In this talk, Dr. Prashant R. Nair delves into the transformative role of competitions like hackathons in shaping students' futures. He explores how these platforms serve as catalysts for innovation, skill development, and career success, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Head and Vice Chairman, IQAC, Amrita VIshwa VIdyapeetham 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

Navigating relationships as a student can be challenging. Shankar Kumaran, a relationship coach, offers valuable insights on building meaningful connections without losing focus on personal growth and academics. His talk aims to guide students in making informed choices, fostering healthy relationships, and finding the right balance in their lives. Relationship Coach 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

With rapid technological advancements shaping the modern world, Dr. Nava Subramaniam raises a critical question: Is technology aiding or obstructing education? In this thought-provoking session, she examines the impact of digital tools on learning, urging students to find a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining deep, meaningful educational experiences.Dean, Amrita School of Business 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

Finding balance in life, especially as a young person in the workplace, can be challenging. Justin Leusner shares his journey as a Gen Z entrepreneur and content creator through the Agency Axis, a tool that describes different tensions and balance in Life. Using the Agency Axis to reflect on the extremes he has experienced, he emphasizes the role of balance and reflection in one's life to avoid living in the extremes. Justin Leusner is a 22-year-old entrepreneur, storyteller, and follower of Jesus dedicated to addressing the Gen-Z mental health crisis through redemptive sports storytelling. As the visionary behind TDAY Sports, he leads a team of 30 creating Gen-Z-focused sports content that reaches hundreds of millions of fans monthly, earning 750 million views in just two years. Justin’s work uses the power of sports to share stories of resilience, hope, and purpose, inspiring a generation to find meaning beyond the digital chaos. A sought-after speaker, he has shared his insights at events like CreatorFest, UCLA Discovery Conference, and Youth Marketing Strategy in London and NYC. Featured on ABC, FOX, and CBS, Justin’s unique ability to connect, uplift, and motivate makes him a powerful voice in modern storytelling and a champion for positive change. 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 engaging talk, Laurel Pearson, a geneticist and faculty member at Penn State, invites us to reflect on the power of human connections. Through her personal experiences and innovative teaching, she explores how understanding our shared ancestry can bridge divides and foster empathy. Laurel discusses how, despite our differences, humans share 99.9% of our DNA, and how cultural and social connections help shape who we are. She also highlights the impact of technology on human interaction and challenges us to step away from digital disconnection by building real, meaningful relationships. This talk encourages us to reconnect with each other and appreciate the commonalities that unite us all. Laurel Pearson is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Anthropology at Penn State, she is also a member of the Liberal Arts Sustainability Council advisory committee. She received her BA in anthropology from Louisiana State University and PhD in genetics from Penn State. Her research interests include human variation, health disparities and her work centers greatly around anthropology and the holistic qualities of a liberal arts education to discuss our role in building a sustainable future. She lives in the village of Pine Grove Mills with her husband, daughter, two cats, a dog, and a few chickens where she enjoys gardening and cooking. 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

Giorgio Corti shares his personal journey and reflection on the idea that the most important part of an action is its effects, not the motivation behind it. As a former Youth Mayor, he discusses how taking action and creating positive change is good for the world, no matter the motivations behind it – selfish, altruistic, or otherwise. Giorgio Corti grew up in a small town close to Lake Como, Italy and moved alone to the United States in 2020 for an exchange program with his high school. He graduated in 2021 from Hopkinton High School in Massachusetts and decided to attend Penn State in August 2021. He is majoring in Management B.S. with a concentration in Finance and is a member of the Schreyer Honors College, where he is currently working on his final thesis. After graduation he would like to continue working in the investment banking industry but plans on first pursuing an MBA. 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