In the talk “Rowing Through Adversity,” Shahd Baslaim reflects on her journey from a rigid, perfectionist mindset, always pushing in one direction, to embracing the idea of change and new paths. She shares how letting go of her initial plan to study chemical engineering allowed her to discover a passion for medicine, ultimately encouraging others to be open to life’s twists rather than sticking to a straight line. Shahd Baslaim is a third-year medical student at King Abdulaziz University, with aspirations to make a lasting impact on the field of medicine. She graduated valedictorian of her class after completing the International Baccalaureate program with high honors at Jeddah Knowledge International School. Her achievements have not deterred her from engaging in a diverse array of endeavors. These include winning a silver medal at the inaugural female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in Jeddah, volunteering in a multinational initiative for women's health treatment alongside a surgeon who trained at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, and raising awareness for arthritis through a campaign that has reached thousands of individuals in Jeddah. 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