MISSTEPS TO MASTERY | PRAISE ETABA | TEDxYouth@FuntajIntlSchool
In her inspiring speech, “Missteps to Mastery,” she uses humor and honesty to show how mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Through personal stories, she encourages young people to embrace failure as a path to growth, reminding us that true mastery begins with the courage to try again. Praise Michael Etaba is a passionate swimmer and budding storyteller, she is a curious and creative 10-year-old whose love for writing and water fuels both her imagination and determination. With a bright smile and a supportive spirit, she brings joy and energy to her school community. Whether diving into a pool or a good book, Praise is always eager to explore, learn, and grow.
Her speech, “Missteps to Mastery,” is a heartfelt reflection on the power of learning through mistakes. With humor and honesty, she recounts a personal childhood mishap—crashing into her family’s car during her first attempt at cycling—and uses it to explore how failure can be life’s greatest teacher. Drawing on personal experiences and wise quotes, Praise encourages young people to embrace their missteps, see them as steppingstones, and never fear failure—only the failure to learn. Her message is simple but powerful. 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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