In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, West Valley College alumna Cassie Pinkney explores what it truly means to "fail forward." Reflecting on her own journey of overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure, Cassie challenges the idea that failing defines who we are. Instead, she reminds us that our willingness to begin, to try, even when the timing isn’t perfect or the outcome uncertain, is what ultimately shapes our success. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, she encourages students and aspiring professionals alike to embrace imperfection, start scared, and keep going.Cassie Pinkney is a senior Strategic & Corporate Communication student at Chapman University and a proud West Valley alumna. She loves all types of media and has contributed her love of writing and speaking to her university's newspaper and radio station, as well as her college's honor society. In her free time, she enjoys visiting museums, listening to music, and doing crafts with her friends. Cassie's talk, "Failing Forward", is inspired by her own journey of learning to embrace failure, something she hopes others will take to heart as they pursue their passions. 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 heartfelt and practical TEDx talk, Dr. Jared Fujishin, a professor of communication at West Valley College and a seasoned leadership coach, shares the key to meaningful connection. Drawing from personal stories and communication research, Dr. Fujishin explores how intentional presence, empathy, and small daily choices can deepen relationships at home, in the workplace, and throughout our communities. His insights offer a timely reminder that true leadership begins with serving others. Jared is an award-winning lecturer, researcher, and communication consultant with a passion for helping leaders build meaningful connections through elevated communication skills. Since founding Fujishin Consulting, Jared has worked with numerous clients to enhance their leadership influence and connective communication skills.With years of experience, Fujishin knows what it takes to help leaders increase relational capital and rapport. His teaching, grounded in the latest research and communication literature, is synthesized and adapted for high-impact practicality. Moving beyond mere academic rhetoric, Jared desires to help leaders be "different by dinner", teaching concepts that can be put into practice the very day they are learned. While he loves his job and helping come alongside leaders to improve their cultures and themselves, his primary and most important calling is being a loving husband to Sweet Aurora and a devoted father to Asher. 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

Being bicultural comes with unique challenges and remarkable benefits. In this talk, the speaker explores the complexities of navigating two cultural identities—balancing traditions, languages, and expectations. While bicultural individuals may face struggles with belonging and identity, they also gain valuable skills like adaptability, empathy, and a broadened worldview. Research shows that biculturalism can enhance problem-solving abilities and creativity, making it a strength rather than a limitation. This talk sheds light on the beauty of embracing multiple cultural influences and how they shape personal and professional growth. Whether you identify as bicultural or simply want to understand the experience better, this discussion offers powerful insights. Advaith Busa, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, delves into the complexities of biculturalism and identity, offering a unique perspective on navigating two distinct cultural worlds. Growing up as a child of Indian immigrants, he explores how the pull of tradition clashes with the push for modernity. Through personal anecdotes and research, he highlights how biculturalism fosters adaptability, creative problem-solving, and empathy—qualities that empower individuals to thrive in any environment. Advaith hopes his audience walks away with a deeper appreciation for the richness of duality and the understanding that identity is not a binary choice but a blend of values, experiences, and perspectives that can shape a more open and connected world. 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

อะไรทำให้ “ฝ้าย ใช้เท้าแต่งหน้า” ไม่ใช่แค่ครีเอเตอร์ธรรมดา แต่กลายเป็นแรงบันดาลใจให้คนทั่วประเทศ? ค้นพบแนวคิดสำคัญที่ทำให้เธอเปลี่ยนข้อจำกัดเป็นพลัง สร้างคอนเทนต์ที่เข้าถึงใจผู้คน และก้าวสู่การเป็นครีเอเตอร์ชื่อดัง พร้อมกลยุทธ์และกฎเหล็กสำคัญที่คุณสามารถนำไปใช้ เพื่อสร้างคอนเทนต์ที่มีความหมายและทะลุล้านวิวได้จริง! Fai Buntida Chinnawong (ฝ้าย ใช้เท้าแต่งหน้า) is a beauty content creator who defies limits with confidence and creativity. Born without arms and only one leg, she has overcome major health challenges, recently graduating Communication Arts. Her resilience and positivity inspire thousands, proving that true strength comes from within. 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

Emma talks about her experience as she conquers the challenge of changing schools in various different countries, and how her own cultural background has affected her perspective on grades, academics, and school in general. Hi I’m Emma. I am grateful to have joined the last “FIB generation” of UWCSEA Dover. I am very pleased to share a real-life story which I have been going through while I was first transferring from a totally German domestic school in Shanghai to an international school in Shanghai. The different life experiences and beliefs people had gave me a hard time to "structure” my values and boundaries. As a half White half-Asian person, invisible boundaries appeared in my life were making me struggle quite a bit in my first few years of middle school (G5-G6). However, I overcame this with support from my parents and friends, funny and happy moments are still lying in my memory. 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

Julia Piorko Bermig explores how the history of her own culture has changed how she perceives various issues. Julia Piórko Bermig is a Grade 11 student from Poland, Germany, and Belgium. Her speech is based on her experience volunteering at the KZ/KL Stutthof Museum, a former Nazi concentration camp located in Sztutowo, Poland - her grandparents' hometown. She will focus on our power to overcome cyclical narratives of history striving toward ameliorative governance—one that refracts history, rather than repeating it. Outside of this, she is passionate about writing, photography, and collecting old books and records. 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