In this TEDx talk, the speaker begins with a humorous personal story about getting sent to the principal’s office in 4th grade—for turning a book report into a K-pop performance. This moment sparked a realization: schools often don’t know how to handle creativity, especially when it doesn’t fit into the standard curriculum.The core question posed is: Should creativity be taught in schools?The answer is a clear yes—but not as an extra, or just in art class once a week. Instead, it should be integrated into how we teach everything. The speaker points out that schools already impose subjects like algebra, cursive writing, and gym class dances. So why not creativity, which studies show enhances problem-solving, resilience, and academic performance? Real-world examples back up the point: • Google encourages creativity through its “20% rule,” which led to the invention of Gmail. • Finland’s education system thrives on project-based learning that encourages imagination and critical thinking. The talk emphasizes that creativity teaches more than just drawing or writing. It teaches risk-taking, confidence, and how to turn failure into progress skills that matter for life, not just school. The final call to action is simple yet powerful: Let’s stop asking kids only what they want to be when they grow up. Let’s ask what they want to create what they want to change. Elif Eylül Uzuner is a dynamic and multi-talented 11th-grade student whose passion for expression, intellect, and the arts defines her vibrant presence in both academic and extracurricular arenas. A dedicated member of the MUN Club and the captain of her school's Debate Club, Elif thrives in environments that foster critical thinking and articulate dialogue.Her talents extend beyond public speaking—she is a nationally recognized math student, having placed 12th in a competitive national contest, and holds numerous accolades in the sport of fencing. An avid violinist and art enthusiast, she balances analytical precision with creative sensitivity. Elif has also claimed first place in three singing competitions, showcasing her expressive voice and stage confidence.As a veteran TEDx speaker, she returns to the stage with a unique blend of youthful insight, eloquence, and an unwavering drive to inspire. Elif represents the next generation of thinkers and changemakers. 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

Staying focused and motivated is becoming harder in the digital era. Phones, social media, and constant notifications easily distract us. Although technology has many benefits, if not used correctly, it can make our time less productive.To stay focused, we should control how we use technology. Turning off unnecessary notifications and keeping our phones away while working helps. Apps that block distracting websites are also very useful.Setting clear and achievable goals is important to keep motivation. Breaking goals into small steps and rewarding ourselves at each step makes the process more enjoyable. Everyone has different study habits, so creating a personal study routine can increase productivity.The study environment is also very important. A quiet, organized, and simple space prevents distraction. Also, preparing a to-do list before starting work helps manage time better. Healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and good nutrition support our ability to focus.In conclusion, technology can be distracting, but with the right methods, staying focused and motivated is always possible. Elif Eslem Demiral is a dedicated and hardworking 14-year-old freshman with a strong passion for skating. She manages to maintain a balanced lifestyle, focusing on both her academic achievements and athletic pursuits. Her determination and discipline drive her to continuously improve, whether in school or on the skating rink. Elif Eslem embraces challenges with enthusiasm, always striving to push her limits and grow as an individual. With her focus on personal development, she is committed to achieving success in both her studies and sports. As she continues to grow, Elif Eslem aims to make a meaningful impact in all areas of her life. 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

Ela Akyel’s speech explores how childhood curiosity is often stifled by traditional education, which prioritizes memorization and right answers over questioning and exploration. She argues that this limits creativity—a vital skill needed to solve real-world problems. Creativity isn’t just for the arts; it’s present in science, teaching, design, and everyday problem-solving. Yet, schools rarely treat it as essential. Akyel imagines an education system where creativity is nurtured, mistakes are valued as learning, and asking “why?” is encouraged—because the future depends not on who remembers the most, but on who imagines the most. Ela is a high school student who is very interested in both sports and technology. She is an active member of her school’s volleyball team. Playing volleyball helps her build strong teamwork skills, stay healthy, and have fun with her friends. She enjoys practicing with her team and taking part in school tournaments. Volleyball teaches her discipline, focus, and how to work together to reach a goal.Ela is also part of the school’s VEX robotics team. She enjoys coding, building robots, and solving technical problems. Through this team, she learns about engineering and how to create new ideas with others. She likes the challenge of thinking creatively and working with her teammates on projects. Both in sports and robotics, Ela shows that she is hardworking, curious, and always ready to learn something new. 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

