The Bouyei Ethnicity is a minority ethnicity in China. It’s characterized by delicate dyes of batik, embroidered clothing, and mysterious folktales and mountain songs. Yet as modern citizens, what can we learn from them? How can Indigenous societies give insights to us living in giant concrete jungles? Xiaoang Huang (Sissi) is a 16-year-old student in grade 11C who is passionate about the arts, beauty, and snow sports. She is currently working on a virtual project showcasing the arts and culture of the Bouyei ethnic group. Her TEDx topic is inspired by her personal journey in documentary-making focused on Bouyei culture, an influence that has deeply moved her since childhood. Through her speech, Xiaoang hopes to not only share the richness of Bouyei traditions but also inspire others to recognize the valuable lessons it holds. 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

In her talk, Yolanda Li explores how silences in music mirror the pauses and progress in life. By letting go of perfection and the need for audience feedback, “failure” transforms into the achievement of artistic expression and freedom. Yolanda Li is an 11th-grade student with a passion for singing, playing the piano, writing, exercising, playing chess, learning new languages, and exploring topics like fashion and finance. She is currently organizing a charity concert for the summer, writing a research paper on women in business, recording a song for release, and preparing for solo and band performances. Additionally, Yolanda is getting ready for writing competitions, attending a music composition camp, and expanding her knowledge through Coursera courses. Having experienced the challenges of unbalanced schedules firsthand, Yolanda has found her own path to stability. Through TEDx, she hopes to inspire others to create a life of balance by rethinking their daily routines and finding harmony in their pursuits. 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

What is a successful life? Is it top grades? Or perhaps entrepreneurship? Or just admitting your fondness for a weird bean juice drink? Does the definition of "success" come from others or yourself? In this talk, Luke Gao discusses how reflection and passion could lead to a unique and original life. Luke Gao is passionate about playing the GuQin, an ancient Chinese instrument that offers a unique sense of freedom and expression. He also enjoys stargazing and experimenting with astrophotography. At school, Luke co-leads the Triplet Club, a science club dedicated to exploring fascinating scientific topics through presentations and discussions. Luke joined TEDx to share his personal experiences with burnout, brought on by academic pressures, expectations from peers, and the overwhelming demands of daily life. He recalls a time when he found himself in an anxious state, having lost his own "rhythm." Through TEDx, Luke hopes to share his journey of rediscovering himself amidst the chaos, along with the strategies he developed to navigate through challenging times and the valuable insights he gained along the way. 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

More than often, we find ourselves indulging in the world of social media, but have you ever considered about the permanent implementation of media to our consciousness, the fragmented but curated online content, or how we trick and neutralize our brain by following TikTok trends. In this talk, Jorean He raises the existing knowledge of media above water while talking about how social media distracts us from shaping our own identity. Jorean He is a 17-year-old high school junior who considers himself balanced between introversion and extroversion. He is passionate about sports like volleyball, track, basketball, and soccer. Photography plays a major role in his life, and he also enjoys playing video games with friends. At school, Jorean holds leadership roles in various media and film-based clubs, contributing to community projects, including filming for the school's marketing department. He is also a member of the student council.Through TEDx, Jorean aims to shed light on the often-overlooked effects of social media on procrastination. Drawing from his own experiences, he hopes to reveal its underlying impacts, encourage reflection, and inspire others to rethink their relationship with technology. 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

Humans thrive on social connection, whether one-on-one or through other mediums. The pandemic forced us to embrace the digital age as communication became difficult and inaccessible. During this time, Peri R. Finkelstein found her voice by launching a storytelling podcast. When people first meet Peri, as she has Muscular Dystrophy, they often see a wheelchair, medical tubes, and a ventilator rather than the person she is. Social connection helps level the playing field, disrupting biases and fostering inclusivity. Through the use of AI technology, such as with Peri's communication device, the notion of the power of human connection has become universally accessible to all. This talk aims to shift perspectives, encouraging people to see those with disabilities for who they truly are. Hopefully, the next time they meet someone with a disability, they’ll take the time to know them as a person. With the vocal help of actress, neuroscientist, and podcaster, Mayim Bialik, Peri tells her own story in her own words on a bigger stage, one that is accessible to all. Peri R. Finkelstein is a Marketing Consultant, Digital Creator, Keynote Speaker, Founder/CEO of the Team Peri Foundation and has raised over $1M for charity. Peri was featured in Forbes in December 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York. As a marathoner, nonprofit leader, and producer, creator, and co-host of the Team Peri Step Out of Line podcast, she inspires listeners through her dedication to community engagement. While she was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, Peri only allows that factor to be a blip in the equation and in turn, her medical challenges have fueled her fire and her drive to believe that with hard work, a sharp mind, wit, and a whole lot of moxie, she can accomplish anything. Over the years, Peri has honed her craft relentlessly and lives by the mantra of Step Out of Line. Her life’s mission is to share her story in the hope to inspire others to be the change and always venture out of the lines. 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

