In a world filled with social expectations, discovering and embracing your authentic self can be overwhelming. In this vulnerable TEDx Talk, 12-year-old Inza van den Heuvel shares her personal journey of self-discovery after skipping a grade and facing the challenge of fitting in. Inspired by a RuPaul quote, she poses the question, "Who are you? And why is it important to be who you are?" Inza encourages us to embark on a journey of self-reflection, embrace our quirks, find supportive communities to be our authentic selves and more. Her talk sheds light on the importance of overcoming societal expectations and challenges us to explore our true selves, unhindered by the constructs around us. Join Inza on this powerful journey of self-discovery, and learn how embracing authenticity can lead to a better and more fulfilling life. Inza van den Heuvel is a creative spirit who loves to express herself through multiple mediums. When she graduates, Inza would like to study design or creative writing and make a lasting impact on the world. In her TEDx talk she hopes to inspire others to feel comfortable expressing their authentic personalities. 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

The follower chooses the leader. Political leaders generate influence solely through those willing to follow their narrative. The impact of leaders rests tremendously on the decisions of followers and the consequences of power are a responsibility shared equally between the leader and the led. So why is it that political leaders are able to do so much damage and why is it the followers that always end up suffering the most? Melina is a Swiss student in the International Baccalaureate system at Inter-Community School Zurich. Adjacent to her involvement in Music and vocal performance both in and out of school, she is passionate about Politics and global power dynamics and will pursue this field at University. Her TEDx talk addresses the power of leadership in governance and everyday life and invites the audience to evaluate its impact on the trajectory of societal development. 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

Carlos Javier Franzi wasn’t looking for a groundbreaking idea—boredom found it for him. In an age of constant digital stimulation, he stumbled upon a surprising truth: boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s a gateway to creativity and innovation. In this thought-provoking talk, Carlos explores The Lost Art of Creative Boredom, revealing how moments of stillness can spark unexpected connections, foster problem-solving, and lead to groundbreaking ideas. Carlos Franzi, a student at the Inter-Community School Zurich, moved from Honduras to Switzerland at a young age. Known for his powerful voice, he excels in both performances and speeches. In his TEDx Talk, The Lost Art of Boredom, he explores the value of the mind and its power. Studying Business, Economics, and more, Carlos embraces learning through mistakes and aspires to become an entrepreneur dedicated to helping others. 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

My goal is to explore and raise awareness about the decline of creativity in adults compared to their younger selves. In my presentation, I intend to discuss the reasons behind this significant shift, illustrate how the problem has intensified over the years, and propose ways to address this issue for both future generations and ourselves. By examining the underlying causes of the diminishing creativity, I aim to offer a fresh perspective on this prevalent issue and suggest actionable solutions for improvement. I have a robust background in public speaking, having served as the lead speaker in national business competitions, where I successfully led my team to a runner-up position. Additionally, I was trained by and collaborated with top professionals in the education sector, becoming the first IGCSE student mentor in the UAE for a tutoring firm, where I conducted multiple seminars for audiences of over 100 people. I have also participated in and won several debating competitions. 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

Sinchana Rai is a speaker who illuminates the power of everyday inspiration and the enduring legacy of those who lead by example. She believes that the most profound sources of strength and wisdom are often found in the personal stories of resilience, courage, and unwavering belief in change. Her speech encourage audiences to look beyond the grand narratives of history and recognize the heroes within their own lives—those who quietly, yet powerfully, shape the world around them. By sharing compelling stories and insightful reflections, she inspires individuals to embrace their own potential to create a legacy of empowerment and to recognize that true greatness is measured by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. I'm Sinchana Rai, and I'm 18 years old. I study at Diyafah High School. I’m really passionate about public speaking. I've been lucky enough to receive multiple awards and trophies for my speeches and debates. It’s always been a dream of mine to give a TEDx speech, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity. 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

My speech concentrates on one pivotal, yet incredibly misunderstood word. Connections. In my opinion, life is a random assortment of dots decided only by God, and we as humans are tasked with finding successful connections to tie these dots together. These connections can be as mundane as a paperclip, or a true friend who will stay with you through thick and thin. I am a Diyafah alumnus and a first-year college student in Dubai, pursuing a degree in IT and cybersecurity. It seems very peculiar, but the thing I enjoy the most is just helping people around me, along with a few lesser interests such as reading, singing, and debating. The satisfaction I get from helping someone out, be it a big or small task, is unexplainable, and it drives just to help that one more individual and, consequently, make the world a better place just one at a time. 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