Feminism is often misunderstood, but it’s actually simple it’s about equality for all genders. It’s not about hating men or thinking women are better. It’s about fairness, respect, and equal chances for everyone. Even though equality seems like common sense, we still live in a world where things aren’t equal especially for women and girls. At school, girls are often judged more for their appearance, or called “bossy” for being confident while boys get praised. Comments like “you run like a girl” or “don’t be so emotional” show how deep stereotypes run. Outside of school, women face bigger challenges. They earn less than men for the same work, are underrepresented in many careers, and face more harassment. In some places, girls aren’t even allowed to go to school. Feminism works to change all of this. But feminism isn’t just for women it also helps men. Society often tells boys to be tough, not to cry, and never ask for help. That’s unfair too. Feminism says everyone should be free to express themselves. As high school students, we can help by calling out sexist jokes, supporting one another, and standing up when we see unfair treatment. Being a feminist doesn’t mean you’re perfect it means you care and want things to get better for everyone. Feminism matters and high school is the perfect place to start making a difference Ekin Su Atmaca is a 15-year-old student at Yaşam Tasarım High School. With a passion for learning and personal growth, Ekin dedicates time to a variety of interests, including playing volleyball, listening to music, learning new languages, and reading books. Ekin’s enthusiasm for both academics and extracurricular activities showcases a well-rounded character, balancing physical fitness, intellectual curiosity, and creative expression. As a dedicated student and aspiring individual, Ekin strives to continue developing skills that will pave the way for future academic and personal success. 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

Ebrar Sude Durmaz talks about the importance of supporting feminism and how it is misunderstood. She explains that feminism is about equality for all genders, not about hating men. In working life, women often face unfair treatment, such as lower wages and harassment. She criticizes the traditional expectations placed on women in Turkey and highlights serious issues like femicide and child abuse. Ebrar emphasizes that society tends to forget victims quickly, but their families live with the pain forever. She calls for everyone to stand up and fight for justice and equality, remembering the women who have been murdered or abused. Ebrar Sude Durmaz was born on April 30, 2008. She is currently a 10th-grade student at Yaşam Tasarım Science High School, where she is known for being a successful and hardworking student. Her strong academic performance reflects her dedication to learning and self-improvement.Outside of school, Ebrar enjoys spending time with her younger sister. In her free time, she likes watching movies and listening to music, which help her relax and unwind. With her balanced lifestyle and positive attitude, Ebrar is a promising student with a bright future. 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

In today's digital world, staying focused can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to improve concentration. Limiting screen time using app blockers, getting enough sleep, and focusing on one task at a time can help. Avoid distractions by silencing your phone, turning off notifications, and setting timers. Create small, manageable goals to stay motivated and take regular breaks to rest your brain. Avoid working in places like your bed and train your mind to handle boredom without constant stimulation.Keeping a focus journal can help you reflect and improve weekly. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method—working for 25 minutes and taking 5-minute breaks—can boost productivity. Working in quiet, clutter-free spaces, listening to calm music, and taking real breaks (not screen time) are also beneficial. Practicing mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing helps train your attention. While technology can be distracting, it can also be used to improve focus. Apps like Forest, Focus, and RescueTime can block distractions, provide focus-enhancing music, and track how you spend your time. By using technology wisely, you can manage distractions and improve your ability to concentrate. Dila Akyel is a dynamic and inquisitive 12-year-old student whose talents bridge the realms of technology, the arts, and language. As a junior theater actress, she has already begun making her mark on stage with expressive performances that reflect her creativity and confidence. Her passion for innovation shines through her role as a young researcher in the renowned Teknofest competition, where she explores the intersection of science and problem-solving.Fluent in German and musically inclined as an intermediate piano player, Dila embraces both discipline and self-expression in her daily life. She is also a committed member of her school’s volleyball team, balancing academics and extracurriculars with energy and focus.Dila brings a forward-thinking spirit and a global perspective to the TEDx stage, representing the voice of a curious and ambitious new generation. 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