Music is a key part of Annie's identity because music taught her how to handle challenges in life. Here is her story. Annie Zhu was born in Los Angeles. She is currently a grade 5 student at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. She loves music and making crafts. She makes her own pieces of music and share her pieces with her friends. She hopes that people can see and admire the hidden messages of music. 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

Riley challenges the status quo of the male-dominated gaming industry and underscores the transformative power of involving more young women in game development and design technology. By sharing insights from her experience as an educator who integrates game design with social issues, she illustrates how young women are not only eager to engage with technology but are also poised to lead and innovate. This talk invites us to reimagine a future where game design serves as a platform for young women to address global challenges. Riley Laird was born in Calgary, Alberta, and has embraced a life of global exploration. She has lived around the world as both a student and a teacher in places like Switzerland, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Canada, infusing her teaching with a broad range of international experiences. She holds degrees in Earth Sciences and Education, with a minor in Biology, enriching her approach to interdisciplinary learning. For the past decade, Riley has been teaching at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, where she transitioned from teaching middle school Science to the MYP Design program. Outside the classroom, she indulges in a variety of hobbies including gaming, reading, photography, and paddleboarding— and she is often found navigating the waters of British Columbia during her summer breaks. Riley's commitment to education seeks to inspire students to innovate and lead in the ever-evolving field of design technology. 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

Anything can be your passion no matter if you are good at it or not. Joy's talk discusses her passion in crafts and how you just have to enjoy what you are doing right now. Joy Woo was born and raised in South Korea, Seoul. Joy moved to China when she was 7 years old because of her dad’s company. She is currently in G5 in Shekou International School. Joy enjoys doing crafts and art. 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

Embracing uncertainty isn’t just a challenge—it’s a skill to press play in life. After moving to the U.S. as a teenager, Anne learned to adapt to new cultures, careers, and opportunities. From running a million-download podcast to transitioning into education, she discovered that not having all the answers can lead to unexpected growth. We will explore why building a tolerance for uncertainty is essential in a post-COVID world. Anne Chung Ketcham’s journey has been shaped by uncertainty. After moving to the U.S. as a teenager, she navigated a new culture and language, strengthening her ability to adapt. In her early 20s, she explored diverse career paths—working in restaurants, education, marketing, wholesale, and international trade. Drawing from her business experience, she founded a female empowerment podcast that surpassed one million downloads. In 2021, she sold the show and transitioned into education, where she inspires and empowers young learners to reach their potential. Her TEDx talk will explore why embracing uncertainty is more important than ever in our post-COVID 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

Imagine a world where you can pursue your passions freely, unshackled by society’s expectations. Although it took a lifetime and a big move, listen to how Jena found herself and her true passions. Jena Prather was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to teaching abroad, Jena taught in Atlanta for two years. She has spent the last 7 years in China. She is currently teaching Grades 3-5 English in the French International Program at Shekou International School as well as coaching MS touch rugby and HS soccer. Jena hopes to inspire change in students both inside and outside the classroom by helping them to realize their strengths so that they can pay it forward to others. In her free time, Jena enjoys baking, listening to music, and traveling. She is the proud mom of a fur baby and aunt to 5 nieces and 2 nephews. 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

Changing the environment may be hard at first, but it will get easier when you get used to it. Shun's talk is about what he learned when moving. Shun Chun Yin Au was born in Hong Kong. Before moving to Shenzhen, he made a lot of friends and memories. He is currently living in Shenzhen. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music. 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