In her TEDxTufts talk, speaker Sarah Lotsoff weaves her personal experience with facts about fentanyl, drug education, harm reduction, and societal attitudes towards each in an effort to address lingering misconceptions and spread awareness about the dangers of accidental fentanyl poisoning. She shares how the sudden loss of her brother motivated her to get involved in harm reduction work on her campus, and urges her audience of college students to educate themselves on the risks associated with substance use because of fentanyl, as well as the ways they can protect themselves and their friends, should they choose to use substances. Through this talk, she hopes to dismantle the “not me” mentality surrounding overdose and encourage others to carry Narcan and use fentanyl test strips in order to prevent future accidental fentanyl poisonings.Sarah is a senior at Tufts, majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Italian. She is the head writer for The Institute Sketch Comedy group on campus and works with the Tufts Harm Reduction Department for Alcohol and Drugs (THREAD). This past October, Sarah moderated a discussion with Nic Sheff (author, self-identified recovering addict, and subject of the film Beautiful Boy) as a part of the Tisch College Solomont Speaker Series after proposing and planning the event since February. She’s also working with SAFE Project as a fellow for their Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy this year in an effort to support the harm reduction effort at Tufts.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

This talk explores Gen Z’s “Instant Philosophy,” a mindset shaped by YOLO and FOMO that celebrates living in the moment. It delves into how Gen Z values passion, fulfilment, and experiences over convention, seeing time as life’s ultimate currency. Expect fresh insights, real stories, and a powerful reminder to live boldly and authentically because we only live once. Theophilus Ebenezer, a Class 10 student, is driven by insatiable curiosity to explore the world around him. As a passionate swimmer, skilled coder, and confident public speaker, Theo leverages creativity and communication to inspire others. Whether diving into code or presenting ideas on stage, he thrives on challenges that fuel his growth. Today, he brings that same energy to the TEDx stage. 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

This talk explores why we easily forgive fictional characters but struggle to extend the same empathy to real people. It introduces the concept of Narrative Intelligence, our natural ability to understand and empathize when we see someone’s full story and challenges us to apply it in real life. By asking, “What chapter of their life am I seeing?” we can transform judgement into compassion and learn to view others as evolving stories rather than finished outcomes. Ritanshi, a Class 10 student, is a vibrant spirit bursting with curiosity, and creativity. A passionate dancer and painter, she believes art is not just something you create, it’s something you live. She finds beauty in movement, colours, and stories, and when she is not creating, she is lost in the pages of a book or the frames of a movie. At just 15, she brings warmth, laughter, and imagination into everything she does from school projects to baking treats that taste like joy. She is a true extrovert with an old soul endlessly curious, joyfully expressive, and always searching for meaning in the little moments that make life beautiful. An extrovert with a heart full of sunshine, Ritanshi finds magic in the little things and turns ordinary moments into something truly meaningful. 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

Imagine a world without the blue LED, no bright smartphone screens, no energy-efficient lighting, no vibrant digital displays. For years, scientists tried and failed to create it, until three pioneers - Shuji Nakamura, Isamu Akasaki, and Hiroshi Amano achieved the impossible. This talk explores how their invention revolutionized modern technology and what our world would be like without it. More than a story of Science, it’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and the power of human dedication. If they could illuminate the world through sheer determination - why can’t we? Passionate footballer, gifted musician, and a great artist. A Grade 9 student, Samuel is an aspiring lawyer who analyses things with a fresh perspective. A committed learner who accomplishes whatever it may be with sheer dedication and has creativity that reaches beyond the sky. He has a good sense of humour and blends his humour to articulate complex things clearly. He loves to solve puzzles in his free time and finds joy in playing the keyboard, a passion that adds rhythm to his vibrant personality. 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

This talk dives into the true spirit of open source-beyond just free code or fancy programs. It explores how open collaboration can accelerate innovation and solve real-world problems, emphasizing that open source is for everyone, not just experts. Drawing from personal experiences with Google Summer of Code and open source contributions, this talk invites you to embrace curiosity, empathy, and sharing as keys to meaningful impact. Whether you fix a typo or build new tools, your contribution matters in creating a more connected and innovative community. Student innovator and GSoC developer shaping the future of open-source robotics. 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