In this personal and thought provoking TEDx talk, 10th grader Fayha Fathin PP shares the powerful story behind her school research project and how it became much more than just a topic. Through the metaphor of a boat caught in a current, she explores the silent but dangerous force of “going with the flow,” and what it truly means to resist the pressure to conform. With honesty and clarity, Fayha reflects on her struggle to hold onto her research idea despite criticism, mentor conflicts, and the temptation to simply give in. She reveals the emotional rollercoaster of staying true to her belief when everyone else said, “Let it go.” What begins as an academic journey becomes a universal message: about identity, courage, and the power of holding on to your inner voice. Fayha breaks down the six steps she followed to protect her idea steps that resonate far beyond classrooms and competitions. From owning your “why” to expecting resistance, and from taking daily action to staying aligned with your values, her story serves as a reminder that real growth happens when we dare to row against the current. This is not just a talk about a gold coin. It’s a call to every young person who’s ever felt out of place, unheard, or unsure to trust themselves enough to paddle forward, even when the world flows the other way. Fayha Fathin PP is a bold and driven student, known for her strong voice and creativity. A two-time district English extempore champion with state-level experience in both English and Arabic recitation, she earned a gold coin award for her research on teenage body image through the Peace Little Scholar program.As Student Editor and former Vice Captain, she has excelled in academics and co-curriculars. Fayha co-produced a short film that won third prize at the Global Digital Fest and participated in the International Digital Fest in Dubai. She also launched a small planner business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.Active in anchoring, debating (Best Offender award), poetry, and science fests, Fayha is known for her fearless and purposeful approach to everything she does. 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

This is one of the most thought-provoking TEDx talks with Mohammed Anjal, a 10th-grade student, challenging the established perception in the society where either it can be done by the old or the young, but never with both. Guided by humility, narration, and the occasional shots of poetical imaginations, Anjal takes the viewer into a forest, not of trees or vegetation, but of ideas; where age-old is no more the mark of who is to lead, but initiative. By using personal examples, public demonstration and a memorable image, the idea of having a personified separation of the ways between the generations is dispelled with the help of the trees being the intuitive picture of wisdom and younger generations entangling. He makes us understand that it is not just that the younger generation will be leaders of tomorrow but they are leaders today and they do have the coherence, passion, and vision to be the leaders and also the wise people have a role not to retire but to guide, mentor, and empower. It is an action call; that the young people will talk up, move forward without fear, that those who are wise will teach with scars not pride and that society will make no choice between the two. And, since real progress, Anjal maintains, occurs when the roots of wisdom and the branches of youth are the same. A motivated 10 grade student at Peace Public School Kottakkal,passionate about design ,computer science,and creative problem solving skill.He specialize in crafting user-friendly app designs and friendly app designs and contributing to marketing strategies that enhance online business growth. His skills extend to mimicry, acting, and gaming, which fuel my creativity and focus. With a results-driven mindset, he consistently meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. His achievements include securing 2nd place in the Global Digital Fest (2024) for a tech talk, winning 1st place twice in school-level digital fests for game and web development, earning 3rd place in Sahodaya Kalotsav for mimicry (2023), and being recognized as a Peace Little Scholar for understanding AI in India. His diverse skill set spans designing, debugging, marketing, time management, web development, and socializing. 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

Palak Chauhan, a 14-year-old piano prodigy, takes the stage with a performance that blends precision and passion. Her fingers dance on the piano to tell a story beyond words - a story that is bold, moving, and unforgettable. Palak Chauhan, a 14-year-old prodigy in Western Classical Piano from Chennai, has garnered a multitude of national and international awards spanned across USA, Italy, London, Austria, Canada, Malaysia and UAE. Her remarkable performances include playing at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the President of India, delivering a captivating solo concert at London's esteemed Victoria & Albert Museum attended by luminaries like Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, and showcasing her musical talent for the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, among other numerous notable occasions.pikuheenz@gmail.com 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

Empathy. Connecting with each other. What happens when connections are missing or broken. Year 10 student. Mahro has recently been successful in winning a much-coveted place on the Junior Leadership Team. She has been part of debate club for several years and has mentored younger students when preparing for their first mock trial competition. She is studying GCSE psychology, and is predicted a grade 8. She is also an enthusiastic psychology ambassador. 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

Wake up and act! There's no time to be complacent while the world is on fire or drowning. Year 10 student. Eva is an ambitious and determined student at Goldington Academy. Since a young age, she has expressed her points of view on various topics and is always interested in listening to opposing views. She is a consistent member of the school debate team and has engaged in public speaking at numerous events. Eva has been active in hosting various Bulgarian public speaking events, ensuring that Bulgarian culture and education is well conveyed. Recently, her focus in terms of the world we live in, is activism. It is necessary that as a society, we become more responsible and aware of the consequences of our own actions. 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

The dangers that are associated with conforming and what we can gain through authenticity. Year 10 student. Delia has recently been appointed as the Head of the Junior Leadership Team. She has enjoyed debating very much over the past 4 years, so much so, she has started her own Philosophy club where they discuss and dispute topics such as, "Does nostalgia benefit us?". Not only that, but she has participated in the Crown court mock trials as a lawyer where she has argued and questioned two separate cases. She is a passionate and enthusiastic individual, who puts 100% effort into whatever she does. 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