The speaker highlights the silent struggles many young people face while trying to meet external expectations. Through her own story, she reveals how perfectionism and pressure can lead to burnout and loss of purpose. Her journey toward healing began with self-compassion and redefining success on her own terms. She urges the audience to pause, reflect, and prioritize mental well-being over constant achievement. Her message: You are enough — even when you slow down. Born in Adapazarı in 1964 to a Yugoslavian family, I graduated from Boğaziçi University in Biology and later earned a pedagogical certificate from Marmara University. Since 1985, I’ve worked in education, teaching IB sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and serving as a leader in learning skills and ATL at Eyüboğlu Educational Institutions. Currently, I am a workshop leader and online facilitator for the IB Educator Network (IBEN). I’m passionate about creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. My nearly 40 years of IB teaching and strong student interaction fuel my dedication. As an ATL leader, I help students become self-directed learners. A fan of criminology and the arts, I value collaboration and self-efficacy, and I’m driven by a lasting passion for innovative, continuous learning. 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