In a world full of expectations, learning to be yourself is a journey of self-reflection and surrounding yourself with positive influences. This talk explores how embracing your uniqueness can help you grow into the most confident and authentic version of yourself. My name is Esha and I am one of the April speakers for the Empowerment TEDEd Event. I am a grade 12 student at HTS and I love reading, theatre, and sneakers. For my TED Talk, I wanted to share a personal story with everyone to push through the message that we all bring something valuable to the table and show ways to embrace who you are as an individual and consistently achieve self growth. I am so excited to be a part of the April Empowerment TEDEd event and hope to see you all there! 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

Wellness is a journey. In this insightful talk, learn about the PATH model: Perception, Analysis, Trial and Error, and Habits, as a framework for achieving personal well-being. This talk empowers audiences to embrace the process and find a path to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Hi everyone, I’m Alysha! I am a student in grade 11 and I’m one of the speakers for TEDEd’s Empowerment event. Having been part of the club since grade 9 and now as president, I’m really excited to share my talk with everyone! I’ll be talking about wellness and taking autonomy over your own mental health. I’m super excited that this is our first charitable event and can’t wait to see you all there! 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

Despite progress, gender inequality persists in various forms, including the gender pay gap and barriers to reproductive rights. In this talk, challenge the myth that feminism is outdated, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by women and marginalized communities. Hello everyone! I’m Julia, and I’m thrilled to be speaking at the TEDEd Empowerment event. As someone passionate about gender equality and social justice, I’ll address a prevalent misconception today: the belief that feminism is no longer relevant. Despite significant progress, pervasive inequalities and injustices persist for women in various spheres of life. In my talk, I aim to debunk this misconception by shedding light on women's ongoing struggles. I hope you enjoy it! 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 thought-provoking talk, explore how obstacles in life are not just barriers but opportunities for growth. With a compelling message of resilience, discipline, and self-reflection, this talk challenges us to stop running from our problems and instead use them as fuel for personal transformation. Hi everyone! I’m Kelly and I am one of the speakers for the TEDEd Empowerment event. I am currently in grade 11, and I’ve grown to love art, music, film, and wellness. As my second talk with the HTS TEDEd club, I want to talk about how to turn your problems into stepping stones toward your goals. Everyone is faced with struggles in their everyday lives, so it’s important we let these struggles empower us rather than tear us down. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the April event! 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 enchanting TED Talk, the speaker will explore the magical world of fairies and how they spark the incredible power of imagination. Yumandee Vidasma Waidyatilleke is an imaginative 11-year-old with a deep love for fairies and the power of imagination. From a young age, Yumandee has been captivated by magical stories and the idea that fairies might be hiding just beyond what we can see. She believes that imagination isn’t just about creating magical worlds — it’s about finding creative solutions, dreaming big, and seeing the world in new and exciting ways.When she’s not reading about fairies or dreaming up her own magical tales, Yumandee enjoys drawing, writing stories, and exploring nature, always wondering if a hidden fairy might be nearby. Her TED Talk will explore how believing in magic and embracing imagination can inspire creativity, strengthen problem-solving, and make life more meaningful.Yumandee hopes to remind everyone that a little imagination — and a touch of fairy dust — can help us see endless possibilities in the world around us. 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 TED Talk, the speaker explores the fascinating connection between dance and science. She will explain how dancing is not just about moving to music — it’s about how our brain, muscles, and nerves work together to create rhythm and coordination. Thenuli loves dancing, music, and math. From a young age, she has been fascinated by how music and rhythm can shape movement, inspiring her to explore the connection between dance and the science behind it. Whether she’s choreographing a new routine, learning a challenging math problem, or playing her favorite song, she finds joy in discovering how patterns, timing, and creativity come together.When she’s not dancing or solving equations, she enjoys teaching her friends cool dance moves and exploring how math influences music and movement. Her TED Talk will take the audience on a fun and insightful journey into the science behind dancing — showing how our brains, muscles, and the math of rhythm work in harmony to create beautiful movement.She hopes to inspire others to see the magic in combining art and science — and to find their own rhythm 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