What if the key to being a better teacher starts with growing as a person? In this heartfelt talk, Elizabeth Maarman shares how personal growth, through resilience, reflection, and continuous learning, transformed her journey in education. When teachers evolve, students benefit, and the classroom becomes a place where everyone can thrive. Elizabeth Maarman is a proud teacher at The American School of Kuwait. Born and raised on a farm in South Africa during Apartheid, she is the daughter of farm laborers. Life brought many challenges, but even as a young girl, she dared to dream. She remembers standing in wide open fields, watching planes fly overhead, and wondering what it would be like to see the world beyond her small corner of it.That dream became reality through education. Becoming a teacher opened the door to the world—both literally and figuratively. Teaching abroad has allowed her to explore new cultures, connect with incredible students, and advocate for equity in education.Elizabeth is known for being honest, diplomatic, and patient. She loves to laugh—and likes to think her wit keeps things interesting in and out of the classroom. She also enjoys public speaking, especially when sharing stories, sparking change, or inspiring others. Education transformed her life—and that belief guides all she does. 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

What happens when the country you love doesn’t recognize you as one of its own? In this moving and courageous talk, Melanie shares how exclusion shaped her identity, and how she responded by building communities of inclusion, justice, and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when systems fail us, we can still create change from the margins. Melanie Abou Saleh is a senior high honour roll student at the American School of Kuwait. She’s a passionate actor who also loves to dance and perform in musical theatre. Outside the stage, Melanie is a dedicated athlete, especially in volleyball, football, and badminton. In addition to her academic and artistic pursuits, she serves as a president and student leader in several clubs and honour societies, including The Certified Youth Club, Model United Nations, and others.Melanie is also committed to making a difference in her community. Whether through organizing events, leading initiatives, or volunteering her time, she finds purpose in helping others. Her diverse interests and strong leadership skills reflect her belief in staying active, involved, and open to growth in every area of 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

What if waking up tomorrow was worth more than 5 million KD? In this thoughtful and inspiring talk, Heba explores the power of perspective, how shifting the way we see challenges, success, and even setbacks can change the way we experience life. Because sometimes, the biggest difference isn’t what happens to us, but how we choose to see it. Heba Mubeen is a junior at the American School of Kuwait. Through her own personal growth journey, she has come to appreciate the power of perception and how it shapes the way we experience life. Heba believes that by shifting the way we see ourselves and the world around us, we can open the door to greater happiness, self-awareness, and emotional growth.In her TEDx talk, she shares how this realization has impacted her life and offers insight into how others can do the same. Her message is rooted in the idea that change begins within—and that when we change our mindset, we can begin to change our lives. Heba hopes to encourage others to embrace a more positive, intentional way of thinking in order to grow into the best 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

What defines us more, what happens to us, or how we live in the aftermath? In this deeply personal talk, Dr. Rania traces the pivotal moments that shaped her life—from war and loss to motherhood and pandemic fear—revealing how resilience, reflection, and truth can grow from even the most painful events. This is a story of strength, survival, and the courage to remember. Dr. Rania Al-Nakib is the Elementary School Principal and an ASK alumnus. She previously worked at ASK from 2005-2008 as a grade 1 homeroom teacher and team leader and then rejoined in 2023. Prior to that, she worked as an Assistant Professor at the Gulf University for Science and Technology. As well as teaching in their education program, she designed and taught courses in human rights and education for democratic citizenship. Rania holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Kuwait University, with a major in English Literature and Linguistics. She has a Master of Science degree (MS) from Georgetown University in Theoretical Linguistics and a Master of Education (MEd) degree from Marymount University, VA. She also holds a PhD in Education from the Institute of Education, University of London. Rania also does work with NGOs and civil society groups and is passionate about the role of education in creating transformative citizens. 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

Can pain and growth ever truly be separated? In this deeply personal and moving talk, Melshir Fredericks reflects on loss, resilience, and transformation, revealing how our most painful moments can become the soil where our greatest growth takes root. Through grief, compassion, and reflection, she reminds us that every scar tells a story of strength. Melshir Fredericks is passionate about teaching Mathematics, this being her 33rd year in education. Melshir has dedicated her career to the teaching of teenagers. Her experience include her role as a Mathematics Subject Advisor affording Melshir the opportunity to humbly support and serve teachers in curriculum delivery. Melshir believes that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made and she is committed to empowering students to being the best version of themselves. Melshir chooses to live by her favorite quote, “It is a day to be tasted and not wasted.”Melshir is here to share insights on Synchronicity, and how it can inspire change in growth. 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

We always notice when someone grows taller, but what about when they grow stronger, wiser, or more courageous? In this powerful talk, Yara Abdulhadi challenges us to recognize and celebrate the invisible growth that shapes who we are. True growth isn’t always seen, it’s felt, lived, and earned. Yara Abdulhadi is a freshman at the American School of Kuwait with a passion for discovering new things and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone. This past summer, she challenged herself to learn the piano completely on her own—without any prior experience. What started as a simple goal quickly became a journey of personal growth, resilience, and perspective.In her TEDx talk, Yara reflects on how this experience shifted the way she views learning and self-improvement. She explores the idea that growth isn’t just about talent or success—it’s about mindset. By changing how we approach challenges, we can transform not only the outcome but the entire process. Yara hopes her story will inspire others to embrace new experiences, even when the path is unfamiliar, and to believe in the power of persistence and open-mindedness. 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