Rowing Upstream:Creating A Path No One Else Can | FAYHA FATHIN PP | TEDxPeacePublicSchoolKottakkal
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
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