In her talk, Vanessa shares her journey through struggles and failures. How adjusting your mindset on failure can lead you to achieve your goals. Vanessa works as a civil engineer in the transportation industry. She was influenced to study engineering at the end of her senior year in high school. She started at Palomar Community College before she transferred to SDSU, then at the end of 2015. Since being in the industry, she was awarded the 2022 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering and the 2023 Top 50 of Women in Engineering in the San Diego Business Journal. 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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- 10:24How I faced my scoliosis | Lainey Laughton | TEDxLFHSWhen Lainey Laughton was diagnosed with scoliosis at just three years old, everything changed—braces, surgeries, setbacks, and resilience became her new normal. In her powerful TEDxLFHS talk, Lainey shares how a winding medical journey shaped her outlook on control, strength, and support—and why no one facing challenges should have to feel alone. Royalty Free Intro Music: “See What I Mean” by Beat Market. Lainey is a sophomore and is thrilled to be a first-time speaker for TEDxLFHS 2025! Outside of schoolwork, she plays on the varsity tennis team, dances, and plays the cello in the LFHS orchestra. She also participates in clubs like Math Team and Women in STEM. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and other crafts. She is also passionate about sharing her story with scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine). She believes that the lessons she has learned through this experience can help anyone going through unique adversity, and that her story can help others with scoliosis feel less alone in their own journeys. 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
- 6:29What I learned about learning | Carolyn Stach | TEDxLFHSIn this witty and insightful talk, high school senior Carolyn Stach reflects on her experience as a computer science teaching assistant. Blending humor, real classroom moments, and a bit of audience participation, she explores what it really means to support others in their learning and what she’s learned about teaching, empathy, and the art of translating complex ideas for different kinds of learners. Royalty Free Intro Music: “See What I Mean” by Beat Market. Carolyn Stach is a senior at LFHS, and she is thrilled to be back for a second year at TEDxLFHS! At the high school, she's involved in a wide range of activities, including Women in STEM, Model UN, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, and Stitch Club. Outside of school, Carolyn spends her free time with friends, making art, playing the guitar, reading, and making Spotify playlists! For TEDxLFHS, she hopes you're ready for a fun, interactive experience that follows her time as a student TA. 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