Dr. Jason Moser blends personal narrative and insight to explore identity, purpose, and transformation. Through honest storytelling and reflection, he challenges viewers to stretch beyond familiar boundaries and embrace the process of becoming. Dr. Moser helps us understand the approach-avoidance conflict and how small changes lead to long term gains. Dr. Jason Moser is one of the world’s leading experts on anxiety and self-control. A Professor of Psychology, Kinesiology, and Neuroscience at Michigan State University and licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with clients with anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD, he studies how anxiety makes it harder to manage emotions, stay focused, and bounce back from mistakes. He uses neuroscience tools to identify links between anxiety and self-control problems and targets them with straightforward strategies that are tailored to the particular situation. Jason’s research has been published in top peer-reviewed journals. He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and serves on review boards for the National Institute of Mental Health. His work has appeared in education legislation and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Wired, Forbes, Psychology Today, Scientific American Mind, and Real Simple. 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

Annabel Gardner weaves together personal experience and thoughtful insight to explore how we confront uncertainty, define purpose, and rise through challenges. The blend of narrative and reflection invites the audience to pause, reassess priorities, and engage with life more intentionally. Annabel Gardner is a high school English teacher at Canterbury, where she not only loves what she teaches, but loves who she teaches even more. She coordinates the school's Writing Center, advises multiple student affinity groups including the Black Student Union and South Asian Student Alliance, and has guided students to win prestigious writing accolades, including New York Times recognition and thirteen Scholastic Gold Keys. A Vanderbilt University graduate with magna cum laude honors, Annabel is also a Columbia Teachers College Klingenstein Institute alum and a Scholastic Writing Outstanding Educator Award winner. 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

Kenny Wang offers a personal and thought-provoking narrative about growth, purpose, and resilience. Drawing from lived experiences, he challenges listeners to examine their assumptions, embrace vulnerability, and pursue genuine goals, connection and impact. Kenny Wang is a first-year student at the University of Notre Dame and an alumnus of Canterbury School. Kenny is pursuing a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Economics, blending technical rigor with a wide understanding of global systems. He is also a talented pianist who has shared his music with many. 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

Ben Steinmetz delves into his life’s experiences, as he travelled to various countries, reflecting on leadership, challenges, and the values that guide him. Through candid storytelling and deep insight, he encourages listeners to travel and define its value and impact on their own terms. Benjamin Steinmetz, a junior at Canterbury School. Ben was born in Mongolia and has lived a truly global life. He lived in 13 countries before moving to Fort Wayne this year. At just 16 years old, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his international experiences. Outside of academics, he expresses his creativity and discipline through music, playing both the piano and guitar. 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

Doyoung Kim shares his journey, insights, and transformative experiences to inspire audiences to rethink their approach to creativity, purpose, and resilience. With compelling stories and actionable takeaways, Kim demonstrates how looking at small pieces of information in the context of its neighbors can help us analyze big data and lead to meaningful impact. Doyoung is a senior at Canterbury School. After moving to the US from Korea in 2024 he has developed strong skills in data analysis and research, with expertise in algorithms and geographic information systems (GIS). His accomplishments include conducting research on the KNN algorithm and leading data-driven projects using GIS to analyze complex datasets. Academically, he has pursued rigorous coursework and independent projects that have further strengthened his foundation in data science and research methodology. Doyoung is passionate about applying data science to solve real-world problems and hopes to continue expanding this interest in college and beyond. Outside of academics, he enjoys sports and creative projects, which he feels keeps him balanced and motivated. 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