In this moving TEDx talk, Air Force veteran Lisa Stein opens up about her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder—and the moment she and her care team forged a “Contract to Live.” From childhood anecdotes with her rescue dog Schroeder to soaring highs and devastating lows during the Gulf War, Lisa’s honest storytelling shows how manic creativity and crushing depression can collide without warning. When her diagnosis cost her the career she loved, she hit rock bottom—until she and her psychiatrist and therapist sat down and crafted a simple but powerful agreement: a roadmap of actions, coping strategies, and support systems designed to keep her safe. Today, Lisa shares how that Contract to Live became the cornerstone of her recovery and offers a blueprint for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Whether you’re managing your own condition or supporting someone you love, this talk will inspire you to create commitments that transform survival into a life of purpose and connection.Lisa Stein, a retired US Air Force Captain and decorated Combat Veteran, piloted AWACS surveillance aircraft on global National Security and Desert Storm combat missions. A University of Miami graduate with degrees in both Mathematics and International Studies, a true trailblazer. 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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- 15:18Solving the Unsolvable - The Impacts of Quantum AI | Azhmeer Jesani | TEDxSugarLandQuantum AI represents an imminent shift in technology that will soon redefine entire industries, making it crucial for today's workforce to understand and adapt. As quantum computing advances, roles across healthcare, climate science, finance, and logistics will increasingly rely on quantum-driven insights. Sharing this knowledge now empowers professionals and organizations to proactively integrate Quantum AI, positioning themselves as leaders in a future driven by unprecedented computational capabilities. Azhmeer Jesani is a rising high school senior passionate about quantum artificial intelligence (QAI) and dedicated to community enrichment. His innovative research earned him first place in Physics and Astronomy at the CCISD District Science Fair, along with the district’s prestigious Innovation Award for his exploration of practical applications in QAI classification algorithms. Beyond his academic pursuits, Azhmeer is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, earning the Eagle Scout rank for his impactful service project. He contributes creatively to his community as a photographer for the Southwestern Institutional Communications team and serves as an inaugural member of the Ismaili Youth Council, bridging communication between Ismaili youth and institutional leadership. Additionally, Azhmeer actively empowers his community by teaching Python programming, enriching his local community as a cellist in a community orchestra, and showcasing his talent internationally as a performing pianist. 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
- 18:38Rethinking The Criteria For Success | Grace Carden | TEDxYouth@AbbeyParkHSSuccess is more than just wealth and fame. Its meaning varies from person to person, encompassing mental health, personal fulfillment, and diverse cultural perspectives—there is success in all these forms. Grace is a grade 11 student from M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, Ontario. Her speech revolves around the idea of success and how we as a society may benefit from shifting our conventional view on the topic. This is a true passion for Grace as she believes that societal stress and the pressures of living up to standards is causing more harm than good. Outside of speaking, she is an acid student and leader, involving herself in as many extracurriculars as possible including student council, drama council, tech cre, link crew, student senate, and the Central Ontario Leadership Seminars Alumni Committee, giving back to her community through volunteering at the Burlington Food Bank, and more. Grace is a very passionate student and is dedicated to doing the best she can to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor when she grows up. 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
