Wendy explores the concept of dreams, believing that dreams are an important connection between our ideals and reality, and emphasizes that dreams thrive in the space between where we are and where we hope to go. She encourages the audience to reflect on their dreams and the obstacles they face in reality, to emphasize that the journey is where true growth happens! Wendy Wang is a student at the Canadian International School of Guangzhou. 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

Una hermosa descripción de la orquesta como espacio bioético para expresar la compasión. Cómo construir armonía desde los sonidos, los silencios, la improvisación y especialmente el respeto. Músico de la Universidad de los Andes, máster en administración de empresas e instituciones culturales y especialista en políticas culturales de la Universitat de Barcelona y especialista en gerencia de responsabilidad social empresarial y valor compartido de la Universidad EAN. Ha impulsado iniciativas como el Día internacional del Canto Coral, el Plan Nacional de Coros y la Asociación Colombiana de Coros del Ministerio de Cultura, las agrupaciones juveniles, los Centros Orquestales, y el programa hospitalario de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, y ha creado el Coro Reconciliación - un coro que desde 2019 une a excombatientes y víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano- y el programa Soy músico - Un programa de formación de jóvenes neurodiversos- de la Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín. Becaria del Global Arts Management Fellowship del DeVos Institute y del programa de mentoría de la Asociación de Orquestas Británicas y el British 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

Anticipation can be exciting or debilitating. It is possible to be entirely emotionally drained just thinking about an upcoming event before the event ever occurs. This anxiety of distant pain and discomfort may be so burdensome that we eliminate the upcoming event altogether, simply due to fearing the unknown. To actively pursue our desires and avoid paralyzing anxiety, we must take the burden off our minds when thinking of what might happen, and replace it with the exhilaration of what could. Refreshing the perspective on the transition state between comfort and discomfort, we can actualize our goals without exhausting ourselves before we even begin. Katrina Schneider graduated from UConn on the premedical track as an Honors Laureate and double major in Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology. Dance is an integral part of Katrina's life, and she was Captain of the UConn D1 Dance Team. Katrina is a licensed EMT, fitness instructor for seniors, a hospice volunteer, and has studied medical neuroscience and ethics in Spain and Prague. She received the SURF award for her honors thesis studying synaptic proteins in the Lateral Amygdala, a region of the brain associated with emotional regulation of learning. During her undergraduate career, she took part in TEDxUConn as Curations Chair, the UConn Archery Team, Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, the biology fraternity Alpha Beta Epsilon, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Tap Team. She strongly advocates for altering our perspective on change and the “transition state” to avoid meandering through life merely stagnant. 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

Lists help us get organized but do they also create limitations and prevent us from looking beyond the box? Michelle suggests that we need a hybrid approach to the use of checklists. As Executive Director at York University’s School of Continuing Studies, Michelle leads teams bridging education and industry through innovative programs. Michelle was named one of Worlds’ Leaders Magazine’s Most Influential Women Inspiring the Education World (2024) and she graced the cover of Higher Education Digest (Sep 2024). These accolades, reflect her commitment to creating pathways that enable individuals and organizations to transform through education. 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 insightful TEDx talk, Janis Rebekah reflects on a season of profound uncertainty when her grandfather fell critically ill—and how it led her to a life-changing realization: What happens when we stop needing answers?Through moving personal stories and thoughtful insights, Janis explores the unexpected freedom that comes from letting go of control, embracing the unknown, and learning to live fully in the moment. With vulnerability, warmth, and quiet wisdom, she reminds us that peace isn't always found in clarity—sometimes, it’s found in the courage to sit with the questions.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 A second-year college student, Janis is exploring life as if it’s her first time, discovering a world far more expansive than she once imagined. With a curious spirit, she embraces the unknown, finding meaning in both life’s triumphs and challenges. Like an artist with a blank canvas, Janis is creating her own story, where each brushstroke—bold or uncertain—contributes to her growth. She is learning to truly live, not just survive, and strives to inspire others to do the same. Janis encourages people to break free from limitations, embrace life fully, and uncover the meaning in their own unique journeys. 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 inspiring TEDx talk, Tamizhazhagan SK, student at Chennai Institute of Technology, invites us to rethink life’s uncertainties as powerful “checkpoints” that shape our personal and professional growth. Drawing from heartfelt personal stories and real-life experiences, he explores how optimism, resilience, and courage help us navigate the unknown. Whether it's facing academic pressure, career shifts, or unexpected life events, Tamizhazhagan shows that embracing these moments of challenge can transform fear into strength and doubt into direction. His unique perspective encourages viewers to see life not as a linear path, but as a journey defined by transformative pauses. With a voice that's both authentic and uplifting, this talk is a compelling reminder that every setback is a setup for a comeback.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 Tamizhazhgan, a pre-final year student at Chennai Institute of Technology, is a dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and organizational skills. As the Secretary of the Youth Club, he fosters collaboration and unity among students, driving impactful initiatives. A skilled event host, he has organized major events like symposiums and student induction programs, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences. On the technical front, Tamizhazhgan has proven his expertise by winning a ₹10,000 cash prize in a web development challenge organized by OpenWeaver. An aspiring AI enthusiast, proficient front-end developer, and graphic designer, he consistently enhances his skills to thrive in the tech landscape. Beyond academics, he exemplifies social responsibility through regular visits to orphanages, supporting underprivileged communities. A talented freelance artist specializing in portraits and sketches, he channels his creativity while embracing opportunities to grow. 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