The World Through My Eyes: Growing Up as an Only Child | Elisha Colambage | TEDxYouth@Kandy
What’s it like to grow up without siblings? In this heartfelt and insightful talk, 10-year-old Elisha Colambage shares her unique perspective on being an only child—the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. From finding creative ways to entertain herself to learning deep independence, Elisha reflects on how her experiences have shaped her personality, friendships, and outlook on life.With humor and honesty, she explores the myths surrounding only children and reveals the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re an only child, a parent, or just curious about a different perspective, Elisha’s talk will leave you seeing childhood through a whole new lens. Elisha Colombage is a 10-year-old with a big voice and an even bigger heart. She dreams of a world where kids like her can make a difference—because, as she often says, "No one is too young to lead!"At TED, Elisha shares her journey as a young changemaker, proving that age is never a barrier to impact. 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
More from TED
- 5:31The Lost Art of Discipline | Syed Maaz Hasan | TEDxYouth@UISOur speaker, Syed Maaz Hasan, inspired our audience by telling us about "The Lost Art of Discipline". Like the intricate workings of a plane, Maaz speaks to our hearts and talks about how we can rediscover discipline in our daily routines. I am an Australian student at Uptown International School. Although I was originally from Pakistan, I was born in the UAE and moved to Australia for eight years. My speech reflects on my past experiences and how I overcame them. I have always wanted to exceed or stand out in public speaking and have always looked for opportunities to do so. I believe that collecting experience and building my knowledge will aid me in success in whatever career I take on. I strongly believe that the more risks I take and the new things I try will allow me to stand out and leave an impact. 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
- 6:59The Truth About Lying | Sai Venkatraghavan | TEDxYouth@UISSai's thought-provoking speech encourages us to question the moral gray area involved in lies. Through a set of tried and tested examples, Sai explores the moral ambiguity integrated into lying and exposes the truth behind lying. Hello! I am Sai Venkatraghavan, speaking at TEDxYouth@UIS.I have a passion for public speaking and debating, and there is no better opportunity than TEDxYouth@UIS! I am honored to present my talk on the Grey Area, where I dive into the Truth About Lying. I will explore how lies shape our lives, the surprising reasons we tell them, and how you could go wrong in lying. A few of my hobbies are swimming, singing, dancing and playing netball. I do swimming outside school and I attend a lot of competitions inside and outside school. Looking ahead, I aspire to participate in as many competitions and events as I can, expanding my knowledge on a wide range of things. I can’t wait to share my ideas and connect with others through this amazing experience, and to explore the story behind lying with an audience. 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
- 10:01Should the Olympics Continue Running? | Anaya Toor | TEDxYouth@UISThe Olympics is one of the longest-standing and largest global sporting events. However, Anaya reveals the inner flaws with how they are run and the various implications that the Olympics impose on their host countries. She questions if the payoff for the Olympics is worth it and questions if it's an event that should continue running. Hi, I'm Anaya Toor, a 15 year old with a passion for English, history, and public speaking. I have had an extensive experience of public speaking over the years, as shown by my involvement in debate competitions and MUN for three years running. I have chosen to participate in this year's TEDx due to my passion for public speaking, and my passion for the topic I will speak on. I sincerely hope you all take something away from my speech, and it gives you something to think about, because for me, that's what's most important. 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
- 7:08The Ethical Grey Area in Medicine | Zaid Hayajneh | TEDxYouth@UISIn this talk, Zaid explores the various ethical grey areas within medicine. Through an in-depth analysis of the current medical systems, Zaid uncovers the various systems that are intertwined with human health and profitability, condemning the grey area that exists within medicine and calling for reform. Hello! My name is Zaid. I'm from Jordan, and I'm currently in 10th grade in UIS. I really like Biology, Math, and Computer Science, and I enjoy swimming. I also like public speaking and debating and am super excited to be able to share my ideas with everyone. I'm very interested in Medicine and I really hope to do it in the future, and I hope to meet new people through TEDx. 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
- 9:14Building the Unimaginable Self | Savva Morozov | TEDxYouth@UISThis truly inspiring speech by professional tennis player Savva tells us how we can truly build the unimaginable self. He talks about how he tackled hardships, overcame difficult challenges, and built the grit and motivation to succeed. Through his journey, he seeks to inspire others to take the steps to build the unimaginable self within each and every one of us to make the unimaginable become reality. I am Savva Morozov current #1 junior tennis player in the UAE. I love to help people and that is essentially what my speech is about. I share my experiences of tennis from how I built myself up from zero to here so far. Whether they were bad experiences or good experiences I always learnt something which helped myself grow. I wish from my speech people's hearts will be moved and they begin their journey of becoming the best possible version of themselves. 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
- 10:14The Paradox of Cognitive Bias | Arpita Gupta | TEDxYouth@UISArpita explores the paradoxes that exist within our cognitive biases and reveals the processes that occur within our minds as we think. Arpita explores the grey area that exists within our cognitive biases and how we can take advantage of them best. I’m Arpita Gupta, and I’m someone who thrives on exploring new challenges and opportunities. As an international chess player and a DELF French diploma holder, I’ve learned the value of discipline and persistence in everything I do. When I’m not studying or working towards my goals, I love running, dancing, playing the guitar, and reading books; they help me stay grounded and inspired. I’m incredibly excited to be speaking at TEDx Youth, where I’ll be sharing my insights on cognitive biases and how they shape the way we think and act. Public speaking is something I once found daunting, but stepping out of my comfort zone has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and now it’s one of my biggest passions In the future, I dream of becoming a successful businesswoman, combining my passion for learning and leadership to create something meaningful. 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