In 2025, young people are more aware of the world around us than in any other time in history. There's a seemingly endless number of tools at our disposal to either eradicate or exacerbate change. Having lived in five countries by the time I was nine years old, I've seen firsthand how the power of music can make anyone a changemaker. Music has the potential to overcome barriers, and collect in every person an empathy that drives our stories home. There is no prerequisite to stepping on a stage and making it your own, and I invite you to join me. Deya Nurani is a 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and columnist based in Southern California. As the creator of the Dhaka Tribune's Seen And Heard column, Nurani makes use of her international perspective to discuss representation and coming-of-age in the digital era. She has been a performer and a writer since infancy, intersecting advocacy and artistry in her work. Most recently, her original poem Adhan was selected to be published in The America Library of Poetry's upcoming Excellence collection. Aside from singing and writing, she enjoys volunteering, listening to music, and denying caffeine addict allegations. 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 if the only thing standing between you and your best self is fear? In this moving personal talk, Dahayu Rachmat reveals how she went from being too afraid to apply for a TEDx Talk to standing on the red dot itself. It’s a story of fear, courage, and the quiet moment when you finally decide this time, I’m ready to fly. Ever felt like you’re just the “sidekick” in your own life story?In this heartfelt and emotional talk, student speaker Dahayu Rachmat takes us on her journey from fear to courage from watching others shine to finally stepping into the spotlight herself. Through real life reflections, inspiring quotes, and a surprising connection to Emma Watson’s UN speech, she explores how fear can hold us back from discovering the hero within. Dahayu Sali Rachmat is a 14 year old student from Avicenna Cinere Junior High School. She used to have a passion for dancing since preschool, but when the COVID-19 lockdown happened, she took a break. After things settled down, she wanted to try something new and is now active in cheerleading. One of her biggest hobbies is talking, and now public speaking has become a new playground for her. In the future, she wants to study law or psychology. She sometimes wonders if her life purpose is just to be a sidekick, but she believes that everyone can be their own hero. 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