How do history and culture shape the way we live today? In this compelling talk, Sara examines how social norms are passed down through generations, often rooted in heritage and historical context. Drawing from her experience as a first-generation American and Arabic language student, she explores the power of cultural understanding. Her talk is a reminder that knowing where we come from can help us better navigate where we’re going. Sara is a junior in her fourth year at SRDS. She loves to be on stage, read, write, and has a passion for politics, economics, and art. This is her first talk with the club and is grateful to be working with her faculty mentor Mr. Sarhan. As a first generation American and fourth year Arabic student, Sara was inspired to talk about how history and culture influence social norms through generations and why it’s important to understand history, heritage and culture. 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

Is happiness something we're born with—or something we build? In this insightful talk, Scarlett Ives explores the science behind happiness, examining how much is influenced by genetics and how much is shaped by the choices we make. Blending psychology with real-world reflection, she challenges the idea that joy is out of our control. Her talk invites us to consider how small, intentional changes can lead to a more fulfilling life. Scarlett Ives is a junior in her third year at SRDS and is excited to give her first TED talk. Outside of school, Scarlett is an active debate team member and enjoys playing volleyball. She has a passion for literature and psychology, which inspired her to write her talk titled “What If Happiness Is a Choice?” which explores the balance between the genetic predeterminations of happiness and the lifestyle choices that prompt joy in our lives. Scarlett would like to thank her faculty mentor, Mr. Kenneth Alrutz (Coach), for helping her throughout the process! 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

Why do some things stick in our memory while others fade away? In this thought-provoking talk, Thomas explores the science behind how we remember—and what that means for how we learn. Drawing inspiration from his own experience memorizing poetry, he reveals techniques to improve recall and make studying more effective. His talk offers practical insights into turning memory into a powerful learning tool. Thomas is a sophomore in his second year at SRDS and is excited to give his first TEDx talk. He would like to thank Mr. Feist for his amazing help during this whole process. Outside of TEDx, he enjoys mathematics and debate. His fascination with memorizing poetry led to his talk, which focuses on why we remember what we do, and how to use that information to our advantage when studying. 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

Meet Rayane Kadouri! ?✨In his TEDxUIR talk, "The Art of Becoming Yourself: It's Not What You Think," he will challenge perceptions and redefine what it truly means to embrace your identity. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey! A med student and music producer, Rayane is no stranger to the power of self-expression. As the winner of the "Be The Voice" competition organized by TEDxUIR, he has a unique take on personal growth and authenticity. ?? 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

Red, yellow, and green. Stop, pause, and go. Our world runs on signals. At all of life’s intersections, we constantly have to ask ourselves how we will proceed. Three choices can be made at these forks: remain steadfast and still, cautiously test new waters, or boldly rush ahead. The yellow and green lights can motivate continuous movement. But, the red light halts you to reflect on the experiences that have shaped you, your community, and the larger world. As you stand at the crossroads, join us to unravel how you can navigate the path to what comes next. Kay Bell is a Poet, Educator and the 2023-2025 Bronx Poet Laureate. She is also the author of two collections of poetry: Cry Sweat Bleed Write (Lily Poetry Review Books, 2020) & Diary of an Intercessor (Finishing Line Press, 2021). Her poetry aims to weave the language of activism with the voice of the marginalized to confront and interrogate literary spaces of oppression and her work as the Bronx Poet Laureate focuses on promoting the inclusion of and passion for poetry across the Bronx, looking to inspire a new generation of writers and poets. She was named a part of CUNY's inaugral 50 under 50 alumni list.June Williamson is Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in Architecture at the Spitzer School of Architecture of The City College of New York, CUNY, where she has been on the faculty since 2008, teaching architecture design studio and supporting courses in urban site analysis, suburban form, and other topics. A registered architect, Williamson is an international expert on suburban retrofitting and the uses of good urban design in the redevelopment, reinhabitation, and regreening of obsolete suburban built form. Her award-winning books include Retrofitting Suburbia (Wiley, 2008, updated 2011), the sequel Case Studies in Retrofitting Suburbia (Wiley, 2021), both with Ellen Dunham-Jones, and Designing Suburban Futures: New Models from Build a Better Burb (Island, 2013), work for which she and Professor Dunham-Jones will receive the 2025 Seaside Prize.Kristine Esser Slentz is a Maltese descendent, queer, cult escapee, and author of EXHIBIT: an amended woman, depose (FlowerSong Press 2021, 2024). She grew up in both northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area—what her father calls the ‘bottom of the blue-collar.’ After receiving her GED, she completed her undergraduate degree at Purdue University, double-majoring in English Literature and Creative Writing, before earning a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (poetry) from City College of New York (CCNY). KRISTINE was a finalist in the Glass Poetry Chapbook and F(r)iction's Flash Fiction Contests, recipient of a CCNY English Department Teacher-Writer Award, and former Rifkind Fellow and Poets Afloat resident. She is the co-founder and organizer/host of the monthly experimental artist series, Adverse Abstraction, in New York City's East Village. You can follow KRISTINE’s art on her substack, Carnations & Car Crashes. 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 her impactful TED Talk “Beyond The Final Frontier,” Sonal Goel explores not just space exploration through figures like Sunita Williams, but the equally powerful journey within ourselves. She frames her talk around three key principles: Inquire, Improvise, and Inspire—urging us to question limits, adapt to challenges, and uplift others through our actions. She highlights the often overlooked “silent frontier” of mental health, stressing the need to break stigma and embrace emotional intelligence, especially in a world where patriarchy still imposes invisible restrictions. Through personal insights, she shows how resilience and inner motivation can lead to meaningful change. Her powerful message is summed up in the phrase “Not Yet”—a reminder that setbacks are temporary and potential is always unfolding. She concludes by emphasizing the power of collaboration in unlocking our collective strength and pushing beyond all frontiers, both seen and unseen. Ms. Sonal Goel, IAS (2008 batch), currently serves as Secretary, Government of Tripura, and is the author of "Nation Calling – Holistic Approach to UPSC Civil Services Examination." With over 16 years in public service, she has led initiatives in rural development, digital transformation, urban governance, and women and child welfare. She has served extensively in both Tripura and Haryana. Recognized nationally and internationally, she was named among the ‘Top 25 Women Transforming India’ by NITI Aayog and UN (2016), and honored as a ‘Web Wonder Woman’ by Twitter India and Ministry of Women & Child Development (2019). 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