The Gains From Failing | Emmanuella Onyiyechi Irechukwu | TEDxJewels Leading Lights Youth
The Gains from Failing by Emmanuella Irechukwu—redefines what it means to fall short and dares you to see failure as your greatest ally.In a world obsessed with wins, trophies, and top scores, we often forget the power of not getting it right the first time. Emmanuella Irechukwu steps onto the TEDx stage to challenge the stigma around failure—not with abstract theories, but with raw honesty and real stories.From a quiet student who failed three times in a row at writing competitions to a confident speaker who now understands that failing doesn’t make you weak—it makes you wise—Emmanuella shares a journey many of us are too afraid to talk about.What if failing was never the end—but the beginning of your true success story?
What if the loss, the rejection, the missed mark… was actually the lesson you needed most?With examples from giants like Thomas Edison, Elon Musk, Leonardo da Vinci, and Nobel laureate Sir John Gurdon, this talk unpacks how resilience, growth, and self-awareness are born not in success—but in struggle.Whether you’re a student, a creative, a dreamer, or someone just trying to figure it out—this is your reminder:
You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.Watch this. Reflect. Then rise—again.
Emmanuella is a calm, reflective, and intellectually gifted 15-year-old Year 10 learner who leads
with quiet strength and clarity of thought. As Class Captain, she consistently models integrity and
responsibility, earning the respect of peers and teachers alike. Her academic brilliance was confirmed
in her exceptional Checkpoint results, and she is a confident public speaker, often representing the
school at major events. Emmanuella placed second in the prestigious Patriot Quiz and is passionate
about reading and writing—skills she nurtures with purpose.
Her TEDx talk, “The Benefits from Failing,” reframes failure as a stepping stone to greatness,
revealing a resilient and deeply thoughtful young leader. With aspirations to become a lawyer and
author, Emmanuella is driven by values of discipline, hard work, and reflection. 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
More from TED
- 3:39The Artful Mind | Sofia Beligianni | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthSofia takes us on a journey through the emotional power of art. She explores how colors, shapes, and symbolism can spark different feelings in each of us, helping us connect with the world and ourselves in deeper ways. Her talk shows how art is not just something we see, but something we truly feel. My name is Sofia, and I am 12 years old. Some of my hobbies include drawing, listening to music, watching movies and reading. I believe that if everyone puts in their best effort, we could really make the Earth a better place. 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
- 14:14WHY Teaching Became My Calling | Derek Block | TEDxSun Prairie West High SchoolAt TEDx Sun Prairie West High School, hosted by Mouneeth Venigalla, Derek Block shares his personal journey and what led him to a career in teaching. With over a decade of experience as a science teacher, he reflects on the meaningful impact educators have on students and communities. His talk was part of the TEDx event themed "The Power of Why." A dedicated science teacher in Sun Prairie for over a decade, Derek Block shares his personal journey into education. He’ll reflect on the key moments that shaped his teaching philosophy and why he believes education is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. 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
- 2:46Mission: Space Spy | Zois Sarris | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthZois loves space, science, and big questions about the universe. In this talk, he shares his dream of becoming a "space spy" using telescopes, satellites, and a curious mind to unlock the mysteries of space. I’m Zois and I’m 10 years old. I love space and technology and when I’m not observing the moon with my telescope, I’m practicing Jiu Jitsu. 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
- 3:07The Power of Learning | Zeta Roussi | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthZeta shares how learning is more than school — it's a way to grow, explore, and connect. From riding a bike to cooking and helping friends, she shows that learning takes effort, but it's always worth it. I am Zeta Roussi, I am eleven years old, and I enjoy sports and traditional dances. 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
- 4:07The Importance of Sports | Apostolos Chardas | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthApostolos talks about how sports, especially swimming, improve physical and mental health. He explains how they help with social life, build determination, and strengthen the heart. Regular exercise is key for kids, promoting growth, fitness, and well-being. Hello, my name is Apostolos, and I am 12 years old. I have a big interest in Sports and that's because I like to exercise a lot in the day! 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
- 3:16Social Media: A new educational tool | Angelos Georgiou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthAngelos highlights how platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are transforming the way we learn. From accessing educational content to fostering collaboration among students and teachers, social media is helping us gain valuable skills and knowledge in fun, interactive ways. But, as with all tools, we must use it wisely to make the most out of its educational potential. Hello, I'm Angelos, I'm in the third year of junior high school and I'm fourteen years old. In my spare time, I engage in social media, as well as listening to music. 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