Adversity as a Gift: Turning Pain into Purpose | Franklin Mejías Castellanos | TEDxSTU
In this talk, Franklin shares how a sudden, life-altering illness changed the course of his life — and how he chose to grow from it. Through vulnerability and strength, he explores the power of mindset, the importance of human connection, and the belief that adversity can be a powerful force for transformation. Franklin Mejías Castellanos is a quadruple amputee, author, and motivational speaker originally from Venezuela. After surviving a near-fatal case of bacterial meningitis shortly after arriving in the United States, Franklin turned personal tragedy into purpose. Today, he travels the world sharing his story of resilience, courage, and hope, inspiring others to overcome adversity and embrace life with gratitude and strength. 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
More from TED
- 10:0517/100 | Ameen Saeb | TEDxAlQudsUniversityفي هذا الفيديو الملهم، يشاركنا أمين صائب، المصور الفوتوغرافي ومنتج المحتوى الحاصل على جوائز، لحظة فاصلة غيّرت مسار حياته بالكامل: رسوبه في امتحان مادة "Data Structure" وحصوله على 17 من 100. لحظة قد تبدو نهاية، لكنها كانت بالنسبة له بداية حقيقية.من هذا الامتحان، بدأ أمين رحلة التغيير. غيّر تخصصه، أعاد التفكير في أولوياته، واكتشف شغفه في رواية القصة من خلال الصورة والفيديو. المفارقة؟ أن نفس المهارات التي تعلّمها في المادة التي رسب فيها أصبحت جوهر عمله اليوم – في إنتاج الريلز، تسويق القصص بصريًا، وصناعة محتوى ناجح يترك أثرًا على السوشال ميديا. مصور فوتوغرافي ومُنتج محتوى وفيديو حاصل على جوائز، بخبرة تتجاوز 10 سنوات في التعاون مع مؤسسات محلية ودولية. مختص في تصوير الفعاليات، إنتاج الريلز، وتدريب التصوير بالموبايل 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
- 13:24السر الخفي وراء كل غني | Pinar Kulghasi | TEDxAlQudsUniversityفي هذا الحوار الملهم، تتحدث رائدة الأعمال بينار كلغاصي عن رحلتها في ريادة الأعمال، مشددة على أن لكل فرد القدرة على كسب المال بطرق مشروعة ومبدعة من خلال بدء عمله الخاص. وتسلط الضوء على أهمية تقديم خدمة حقيقية وذات قيمة للناس، وتدعو إلى كسر وصمة العار المرتبطة بالسعي وراء الربح، مؤكدة أن الاستقلال المالي ليس عيبًا، بل خطوة شجاعة نحو التمكين وتحقيق الذات. بينار رائدة أعمال ومستثمرة وخبيرة استراتيجية مالية من القدس. بخبرتها في الإدارة المالية والاقتصاد، أسست صندوق استثمار الشباب، الذي يمكن الأفراد من الاستثمار في العقارات الفلسطينية. كما شاركت في تأسيس Platforms Hub، وهي مساحة عمل مشتركة، وGreeng، وهي شركة ناشئة لتوصيل الطلبات تعتمد على التكنولوجيا المالية. تتميز بينار بخبرتها في التمويل والتسويق والتفاوض، وتركز على المشاريع القابلة للتوسع وذات التأثير الكبير. وإلى جانب عملها في مجال الأعمال، تشارك بينار رؤى استثمارية على رؤية ثاقبة، مما يلهم الآخرين على فهم التمويلات المالية، وتبني قيادة ذات طابع قيادي في مستقبل الاستثمار والتكنولوجيا في فلسطين. 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
- 10:35حين يصبح الطب مقاومة، والعدالة التزاماً | Duha Shellah | TEDxAlQudsUniversityفي هذا الحوار الملهم، تتحدث الطبيبة ضحى الشلة عن أهمية إبراز الهوية والتمسك بها، من خلال تجربتها كامرأة طبيبة وعالمة رفعت صوتها بثقة في كل المحافل. تسرد كيف شكّلت هويتها مصدر قوة، ودافعًا لسعيها الدائم نحو تمكين الشباب وتعزيز ثقافة البحث العلمي بينهم، إيمانًا منها بأن العلم والانتماء يمكن أن يسيرا جنبًا إلى جنب نحو مستقبل أفضل. Dr. Duha Shellah is a Palestinian physician-scientist, and global health leader. She serves as Vice Chair of the WHO EMRO Youth Council, Chair of Public Health emergencies and Disasters WG at the WFPHA, and Founder of Women in Global Health Palestine. As Founder and Chairwoman of The Researchist, she empowers youth in science, research and advocacy. Recognized internationally—named one of the world’s Emerging Voices for Global Health—Duha has spoken at leading global health platforms including the World Health Summit, Global Health Security, and Health Systems Research, sharing bold visions for equity, justice, and youth leadership from Palestine to the world. 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
