Shanu takes the audience through her extraordinary journey, beginning with childhood dreams and moving into a cultural shift that reshaped her life.From opening a school to mastering Temari art, she discovered that life's essence is not about finding meaning, but creating it. Shanu emphasizes the power of authenticity in both life and work, encouraging others to stay true to themselves and trust in their unique path. Shanu Agarwal founded the American School in Kofu two decades ago due to a lack of educational options for her children. Despite no prior experience, she overcame challenges to create the school, driven by a desire to positively impact the community. As her children graduated, Shanu ventured into Temari art, achieved success, and during the pandemic, entered jewelry design, creating her own brand. Beyond being a homemaker, she serves on NGO boards and is an entrepreneur, with a powerful message to youth: believe, create, grow, and inspire, regardless of life phase or age. 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

Ashley dives into the impact of peer pressure, blending her diverse experiences with insights on societal norms and social media’s influence. She shares personal struggles, like cultural expectations and sibling rivalries, to illustrate the pressures we face.Ashley empowers her audience with practical tools, like her "T.R.U.E." framework, to foster supportive relationships and overcome challenges, inspiring others to rise with confidence and authenticity. Ashley, a 15-year-old public speaking enthusiast and self-described MUN try-hard, dreams of giving TED Talks. Juggling her interests in business and law, she's often negotiating for a phone upgrade or on the tennis court. Having lived in different countries, she aims to incorporate her diverse experiences into her TED talk, focusing on empowering listeners with her perspective on peer pressure. Stepping onto the TED stage would be a dream accomplished for her. 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