Having spent the majority of her life chasing academic validation, Jeffany is no stranger to sacrifices made "for the greater good." However, the nagging feeling of wasting your own potential, and limiting yourself to mediocrity - that is a feeling that she has realized only grows with time. In her TEDx talk, Jeffany will be exploring how and why we come to regret our decisions in life, and how to avoid such regret from infiltrating our view of self. Jeffany Jiang is a 17-year-old high school graduate from Sir Winston Churchill High School. Throughout high school, she has completed the IB Diploma Programme, and served on the executive team of four clubs and organizations - most notably as president and vice president for three of these. Jeffany is an avid reader, a caffeine addict, and a music enthusiast. She is also an experienced public speaker, having participated in debate competitions for three years. Jeffany will be attending the University of Toronto in the fall, to study Life Sciences. 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

"Tatak Filipino" is an original composition by Llana Claire, written and performed at age 17. The song won at the National Festival of Talents and was chosen as the official music for CALABARZON’s Bayle sa Kalye. Blending cultural pride with powerful rhythm and message, it celebrates Filipino identity through music. Llana Claire is an artist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter who first gained national recognition at the age of 17 when she became one of the winners of the National Festival of Talents Likhawitan. Her winning composition was honored as the official festival song and street dance music for CALABARZON’s Regional Festival of Talents, Bayle sa Kalye.Known for her expressive musicality and creative songwriting, Llana Claire blends her instrumental skills with heartfelt lyrics that resonate with diverse audiences. Her music not only showcases her technical proficiency but also her deep connection to cultural and regional artistry. 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

Coffee is more than a daily habit. It reflects our physical senses, mental states, and digital lives. From morning rituals to social media moments and boardroom decisions, Ludmilah Fungo shares how a single cup reveals the deeper layers of how we live, connect, and understand our reality. A thoughtful look into how everyday routines can shape self-awareness and meaning. Ludmilah Fungo is a Management Trainee at BW Epic Kosan with a strong leadership background. An active member of the WLGA Youth Council, she contributes to global discussions on youth leadership and governance. Despite limited corporate experience, she has extensive exposure across various industries, demonstrating adaptability and a results-driven mindset. 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

Built upon thousands of experiences (and ruining her search history with research), Sarah Gong’s TEDx speech aims to inspire a deeper kind of kindness—one that goes beyond simple pleasantries. After enduring the experience of trying to reconnect with new people in old skins, she began discussing her feelings with friends. She noticed that, despite their differing experiences, there was a common undercurrent of intensely aggressive competition. Curious, she decided to dig deeper into the whole puzzle, clear intentions, and hidden regrets. In her talk, she will provide a unique perspective on kindness, hopefully inspiring those around her age, and explain why the kindness we show, which extends beyond just saying “please” and “thank you,” ultimately aligns with our incentives to be the best version of ourselves. Few people know whether Sarah Gong— a 13-year-old student at Westmount Charter School— first learned how to paint with her pudgy toddler fingers or with her words: it's often a topic of discussion amongst her friends. When she’s not curled up, delving into another good series, she can be found in the mountains and river valleys of the Rockies, practicing the art of photography. While she loves transforming her thoughts into words on a page and delivering speeches for the world, she also hopes to inspire others to do the same. 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

At TEDx Sun Prairie West High School, hosted by Mouneeth Venigalla, Pragnya Vella shares insights on the negative effects of constant comparison on mental health and motivation. Drawing from her experience as a National FBLA Officer and competitor in multiple activities, she encourages focusing on self-growth and authenticity. Her talk was part of the TEDx event themed “The Power of Why.” A senior involved in FBLA, DECA, and Forensics, Pragnya Vella will tackle an important issue—our society’s obsession with beauty. She’ll share her thoughts on why appearance often takes priority over inner qualities and how we can shift our focus to what truly matters. 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

At TEDx Sun Prairie West High School, hosted by Mouneeth Venigalla, Mayor Paul Esser shares his insights on how Sun Prairie’s changing population is shaping the city’s leadership and future. Drawing from his experience, he highlights the importance of inclusive leadership and views demographic change as an opportunity for growth. His talk was part of the TEDx event themed “The Power of Why.” As Sun Prairie’s mayor and a longtime community leader, Paul Esser will explore how the city’s changing demographics are shaping leadership and representation. What will Sun Prairie look like in 2050? How can embracing diversity lead to a stronger, more inclusive community? His talk will challenge us to think about the future and the opportunities that change can bring. 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