Exploring the Unknown: The Power of Curiosity | Donna Walters | TEDxFolsom High School Youth
In this energetic and inspiring talk, Donna invites the audience to reconnect with their inner child by embracing one of the most powerful tools we all possess: curiosity. Through playful audience participation and compelling storytelling, the talk explores how asking “Why?”, a question often discouraged as we grow older, can be the key to innovation, personal growth, and meaningful connection. From historical breakthroughs to everyday self-reflection, this talk reminds people that curiosity isn’t just for scientists or students, it’s a mindset that empowers us to overcome fear, navigate uncertainty, and boldly explore the unknown. Donna "BasicTaq" Walters is an award-winning founder and Executive Director of College Esports, a nonprofit focused on promoting project-based learning through video games. She is also a co-founder of the California Esports Association, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering educators to create sustainable, engaging, and inclusive esports and video game programs. She has partnered with organizations such as the City of Rancho Cordova, University of the Pacific, and more to develop impactful esports initiatives. A frequent speaker at national conferences, Donna shares her expertise in both esports and higher education as a speaker, moderator, panelist, and event host. Recently, she joined Folsom High School as a Computer Science teacher, using her expertise in online spaces to inspire students through career-building opportunities that connect with their interests and technology-based experiences. For more insights into her work, check out her interview on the Gamers Change Lives. 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
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- 2:37Awakening Festac Town | Benita-Maria Kelechi Opara (rialena_tm) | TEDxFestac TownFestac Town hosted a global Arts and Cultural Festival in 1977 which brought nations together to celebrate culture and diversity. This talk is a reminder of that history and a clarion call to every one affiliated with Festac Town to remember and celebrate their roots and the rich culture they possess. It is a reminder of Festac 1977 and the impact it had in bringing together different cultures and arts, from across nations, which can be done again, in a bigger and better manner. But firstly, the people have to awaken that fire that was once there in 1977.Intro audio: Chillout by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Benita-Maria Kelechi Opara, also known as Rialena, is a first-class graduate of Architecture and an award-winning spoken word artiste with over nine years of experience in poetry and performance. For her, spoken word transcends art - it is a powerful medium for expressing her faith, challenging perspectives and shaping culture. Rialena has performed across diverse platforms and audiences. Her piece “I Have Decided” won the 2024 Ekpebiwo’m Spoken Word Challenge, earning acclaim for its depth and delivery. Beyond poetry, Rialena is a skilled public speaker who has trained over 100 students in the last two years on effective communication and presentation. She is also an experienced event host, an avid reader and researcher, and a contributing writer with a passion for thought-provoking articles. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Architecture at the prestigious Covenant University. Her growing body of work can be explored at https://linktr.ee/rialenatm. 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