In his talk, Sendauri Mani shares his personal journey of overcoming failure and adversity. Coming from a rural background in Southern India and facing criticism for pursuing higher education without knowing English, he highlights how early struggles shaped his resilience. Misjudged by teachers and told he wouldn't succeed, he realized that failure often stems not from lack of intelligence but from lack of access and expression. Determined, he studied tirelessly—waking at 2 AM daily—and bought books in both English and his native language to bridge the gap. He emphasizes that failure is not the opposite of success but a path to it. By being persistent, believing in oneself, and watching for opportunities and helpers along the way, anyone can grow their own luck and transform setbacks into progress. Sendurai A. Mani is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Brown University. He is also the Associate Director of Translational Oncology at Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center. Dr. Mani earned a Ph.D. from The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India and then did postdoctoral work with Dr. Robert A. Weinberg at the Whitehead Institute/Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He then joined the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas as an Assistant Professor in December of 2007 and has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2013. In late 2022, Dr. Mani joined Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center as a professor and Associate Director of Translational Oncology. Dr. Mani has received numerous prizes and awards for his research, including a Jimmy V foundation’s V-Scholar Award and The American Cancer Society Research Scholar award. Dr. Mani’s original finding demonstrating the cancer cells acquire stem cell properties by activating latent embryonic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program provided the foundation and explanation for the presence of plasticity within the tumor as well as the development of resistance to various treatments. 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

Tiffany Roffa D. Asuncion, a Grade 12 Senior High School student in the Allied Medicine and Health specialization under the STEM track, is passionate about personal growth and the pursuit of purpose. Tiffany aims to find deeper meaning in her life while empowering others to maintain a positive outlook despite life’s challenges. In this talk, she will explore the power of optimism in navigating life's complexities, fostering personal development, and nurturing a greater sense of purpose. Tiffany Roffa D. Asuncion is currently a Grade 12 Senior High School student pursuing the Allied Medicine and Health specialization under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics track. In Junior High School, she was the former Supreme Student Government President at Dr. Felipe De Jesus National High School.Driven by a passion for personal growth and the pursuit of purpose, Tiffany seeks not only to find deeper meaning in her own life but also to empower others to embrace a bright outlook despite life’s challenges. For her, optimism is a powerful tool in navigating life's complexities, fostering personal development and a greater sense of purpose. 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

Wynona Rylley P. Mananquil, a Grade 9 Science, Technology, and Engineering student, is passionate about Greek mythology and music, aspiring to make a positive impact by helping others find themselves in a chaotic world. In her talk, "The Odyssey: A Journey of the Human Soul," Wynona reflects on how Homer’s The Odyssey mirrors universal human challenges and resilience, emphasizing that in every crisis the hero faces, wisdom, resourcefulness, and endurance ultimately prevail—echoing the shared experiences of life. A Grade 9 Science, Technology, and Engineering student passionate about Greek mythology and music, Wynona Rylley P. Mananquil aspires to make a positive impact and help people find themselves in this chaotic world.In her talk, “The Odyssey: A Journey of the Human Soul,” Wynona reflects on how Homer’s “The Odyssey” mirrors universal human challenges and resilience—emphasizing that in every crisis the hero faces, wisdom, resourcefulness, and endurance ultimately prevail, reminiscent to our shared experiences in life. 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

Pazeana Isabelle “Zeana” Sales, a Humanities and Social Sciences student, expresses her love for learning and passion for public speaking through debating, declamation, and impromptu speaking. In her talk, "Up High & Down Low: The Seesaw of Perspective," Zeana explores the challenges of balancing life’s extremes, drawing from her own experiences to navigate the highs and lows while finding growth along the way. Pazeana Isabelle “Zeana” Sales, a Humanities and Social Sciences student, is fueled by a love for learning and a passion for public speaking, which she expresses through debating, declamation, and impromptu speaking.In her talk, “Up High & Down Low: The Seesaw of Perspective,” Zeana will explore the challenges of balancing life’s extremes, sharing insights from her own experiences on navigating highs and lows while discovering growth in the process. 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 this candid and hilarious talk, a stand-up comedian shares the raw realities of chasing a dream in one of the toughest industries — and what it taught them about life, ambition, and resilience. Speaking directly to law students preparing for their own high-stakes journeys, the comedian reflects on the early days of empty rooms, brutal rejections, and self-doubt — and how dedication, adaptability, and a sense of humor turned challenges into stepping stones. Through honest storytelling and hard-won lessons, this talk reminds future lawyers that every career, no matter how different, demands grit, passion, and an unshakable belief in your goals — and that sometimes, the best way to handle failure is to laugh and keep going. Pranav Sharma is one of India's youngest and most viral comedians, amassing over 50 million views on social media and 200,000 followers on Instagram. Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, Pranav has performed 200+ live shows, captivating audiences with his hilarious take on everyday life. Pranav Sharma has been a joke writer since childhood, always keen on turning life’s moments into humour. His passion for comedy led him to transform his scripts into stand-up material, which he then tested at open mics. 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

Aldea Rhae Martillano, a passionate debater, storyteller, and proud Humanista, delves into the powerful connection between fiction and reality in her talk, "Our Reflections in Fiction: How Fiction Shapes Us and Our Realities." Drawing from her experiences as a Humanities and Social Sciences student, Aldea explores how books, films, and stories mirror human experiences, offering us windows into our own lives and possibilities beyond them. She invites us to discover how pages of a book or frames of a movie can reflect our own journeys. Fiction, no matter how unreal, holds truths that help us reflect on who we are and inspire us to envision better realities in life. A passionate debater and storyteller, and a proud Humanista she is, Aldea Martillano is a burst of enthusiasm whenever she shares her insights as a lively lover of stories. A junior high school graduate at Bulacan State University and now a Humanities and Social Sciences student at Marcelo H. del Pilar National High School. 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