Karys Fan is a middle school student who believes that courage doesn’t always look big; sometimes, it’s just choosing to say something when it feels easier to stay silent. In her talk,10 Seconds to Courage: The Ripple Effect of Speaking Up, she shares how a single moment of regret turned into a mission to build a more inclusive and compassionate school community. Through her story of learning to go from bystander to upstander, Karys explores how small actions can interrupt cycles of harm and create real change. Her reflections remind us that anyone, at any age, can make a difference… and it might take less time than you think. Because sometimes, all it takes is 10 seconds. Karys is a rising 8th grader with a deep passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Deeply empathetic and a seasoned communicator, she believes in the power of personal connection and uplifting others. Karys is an active volunteer, always seeking ways to help her community and spread kindness. With a strong sense of self and a non-conforming spirit, she stands confidently in her values and encourages others to do the same. Karys believes there is kindness in everyone and through compassion and connection, she hopes to inspire positive change in the world around her. 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