Vivaan is a junior at mountain view high school. As someone who moved to the other side of the world when he was only nine years old, life changed very quickly for Vivaan, in ways he could not imagine. But to others, these changes were normal and sometimes meaningless. In his talk, Vivaan outlines through his own experience, how the world seems different from the perspective of an immigrant. Vivaan is a junior at mountain view high school. As someone who moved to the other side of the world when he was only nine years old, life changed very quickly for Vivaan, in ways he could not imagine. But to others, these changes were normal and sometimes meaningless. In his talk, Vivaan outlines through his own experience, how the world seems different from the perspective of an immigrant. 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

A victim of his own expectations, sophomore Ryan Lee had once walked the same path trodden with the footsteps of nationwide high schoolers all grasping at the fleeting ideal of perfection. Now, having broken free from the constant struggle to be flawless, he speaks on the fear of failure and the pain of always falling short of your ambitions. Join him in his talk as he discusses his love, hate, and journey with perfectionism. A victim of his own expectations, sophomore Ryan Lee had once walked the same path trodden with the footsteps of nationwide high schoolers all grasping at the fleeting ideal of perfection. Now, having broken free from the constant struggle to be flawless, he speaks on the fear of failure and the pain of always falling short of your ambitions. Join him in his talk as he discusses his love, hate, and journey with perfectionism. 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

A dedicated advocate for understanding and inclusion, Amanda is a junior in highschool who navigates life with a unique perspective on hidden challenges. Having experienced firsthand the impact of unseen disabilities, she is passionate about raising awareness around the value of compassion in everyday interactions. In her talk, Amanda sheds light on the subtle ways people with invisible struggles can feel excluded and the powerful effect of small, thoughtful actions. She encourages listeners to approach each person with patience and empathy, building a world where everyone feels understood and included. A dedicated advocate for understanding and inclusion, Amanda is a junior in highschool who navigates life with a unique perspective on hidden challenges. Having experienced firsthand the impact of unseen disabilities, she is passionate about raising awareness around the value of compassion in everyday interactions. In her talk, Amanda sheds light on the subtle ways people with invisible struggles can feel excluded and the powerful effect of small, thoughtful actions. She encourages listeners to approach each person with patience and empathy, building a world where everyone feels understood and included. 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

Tanya Sheckley is an Entrepreneur, Founder of UP Academy and Co-Founder of Project UP. UP Academy is a non-traditional elementary school which values respect, innovation, empathy and strength. Project UP brings a fully integrated Literacy and project based learning curriculum for K-5 schools as well as building a community of founders and leaders. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, change what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education. She is author of Rebel Educator’s podcast and book, Create Classrooms of Imagination and Impact. Speaking frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship, Tanya works with founders and leaders to launch innovative school models, question the status quo, and develop engaging student experiences through inclusion and project based learning. Tanya Sheckley is an Entrepreneur, Founder of UP Academy and Co-Founder of Project UP. UP Academy is a non-traditional elementary school which values respect, innovation, empathy and strength. Project UP brings a fully integrated Literacy and project based learning curriculum for K-5 schools as well as building a community of founders and leaders. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, change what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education. She is author of Rebel Educator’s podcast and book, Create Classrooms of Imagination and Impact. Speaking frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship, Tanya works with founders and leaders to launch innovative school models, question the status quo, and develop engaging student experiences through inclusion and project based learning. 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

My Ted Talk this year will be on micro aggressions, which can be defined as “subtle discrimination.” I chose this topic because often times we fail to realize that some of the things we say or do can be harmful or micro-aggressive, so that’s what I want to educate on! After high school, I’ll be attending Lafayette College to major in political science! Hello! My name is Elisha Dalmeida and I’m currently a senior at Jenks High School! I was a TedX speaker last year and am proud to be one again this year. I’m involved in speech & debate, theatre, mock trial, pre med, and a handful of other activities. 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

My Ted Talk aims to highlight the behind-the-scenes effects of complaining. While most everyone understands that complaining is “bad”, few realize the true depth of its negative impact. The difference between my life before and after researching this topic have been drastic, and I hope to inspire others to reevaluate the way they view their words and thoughts as well!! Addison Falat is a junior at Jenks High School. She is a part of the Jenks Trojanaires, as well as Student Council, the National Honor Society, Tri-M, and the International Scholars Program. Outside of school, she is also involved with the National Charity League, serving on the national board, and she works for The Pearl House. Her TED Talk aims to highlight the behind-the-scenes effects of complaining. While most everyone understands that complaining is “bad”, few realize the true depth of its negative impact. The difference between her life before and after researching this topic has been drastic, and she hopes to inspire others to reevaluate the way they view their words and thoughts as well! 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

At the age of 4, I fell in love with sports. I have always wanted to share my experiences with the world. But never thought I would get the chance. But then last fall, I had a near-season-ending injury. I thought that I wouldn’t be able to play again. But through perseverance and many different strategies, I pushed through. And this led me to join TEDx and share a part of my story. My speech discusses some common misconceptions about sports injuries. Many people think they are clear cut and simple, but I’m here to challenge that. My name is Quinn Benoit, I am an 11th-grade student from the US. 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 March 2024, I visited a bakery run by deaf bakers, and I was amazed by the delicious pastries and the authentic artworks they created. In particular, one baker's butterfly painting ignited my curiosity about how the bakers used art to connect themselves with the world. I found this visit captivating primarily because it motivated me to think deeper about the power of art, which has inspired it to become the topic of my TEDX speech. In my speech, I will explain how art helps hard-of-hearing individuals navigate a world filled with uncertainty, all from their unique perspectives. My name is Heewon Bae, and I am a grade 10 student from South Korea. 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

I would like to talk about sleep, but also its deprivation. When I was a kid, I used to see sleep as a nuisance, an interruption to my day. I’ve always questioned why adults find sleep to be so important, but now, it seems like a luxury to even lay in bed. In today’s TEDx speech, I would like to explore why we should stop treating sleep as optional, how we can (try to) fix it, and how it reflects wider issues in our society as a whole. I’m Ethan Guo, and I’m a Grade 10 student from China. 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

As someone who formerly struggled to make friends and talk to people, I was compelled to discuss the idea of dual identities – being considered both an outsider and an insider at the same time. My TEDx speech will address themes of being both an outsider and insider, and how this unique side of life can bring a new perspective and understanding to life. My name is Larry Li and I am currently a 12th grade student from Canada. 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