In one of the most heartfelt talks of the event, filmmaker Nayana Shyam opened up about living with fibromyalgia and the often-overlooked link between chronic illness and mental health. With quiet strength and raw honesty, she shared how therapy played a crucial role in her recovery—highlighting the importance of seeking professional help. Her vulnerability touched the hearts of many, making those who've known the pain of struggling in silence feel deeply seen and understood. The talk served as a powerful reminder—your mental health matters, and that reaching out is one of the bravest things you can do. From a young age, Nayana Shyam harbored a passion for filmmaking. She began her professional journey as a content creator at Pocket Aces Pictures Pvt. Ltd., where she directed the heartwarming, wholesome, and highly relatable Mother’s Day video titled “Fashion Conversations With Mom”, amassing over 40 million views on FilterCopy’s YouTube channel.
Her directorial ventures include popular web series such as “Firsts”, and the second seasons of “Adulting” and “Please Find Attached” among other works. From 2020 to 2022, she worked at Netflix as a creative editor before going on to create the web series “Sisterhood” with TVF, all while committing to embroidery full-time during her breaks. 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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- 2:27The Interstitium: Your Body’s Hidden Superhighway | Emily Aguesse | TEDxYouth@SantiagoSTEAMWe think we know our bodies—but what if there’s something important we’ve missed? In this eye-opening talk, Emily uncovers a little-known part of the human body that’s changing how scientists think. It’s a reminder that curiosity can lead to discoveries in the most unexpected places. Emily is a sixth grade student at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School. As a two-time gold level President's Volunteer Service Award recipient, Emily knows the power of hard work and giving back to her community. She has dedicated countless hours to the building and tending of her school's gardens and she has supported numerous Santiago STEAM Green environmental initiatives. From working before school recycling drives to attending after school guest speaker sessions, Emily's support has been key in her school's success as a Green Ribbon School through both the CA and US Departments of Education. 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
- 2:15Caring for the Spaces That Care for Us | Charlotte Tarin | TEDxYouth@SantiagoSTEAMWe all know nature is good for us—but are we doing enough to care for it in return? In this inspiring talk, Charlotte explores how outdoor spaces support our minds and bodies, and why it’s up to us to protect them. A simple act like picking up trash might mean more than you think. Charlotte Tarin is a sixth grade student at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School. Any teacher at her school will share that Charlotte is always there to help. She stays after school to help clean up classrooms, is always ready to move equipment before and after school events, and she's the first to volunteer to be a mentor to younger students in need of a true role model. 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
