Forgotten, overlooked, second best, middle children get a bad rap. But what if the middle is exactly where strength, resilience, and identity are born? In this warm and witty talk, Mia Choueiry flips the script on middle child stereotypes and shows how life in the middle is full of unexpected power. Mia Choueiry is a junior at the American School of Kuwait. She is known for being kind, passionate, and hardworking both in and out of the classroom. Mia actively seeks out opportunities to contribute to her school and community—whether by creating spaces for innovation, providing support to others, or volunteering with various organizations that align with her values.Her identity is deeply rooted in her culture and family. As a middle child and a Lebanese girl with a close-knit family, Mia’s background has shaped her worldview and how she approaches challenges, relationships, and daily life. She brings empathy, leadership, and thoughtfulness to everything she does.Mia continues to grow through every experience, learning from the people and situations around her. She hopes to leave a positive mark wherever she goes and inspire others to do the same. 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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- 8:43Languages and Our Identity | Zenica Lin Lei Yee Mon | TEDxInternationalSchoolofMyanmarZenica’s talk will explore the rich linguistic diversity of Myanmar, examining how language serves as both a cultural identity and a bridge between communities. She will explore the distinct ways in which various ethnic groups communicate, highlighting the historical influences that have shaped Myanmar’s languages over time. From ancient scripts to modern dialects, she will uncover the evolution of linguistic traditions, illustrating how language reflects the country’s dynamic history and social transformations. Zenica will shed light on the intricacies of multilingualism in Myanmar and its significance in shaping national and regional identities. Ms. Zenica is a passionate student at the International School of Myanmar, with a love for reading, debating, and public speaking. From the moment she discovered the world of debates and speeches, she was captivated by the art of communication. Driven by a desire for continuous improvement, Zenica is committed to refining her skills and seeking new opportunities to excel. Her dedication and enthusiasm fuel her determination to grow and make a lasting impact in the field of debating and public speaking. 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
- 8:04Selfishness is Selfless | Mila Ziller | TEDxNibras Intl School YouthIn this thought-provoking TEDxYouth talk, Mila challenges the common belief that selfishness is inherently negative. With maturity and insight, they explore how setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and choosing self-care can actually lead to stronger relationships, greater resilience, and a more authentic life. This powerful perspective invites us to rethink what it truly means to take care of ourselves—and why that might be the most generous thing we can do. Mila Ziller is a 15-year-old girl with a multifaceted passion for music, performing arts, and leadership. As the Inclusion Ambassador on her school’s student council, she dedicates her time to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. Her commitment to empathy, equality, and connection reflects her belief that true leadership begins with uplifting others. A dynamic and creative individual, she thrives on opportunities to inspire meaningful change and build strong communities. Beyond leadership, Mila Ziller has an unwavering curiosity about the human mind, which fuels her love for psychology and her aspiration to pursue dual careers as a psychiatrist and a general surgeon. This unique ambition is driven by her desire to understand and heal—treating not just the body but the mind, to create a more holistic approach to well-being. 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