- 15:23Empowered for Tomorrow: Your Transition to an AI-Ready Future | ?????? ????? | TEDxCOUUnlock your potential in the age of AI with Nayeem Islam’s insightful TEDxCoU talk, “Empowered for Tomorrow: Your Transition to an AI-Ready Future.” Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace, education, and everyday life, and learn why embracing new skills and lifelong learning is the key to thriving in this rapidly changing world.Nayeem shares practical strategies to help you adapt, upskill, and become indispensable no matter what your background is. Drawing on real world examples and emerging trends, he explains how you can turn uncertainty into opportunity by working alongside AI rather than resisting it.Perfect for students, professionals, and anyone curious about the future, this talk will inspire you to become confident and empowered for what lies ahead. A trailblazer whose work stands at the crossroads of intelligence, intention, and imagination.In a time when technology evolves by the hour, he chooses to go deeper, building not just what’s next, but what matters. From systems that think to tools that adapt, his ideas stretch beyond the boundaries of the now, asking not just can we, but should we.He doesn’t just build code, he builds context. With a mind tuned to the rhythms of innovation and a heart committed to impact, his vision challenges us to rethink the role of AI, data, and design in our world. 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
- 9:57وراء القناع | Yousef Abu-asbeh | TEDxAlQudsUniversityفي هذا الحوار المؤثر، يروي الدكتور يوسف أبو عصبة تجربة مرض ابنه التي قلبت موازين حياته، حين انتقل من دور الطبيب المعالج إلى الأب المتلقي للرعاية. تجربة إنسانية عميقة غيّرت نظرته للطب، وأضافت ليوسف الطبيب بعداً أعمق من التعاطف والرحمة. Dr. Yousef Abu Asbeh is a consultant thoracic surgeon and a passionate advocate for advancing surgical care and medical education in Palestine. He completed his residency in thoracic surgery at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, followed by a clinical fellowship at the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, Canada.Dr. Abu Asbeh currently serves as the Director of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Al-Ahli Hospital and as a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at St. Joseph Hospital in Jerusalem. He is also the Director of Surgical Subspecialties at the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Quds University, where he actively mentors the next generation of surgeons and medical professionals.Through his work, Dr. Abu Asbeh combines clinical excellence with a deep commitment to education, innovation, and community impact, making him a leading figure in the development of thoracic surgery in the region. 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
- 12:09How HR is shaping Every Life, Everyday | ????? ????? ?????? | TEDxCOUExplore the vital role of Human Resources in shaping the modern workplace in this inspiring TEDxCoU talk by Sumon Kante Singha, Chief Human Resource Officer at Fakir Group.In his presentation, “How HR is Shaping Every Life, Every Day,” Sumon shares powerful stories—like the young man who just needed someone to listen—and reveals how HR isn't just about policies or paperwork, but about influencing every employee’s journey. Through engaging visuals and real-world statistics, he illustrates how HR professionals balance tradition and innovation, blending “Old + New = Better” to create thriving workplaces.Key topics include the impact of HR on employee well-being, with statistics showing that 56% of employees face moderate to high workplace stress, as well as the growing importance of mental health at work. He delves into how HR defines workplace purpose, especially for Generation Z (with 76% seeking purposeful work), and demonstrates the profound human touch behind every HR decision.Sumon urges leaders to build workplaces “with heart,” where people, potential, and purpose intersect to drive both business and personal fulfillment.Whether you’re an HR professional, manager, or someone passionate about organizational culture, this talk offers actionable insights and fresh perspectives on building better, more human workplaces. ????? ????? ??????, Chief Human Resources Officer at Fakir Group - a bold leader who has redefined what it means to lead people through change.In an era where uncertainty is the only constant, Sumon Kante Singha has turned challenges into catalysts for growth. By championing digital transformation, building cultures rooted in trust and diversity, and putting people at the heart of progress, he has helped make Fakir Group a model for future-ready organizations in Bangladesh.His journey is a testament to the power of human connection and the courage to lead with empathy. Beyond policies and processes, he reminds us that it is people , their ideas, their resilience, their dreams - that move businesses and societies forward. 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