unmask their authentic power. With 2 decades of automotive leadership, from Foreman at General Motors to dealership executive, she bridges worlds others keep apart. Her journey from dealerships to healership wasn’t theoretical ~ she walked away from a lucrative career to follow her authentic calling, later stepping onto the TEDx stage to share her story of unmasking through alopecia. A Purdue graduate with a B.S. in the School of Technology and minors in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Industrial Engineering, she taught welding labs ~ an anomaly in a male-dominated field ~ earning the Leadership and Achievement Award for bringing more women into engineering. (Friends compared her to “Flashdance,” welding by day while being a runner-up for Grand Prix Queen)Through www.TheSpace.Love, she continues her role as a bridge ~ translating between the corporate and the spiritual, guiding leaders toward alignment, authenticity & freedom. 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