My TEDx talk explores the powerful role vulnerability plays in creating unexpected connections. I share a personal story of how a simple, unplanned interaction with a stranger holding a basketball led to an internship at a prestigious company and a research opportunity that had a direct impact on laborers in the F&B industry which shaped my personal growth. The talk highlights how sports, much like life, require vulnerability and how this mirrors our personal journeys—showing that vulnerability isn't just limited to athletes. By embracing vulnerability in all areas of life, we can form deeper connections, foster empowerment, and create growth, not just for ourselves, but for those we connect with. How does one turn a simple, random encounter to one that shapes your future and potential? Hi, I’m Neha, and I’m excited to explore how we can create powerful connections through a simple but often overlooked factor. Drawing from my own experiences, including the unifying world of sports, I’ll explore how these lessons apply to everyone, whether you’re an athlete or a homebody. A little about me is that I love travelling-— from skiing in the slopes of Switzerland to learning Muay Thai in Thailand, I’m always down to try something new. I’m honored to be speaking at this TEDx conference and can’t wait to see you all there. 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

In my talk, I explore how unexpected connections in the brain make learning fun! I introduce the concept of a Goldilocks Zone of Learning—a concept I believe will shape the next generation of schools. Using neurological evidence, I unpack how the biologically painful process of learning and the Goldilocks concept connect to transform education. Hey! I’m Ruhi Mahesh—a teen on her way to revolutionizing the future of education. Dreaming of opening my own school one day, I constantly immerse myself in the psychology of learning, exploring what the best school practices truly are and adding them to my ‘dream school’ scrapbook—one page 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

Alina talks about her personal experience of dealing with speaking tests as a non-native English speaker. She suggests several tips about what you could do to stop being afraid of talking to an examiner in a speaking test. Alina loves learning languages and has highly-developed speaking skills. She is keen on music and plays the piano. She is a multitalented student who has numerous achievements in various subjects. 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

Empathy is essential for fostering and maintaining relationships. It enables us to understand and validate one another, fostering mutual respect. Furthermore, the more we cultivate our ability to empathize, the more effectively we can communicate, as we begin to comprehend the other person's words rather than merely waiting for our turn to speak. As a student, I have observed that many of my classmates and teachers often feel disconnected from one another, despite sharing similar experiences and emotions. Through numerous encounters and by learning the art of empathy, I aspire to share my insights and encourage others to connect more deeply through empathetic understanding. I find joy in connecting with others through shared experiences and understanding the small details that shape our behaviors. My passion for analyzing these moments offers a unique perspective on why we act the way we do. I’m looking forward to sharing this perspective with you all and exploring how these insights can help us understand ourselves and others better! 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

Aslan talks about how networking enabled him to improve his learning. He shares some advice on how students can improve their networking based on his personal experience. Aslan is a creative and open-minded student who is always willing to take part in various projects. He is actively involved in student-led research and always support his peers in their learning. He has outstanding leadership skills and is a member of student council. 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

Why do we, as a society, love shiny things? From the dopamine rush of a new purchase to the social validation it brings, the driving forces behind our shopping habits are complex. This appetite for luxury comes at a cost: economic inequality, hollow satisfaction and a loss of individuality. In this thought-provoking talk, Ayla discusses the psychological and economic reasons behind our obsession with designer items, encouraging us to stray from the mainstream path and reconsider our buying decisions. She takes a deep dive into the paradox of consumerism, questioning whether these items genuinely benefit our lives. Ayla is a 16-year-old student, attending Inter-Community School Zurich, of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Her interests include volunteering and charity work, as well as sports and art. With a passion for Economics and Psychology, and a plan to pursue these fields in the future, she centers her TEDx talk on behavioural economics and why consumers are drawn to luxury goods. Through this talk, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour. 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